MacBook Mod Gives Base Station Chassis New Purpose

Wow by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 03:34 · Score: 0

Congrats on having the ugliest mac ever. Clever though. :)

Re:Wow by isama · 2009-12-01 04:10 · Score: 1

I beg to differ, This is the prettyest mac i've ever seen, i'd like one on my desk disguised amongst my routers and AP's :)
I do have a spare 19" 1u switch wich I could use :D a cheap(er) Xserve :D
Re:Wow by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 05:08 · Score: 0, Troll

Because we all know a pretty box adds around 42% in performance, the same all pop stars are better "artist" because they are pretty... Dumbass

Down already? by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 03:34 · Score: 2, Insightful

Slashdotted already?!? Damn you people!

Re:Down already? by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 11:22 · Score: 0

Cached link: http://www.phantomdev.com.nyud.net/macbook_mod_2/

Um by somersault · 2009-12-01 03:35 · Score: 3, Insightful

I think hacking together your own "Mac" out of a mac logic board and non-mac hardware still counts as being a "Hackintosh".

--
which is totally what she said

Re:Um by bsDaemon · 2009-12-01 03:40 · Score: 2, Insightful

Still counts? I think this is the quintessential definition of "hackintosh."
Re:Um by ceoyoyo · 2009-12-01 03:57 · Score: 5, Interesting

With the important distinction that as far as the OS cares it's a real Mac. Thus OS updates work with no problem.
Re:Um by putch · 2009-12-01 04:03 · Score: 2, Insightful

not quite. the "quintessential" definition of a hackintosh is intalling OSX on retail PC (as opposed to mac) hardware. this guy used a real mac mobo. so, basically he just modded a mac into a linksys case. not quite a hackintosh. also, not quite news.

--
just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand!
Re:Um by omnichad · 2009-12-01 04:21 · Score: 1

True. It's more like the quintessential definition of hack. Closer than your average hackintosh ever gets.
Re:Um by MooUK · 2009-12-01 04:22 · Score: 2, Insightful

What he did is what "Hackintosh" should mean. A lesser term should be given to using OSX on non-apple hardware.
Re:Um by omnichad · 2009-12-01 04:22 · Score: 1

That's exactly how my hackintosh works. I've been installing updates with no problems at all. The world's changed a lot in the last year.
Re:Um by sexconker · 2009-12-01 04:53 · Score: 2, Funny

What he did is what "Hackintosh" should mean. A lesser term should be given to using OSX on non-apple hardware.
Slappedontosh
Re:Um by sexconker · 2009-12-01 04:54 · Score: 1

No, the world changed a lot when Apple went to Intel chips.
Re:Um by nhytefall · 2009-12-01 04:58 · Score: 5, Funny

"Waste of Time and Money" - my suggestion

--
0100010001101001011001 0100100000011010010110 1110001000000110000100 1000000110011001101001 0111001001100101
Re:Um by jim_v2000 · 2009-12-01 05:12 · Score: 1

What do you mean "non-mac hardware"? The mainboard is the only "mac" hardware in the machine. The rest is Intel, Nvidia, ATI, and Western Digitital, LG, etc.

--
Don't take life so seriously. No one makes it out alive.
Re:Um by indi0144 · 2009-12-01 05:14 · Score: 1

indeed, It was the fucking second coming! If we can make apple to change to POWER it can stop 2012 and eat any black holes created by the LHC.. oh wait
Re:Um by ceoyoyo · 2009-12-01 05:18 · Score: 1

Sure. But you have no guarantee it will continue to work. As the Atom hackintosh owners found out.
It might be a small risk, but it's a risk nevertheless.
Re:Um by omnichad · 2009-12-01 05:21 · Score: 1

You have that same risk on real mac hardware. It's not just Hack users that had trouble with Snow Leopard.
Re:Um by ceoyoyo · 2009-12-01 05:30 · Score: 1

Generally most OS updates are either a) people who fail to read the documentation describing things that will not work or b) people who are running shady software hacks.
Either way, if you're running Apple hardware you have support, warranties, etc. If you're running a hackintosh you don't. From what he said in the summary, that's an important factor to this guy.
Re:Um by ColdWetDog · 2009-12-01 05:42 · Score: 1

Generally most OS updates are either

a) people who fail to read the documentation describing things that will not work

This is Apple we're talking about. The only documentation you get is "You need to install this. Don't ask any more questions."

b) or people who are running shady software hacks.
I have to use Photoshop, you insensitive clod!

--
Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
Re:Um by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 05:50 · Score: 0

And you get full Apple support, warranties, etc. for running a laptop mobo in a completely different case with non-Apple-approved cooling, peripherals, etc.? Yeah, I'm aware that the law doesn't let them void the warranty because you changed components, unless your changes caused the problem, but building a system from parts seems a grey area to begin with, and I think it's way too easy for them to blame any problems on "overheating due to stuffing it in an unapproved housing".
Re:Um by ceoyoyo · 2009-12-01 05:52 · Score: 1

This is Apple we're talking about. The only documentation you get is "You need to install this. Don't ask any more questions."
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3258
Besides which, you're talking about apps. I'm talking about the OS not working.

I have to use Photoshop, you insensitive clod!
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-10319435-264.html
Everything back to CS1 apparently runs just fine. What's the problem?
Re:Um by orgelspieler · 2009-12-01 06:41 · Score: 1

So, a WOMBATintosh?
Re:Um by kantos · 2009-12-01 08:48 · Score: 1

Agreed this is in the best traditions of the Apple 1

--
Any and all content posted above may be ignored, considered irrelevant, or otherwise dismissed.
Re:Um by MrCrassic · 2009-12-01 10:12 · Score: 3, Informative

Just in case anyone thinks building a Hackintosh is clearly bad...
Installing OS X can be an easy process IF the hardware which it's being installed on plays nice with it. I believe a lot of people, myself included, got turned off to getting OS X working on their machines because of the *MANY* issues people faced while trying to get Tiger to work. Now that the entire OS is written for the x86 platform, many machines with Core 2 Duo processors or higher can at least install OS X Leopard or Snow Leopard using the retail disc, which was never possible previously. The only thing that's needed to get the disc to boot is a bootloader that can recognize it.
Choosing the right hardware makes a huge difference in getting OS X running just right. Lots of people run into issues with sound, graphics and wireless, but they also fail to consider that these fail because OS X lacks the native support to make them work. Furthermore, many of those experiencing growing pains fail to look at the HUGE wiki of compatible devices that have been tried and proven working.
I was able to get OS X Snow Leopard installed on my Dell Latitude E-series laptop with minimal pitfalls. The only trip-ups are in areas that don't bother me, but might bother others. I can't sleep the machine if I want to keep my webcam and USB 2.0 at the moment, and everyone's having problems shutting down and restarting their machines using ACPI. Considering the minimal amount of time I needed to get it up and urnning, I consider these side effects negligible. The fact that I can use OS X in my daily workflow and virtualize Windows 7 within it is more than enough to keep me happy.
In the end, though, I wouldn't recommend that people build rigs expressly for getting OS X installed on it unless it differs significantly from Apple's offerings and is significantly less expensive. Their prices are coming down quite nicely, so I don't think they are as unreasonable as they used to be. Plus, their Mac Pro is pretty nice...
Re:Um by KillShill · 2009-12-01 11:26 · Score: 1

"Also, not quite news"
But it does wonders to keep a certain fruity DRM vendor in the public eye constantly...

--
Science : Proprietary , Knowledge : Open Source
Re:Um by KillShill · 2009-12-01 11:27 · Score: 1

Yeah, partnering with a thrice-convicted monopolist really changed things...

--
Science : Proprietary , Knowledge : Open Source
Re:Um by somersault · 2009-12-01 12:17 · Score: 1

Heh. I went the other way, had a Pro that I installed Ubuntu on and got fed up with the lack of decent EFI support and a couple of other issues. Now I use a Dell netbook with Ubuntu for basically everything (including work), the MBP only comes out when I need to run a Windows VM.

--
which is totally what she said
Re:Um by somersault · 2009-12-01 12:39 · Score: 1

I am aware of that. There are not drivers for everything though, and even if you use exactly the same components as are in a kosher Mac, I still doubt ol' Steve would be too happy with you. Unless maybe you fit it all in an Apple case, then nobody is really going to be able to tell the difference. The EULA for OSX does talk about "Apple-branded hardware" after all. I suppose if you etched/burned/embossed/whatever on an Apple logo, that might technically make things nice and legal.
I don't see why anyone who is so desperate to use OSX would not just buy a Mac.
In fact, I prefer Ubuntu to OSX. The interface on OSX may be a little more polished (but is way less configurable), but I got fed up of the webserver setup, and the not very graceful X11 support (maybe that's been sorted now), and hoops I was having to jump through to get WINE etc running. It's much better to have a repository manager than dealing with that clusterfuck every time you want to set up a new Mac, or to update your apps.

--
which is totally what she said
Re:Um by somersault · 2009-12-01 12:46 · Score: 1

BTW I googled around to see if there are any decent repositories for OSX, and found Darwin Ports. I remember trying it before. It was better than trying to compile everything completely manually, but still wasn't quite perfect, pretty sure it had issues with dependencies a few times etc. I ended up trying out Ubuntu and loving how everything "just worked" ;)

--
which is totally what she said
Re:Um by Ergasiophobia · 2009-12-01 13:03 · Score: 1

I think it should be called a scrapple. Even though scrapple has nothing to do with apples.
Re:Um by mister_playboy · 2009-12-01 13:26 · Score: 1

There are not drivers for everything though, and even if you use exactly the same components as are in a kosher Mac, I still doubt ol' Steve would be too happy with you.
Umm... who the hell cares what Steve Jobs would think? If he's even a little bit of a true geek, he ought to appreciate the ingenuity involved.

--
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law ::: Love is the law, love under will
Re:Um by odysseus31173 · 2009-12-01 14:06 · Score: 1

so instead of spending 600 bucks for a new mini, 250 was spent. The time was irrelevant as its a mod. Everything takes time
Re:Um by odysseus31173 · 2009-12-01 14:07 · Score: 1

yeah, it is a real mac. The logic board at one time came from a working macbook
Re:Um by nhytefall · 2009-12-01 14:57 · Score: 1

Err... my post was in response to the post above mine, specifically:

"A lesser term should be given to using OSX on non-Apple hardware".
And, in TFA, it wasn't a Mac Mini, it was a MacBook. But hey, keep trying on that whole comment-flame-sarcastic insult thing, and you'll get it one of these days!

--
0100010001101001011001 0100100000011010010110 1110001000000110000100 1000000110011001101001 0111001001100101
Re:Um by somersault · 2009-12-01 21:14 · Score: 1

There's not that much ingenuity to it. It's even less ingenious than performing an engine swap from one car to another. I pointed out what Steve jobs would think because if a *lot* of people start doing this kind of thing, then Apple will look for ways to shut them down.

--
which is totally what she said

So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by Viol8 · 2009-12-01 03:35 · Score: 5, Insightful

... and put it in a case.

And it worked.

Umm yeah , and?

Must be a REALLY slow news day today.

Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by Aeros · 2009-12-01 03:43 · Score: 1

I wasn't sure if I was missing the rest of the story or not.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 03:45 · Score: 2, Funny

no shit. hey, i bought a PC with a beige case and painted it orange. do i get my own slashdot story now too? we can talk about the technical differences between latex and enamel paints, glossy versus flat, and other really fascinating pieces of technicality! it'll be great ... for a slow news day
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by cerberusss · 2009-12-01 03:48 · Score: 4, Funny

... and put it in a case.
And it worked.
Worked, past tense.
He hosted TFArticle on the abomination, and it apparently decided to put itself out of its misery.

--
8 of 13 people found this answer helpful. Did you?
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by houstonbofh · 2009-12-01 03:50 · Score: 3, Funny

no shit. hey, i bought a PC with a beige case and painted it orange. do i get my own slashdot story now too? we can talk about the technical differences between latex and enamel paints, glossy versus flat, and other really fascinating pieces of technicality! it'll be great ... for a slow news day
There have been a few slashdot stories about people painting laptops, and a few on restoring old cases... So, yes.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by Quiet_Desperation · 2009-12-01 03:54 · Score: 3, Funny

Not to mention it's another "my time is of no value" story. Why not buy a used Mac and start developing?
Well, I need some breakfast. Excuse me while I go raise a pig and a chicken and sow some wheat.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by noidentity · 2009-12-01 04:04 · Score: 1

So you bolted together a Mac from parts and put it in a case.
And it worked.
Umm yeah , and?

And now it's a nice puddle of Slashdottedness.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by eln · 2009-12-01 04:06 · Score: 5, Interesting

no shit. hey, i bought a PC with a beige case and painted it orange. do i get my own slashdot story now too? we can talk about the technical differences between latex and enamel paints, glossy versus flat, and other really fascinating pieces of technicality! it'll be great ... for a slow news day
Don't be absurd, that's not news at all.

Now if you were to make a stencil of the Apple logo and paint it on the side of your machine, you could write a howto on that and make the front page of Slashdot for sure.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by omnichad · 2009-12-01 04:24 · Score: 0

A ham and chicken sandwich? You're not getting any eggs without a second chicken.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 04:34 · Score: 0

This is the kind of story I only have to see when I read Slashdot via RSS. Because when I actually surf to the site, I'm logged in and have stories posted by Timothy blocked. It's funny how consistently he picks stuff that's totally irrelevant or outdated or common-knowledge or in some other way completely un-"nerdy".
And even funnier how after nearly ten years of sifting through the newsbin he hasn't improved one bit.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by Anonymous+Monkey · 2009-12-01 04:43 · Score: 2, Informative

My brother keeps chickens. You can get eggs without a rooster. In fact you can get eggs with just one chicken living in your back yard. Not very many, but you can.

--
We are the Borg...
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by R2.0 · 2009-12-01 04:44 · Score: 2, Informative

Who labeled this informative? A single chicken will lay eggs just fine; if you want them fertilized you need 2.

--
"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." A. Carlson
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by sexconker · 2009-12-01 04:55 · Score: 1

There have been a few slashdot stories about people painting laptops, and a few on restoring old cases... So, yes.
That chemical that reverses the UV yellowing of plastics was totally worthy of it's /. article.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by sexconker · 2009-12-01 05:00 · Score: 1

A ham and chicken sandwich? You're not getting any eggs without a second chicken.
Uh, how about ham and eggs, with some bread/cereal?
Though GP is an idiot - if he grows his own wheat he can feed his own chickens on the cheap and easy.
If he has his own chickens, he can get fresh, clean, delicious eggs daily.
If he has his own pig, he can just feed it scraps and leftovers, saving valuable time on cleanup.
If he has his own pig, he can have it slaughtered and cut by a local butcher for nothing more than some of the meat (he couldn't eat it all himself anyway).
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by omnichad · 2009-12-01 05:06 · Score: 1

GP said one chicken.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by Sandbags · 2009-12-01 05:40 · Score: 3, Insightful

if he did it for less than the cost of buying the same model Mac (used, and out of waranty), then it's a win. If a used/refurb Mac of the same or better model WITH a waranty costs less, then it;s a big lose... In fact, I'd say, to be a viable system and worth the effort, it would have to cost 70% or less than a used Mac with a waranty, including all the parts needed to make this what it is.

--
There is no contest in life for which the unprepared have the advantage.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by Quiet_Desperation · 2009-12-01 07:38 · Score: 1

Though GP is an idiot
Why, because if I was going to target a platform for development, I'd just invest in an adequate machine and be done with it? Blow me.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by Jesus_666 · 2009-12-01 07:51 · Score: 1

It's a somewhat unusual case mod. /. gets the occasional case mod story and this one is no different.

--
USE HOT GRITS WITH STATUE OF NATALIE PORTMAN (NAKED AND PETRIFIED)
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by sexconker · 2009-12-01 08:11 · Score: 1

Because you don't see the obvious benefits in raising your own chickens and pigs and growing your own grains for a delicious breakfast.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by sexconker · 2009-12-01 08:12 · Score: 1

Exactly.
One chicken + one pig = ham and eggs.
Ham in the freezer for months, fresh eggs daily.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by Quiet_Desperation · 2009-12-01 08:18 · Score: 1

OK, how'd I wind up in Wonderland? Get me out of this thread! Halp!
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 11:54 · Score: 0

we can talk about the technical differences between latex and enamel paints
So, which would you use to restore an old NeXTcube?
Or should I just burn it?
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by kklein · 2009-12-01 12:33 · Score: 1

Not to mention it's another "my time is of no value" story. Why not buy a used Mac and start developing?
Yes. This is actually part of how I ended up on the Mac. I used them until 1998, but then was drawn to Windows because it was better at the time, and because I was lured in by how cheaply you could buy parts and build your own machine. This made a lot of sense to a poor college student. However, as the years went on, and as I told everyone this was no problem and anyone could do it, I started really hating losing tons of time. Then Vista came out. And handing a company a wad of cash and getting a machine that worked right away in return started looking like a much better value.
I get the whole DIY mentality, but projects like this are just ridiculous. He has spent a huge amount of time and created something that retains no value (who will buy it when he wants to get rid of it?), probably will crap out at some point, and which--let's be honest--is ugly as sin. I think he just didn't want to be accused of having a decent-looking computer in his basement, and had a lot of time to sink into finding parts and building a case from discarded other cases...
Preposterous.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by odysseus31173 · 2009-12-01 14:10 · Score: 1

Doing this was about the mod. I already had/have a working mac mini. My time is my time. If you think it has no value, skim the pretty pictures like a 5 year old and go about your trolling
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by oh_my_080980980 · 2009-12-02 06:35 · Score: 1

Did you read the article. The guy took a Macbook motherboard, components, and mounted them inside a Linksys router case and it worked!

That's some real skills. Something you obviously lack.
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by kriston · 2009-12-02 08:20 · Score: 1

Well, he did sacrifice not one, but two Linksys routers to do it. I was wondering why it is so long.

--
Kriston
Re:So you bolted together a Mac from parts ... by bryan1945 · 2009-12-14 21:28 · Score: 1

So when someone puts together a standard PC into a strange case, it is awesome, yet when it is a Mac it gets a yawn?
I personally think it's neat. Just wish I had enough time to screw around with stuff like this (I spend enough time raking up the dang leaves in my yard. Well using the leaf blower, but you get the point).

--
Vote monkeys into Congress. They are cheaper and more trustworthy.

Who the hell cares? by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 03:37 · Score: 2, Funny

I've built plenty of computers in my day, and never submitted a story about it. Now get the hell off of my lawn.

Re:Who the hell cares? by cbreaker · 2009-12-01 03:46 · Score: 3, Funny

Apple + Macintosh + iPhone = Front Page of Slashdot

--
- It's not the Macs I hate. It's Digg users. -
Re:Who the hell cares? by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 04:13 · Score: 0

um, you do...? You clicked on the article, read some of it then felt the need to comment. That's a lot more effort then saying "Meh" outloud and checking your horoscope er something else, ain't it?
Besides, as long as there are comments then you can tell someone cares... I for one am not overly enthusiastic over these articles but i don't hate them either. Too much effort.
=]
Re:Who the hell cares? by sexconker · 2009-12-01 05:02 · Score: 1

Apple + Macintosh + iPhone = Front Page of Slashdot
It's a veritable pretentious douche bag trifecta!

Looks like a Hackintosh to Me by whisper_jeff · 2009-12-01 03:37 · Score: 1

Ok, I know it isn't OSX installed on a PC but, when you've done that much work to make a computer that runs OSX, I think it qualifies as a Hackintosh.

And that's not a bad thing - I use a Mac every day and recently got myself an MSI Wind and set it up to dual boot Ubuntu and OSX so I'm all for a little Hackintosh love so don't take my above comment as a knock. If anything, I respect the work you did. But, let's call it what it is - you've hacked together some hardware to get a computer running OSX. It be a Hackintosh.

Re:Looks like a Hackintosh to Me by 0racle · 2009-12-01 03:49 · Score: 2, Informative

when you've done that much work to make a computer that runs OSX, I think it qualifies as a Hackintosh.
Unless 'that much work' amounts to putting a Mac in a different case. He made a non-portable MacBook, but of course OS X installed on it, it is an Apple computer.

--
"I use a Mac because I'm just better than you are."

Ooh, you installed OS X on a non-Apple-branded... by jeffb+(2.718) · 2009-12-01 03:39 · Score: 3, Funny

...er, box. I'm tellin' Apple!

Not a bad little hack by scubamage · 2009-12-01 03:40 · Score: 1

Not the greatest mod ever, but he probably saved a ton of cash by buying the logic board and doing it this way. Gives me some ideas actually. Using the linksys box is kind of an interesting choice, but hey, whatever works. Kinda amazed he was able to get the isight thinger working too. I wonder how airflow will be? May wanna mount in a fan or two for exhaust and intake...

Re:Not a bad little hack by Darth+Sdlavrot · 2009-12-01 03:54 · Score: 1

Not the greatest mod ever, but he probably saved a ton of cash
Unlikely.
Logic board http://www.powerbookmedic.com/xcart1/product.php?productid=17001 : $250.
+ drive, memory.
Or he could have spent a bit more and bought a (new) Mac Mini and had something nice.
Gee, case, PS, MB, memory, disk, graphics card. Et voila, look ma, I built a computer. Get your hands on a Mac Pro MB and the rest of the parts are the same as for any other PC.
Color me unimpressed.
Re:Not a bad little hack by OrangeTide · 2009-12-01 04:31 · Score: 2, Informative

drive and memory is cheap. 500GB 2.5" is $70. So we can safely say that new you can get them for under $100.
I think it is reasonable to say that a $350 is significantly less than $600.
And if you go on ebay(ewww) and buy a semi-broken macbook and take its logic board, or buy a used working logic board they are significantly less than $250. Most of the buy-it-now prices are more than $250, but you can usually get one for under $200 with a little effort.

--
“Common sense is not so common.” — Voltaire
Re:Not a bad little hack by njfuzzy · 2009-12-01 04:46 · Score: 1

How much is your time worth?

--
My Photography - http://ian-x.com
The Deathlings (comic) - http://thedeathlings.com
Re:Not a bad little hack by TheRaven64 · 2009-12-01 04:53 · Score: 1

You can get second-hand logic boards on eBay for well under half that price, although there aren't usually many available. It's probably possible to do it cheaper than buying a new Mac (especially if you have some parts salvaged from other machines lying around). Not particularly noteworthy though.

--
I am TheRaven on Soylent News
Re:Not a bad little hack by th1nk · 2009-12-01 05:22 · Score: 2, Insightful

The worth of his time is only relevant if he was trying to sell these for profit.

See, people have these things called hobbies that keep them entertained.

I, for instance, enjoy working on my car. Sometimes it takes me 3 or 4 times longer than it would take a shop. Is it worth my time? Absolutely--it's fun.
Re:Not a bad little hack by samwichse · 2009-12-01 06:56 · Score: 1

Well, since I'm a nerd...
I often PAY money for entertainment. This "work" would then be worth a negative value to me... ie, getting to do the mod is a value on top of saving the money of not just buying a replacement case.
Now if I was just buying a replacement case, then I would think "how much is it costing me to do this" because then it wouldn't be FUN.
Come on, this is slashdot. How much is your time worth indeed.
Sam

Link already dead by Zontar_Thing_From_Ve · 2009-12-01 03:40 · Score: 1

The link to the article on the mod is already dead and showing a "database error".

Re:Link already dead by benjymous · 2009-12-01 03:43 · Score: 1

He slashdotted himself...

--
Help me! I'm turning into a grapefruit!
Re:Link already dead by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 03:48 · Score: 0

heres a link to the google cache
http://tinyurl.com/ykht44h
Re:Link already dead by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 03:52 · Score: 1, Informative

RSS feed on feedburner still works http://feeds.feedburner.com/phantomdev/lHhb
Re:Link already dead by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 04:15 · Score: 0

what? not goatee?!

I deem this f'ing stupid by TyroneShoe · 2009-12-01 03:43 · Score: 0, Flamebait

nuff said

Re:Nanny cam of sorts by azior · 2009-12-01 03:49 · Score: 5, Funny

"The iSight/mic holes in the front panel are hard to see and this could be used as a nanny cam of sorts."

Make sure you load it with porn that "happens" to appear when you touch any button at all, and send me the tapes.

There's An App For That

Mandatory mirroring for all fing articles by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 03:59 · Score: 0

Seriously, feed the articles one time through coral so slashdot borks less of the internet, or at least more than the first 400 people that click on a link can see the fing article.

Re:Mandatory mirroring for all fing articles by mister_playboy · 2009-12-01 13:39 · Score: 1

If you use Firefox, have a look at this addon.

--
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law ::: Love is the law, love under will

Another guy did this on a Xbox Dev Kit by netchaos · 2009-12-01 04:03 · Score: 0, Flamebait

He wanted an ultimate home made machine running OSX to do his video editing in Final Cut Pro. Cool Worklog video and his project page

Re:Another guy did this on a Xbox Dev Kit by josath · 2009-12-01 06:43 · Score: 1

You're wrong in several ways: 1) It's not an xbox dev kit...it's standard PC parts stuffed in an xbox shell 2) It's not mac hardware like in TFA, it's a 'hackintosh', with standard PC parts

--
sig? uhh, umm, ok

Google Cache working by mrops · 2009-12-01 04:15 · Score: 4, Informative

http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.phantomdev.com%2Fmacbook_mod_2%2F&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

No, it's a Mac case mod. by MsGeek · 2009-12-01 04:26 · Score: 4, Insightful

Hackintosh = bog standard PC running Mac OS X.
Case mod = hardware stuffed into a case that is wildly different or decorative or super-functional.
Mac case mod = Mac logic board stuffed into a case that is wildly different from standard Macs.

I still want to do a Classic Mac modded with a Mac mini inside and an LCD replacing the old CRT.

--
Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied.

Re:No, it's a Mac case mod. by whisper_jeff · 2009-12-01 04:32 · Score: 1

I still want to do a Classic Mac modded with a Mac mini inside and an LCD replacing the old CRT.
If I knew more about hardware mods, I'd do that! That would RULE!
Re:No, it's a Mac case mod. by Predius · 2009-12-01 04:54 · Score: 1

I never could find an appropriate LCD for this, but that was pre netbook era so maybe things have improved. My hang up was wanting better than 800x600 in that size. I almost went with a CRT instead as you can still find old high res VGA displays from sales terminals in 8" but never pulled the trigger.
Re:No, it's a Mac case mod. by omnichad · 2009-12-01 05:13 · Score: 1

What would you do with all the rest of the empty space inside?
Re:No, it's a Mac case mod. by Again · 2009-12-01 05:49 · Score: 1

You could drill a hole in the case, pipe some water in and then have a water fountain coming out of the top of your computer. I'll bet you would be the first person to do that hack!
Re:No, it's a Mac case mod. by SydShamino · 2009-12-01 05:53 · Score: 1

HDD array! Use the thing as a server.

--
It doesn't hurt to be nice.
Re:No, it's a Mac case mod. by odysseus31173 · 2009-12-01 14:12 · Score: 1

I had an old 512k that I was thinking about using. Maybe if I do another one in the future.
Re:No, it's a Mac case mod. by SpooForBrains · 2009-12-02 01:00 · Score: 1

This guy has done one, although it's not a step-by-step, most of the important details of how he did it are missing.

--
"The dew has clearly fallen with a particularly sickening thud this morning"
Re:No, it's a Mac case mod. by XLR8DST8 · 2009-12-03 08:49 · Score: 0

you could put your weed in there.

iSight? by Drenaran · 2009-12-01 04:29 · Score: 0, Troll

... Really? iSight? They really came up with a special Apple-only name for a camera?

Okay, I give up, excuse me while I find a truck to stand in front of (... knowing my luck it will be an iTruck).

Sincerely,
iSuck.

Re:iSight? by njfuzzy · 2009-12-01 04:47 · Score: 1

Yes, because no other manufacturer brands their peripherals and features.

--
My Photography - http://ian-x.com
The Deathlings (comic) - http://thedeathlings.com
Re:iSight? by GizmoToy · 2009-12-01 04:52 · Score: 2, Insightful

Yea, what were they thinking? No one ever names their products! Apple's iSight, Microsoft's LifeCam, and Logitech's QuickCam should all just be renamed "camera"
Re:iSight? by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 06:28 · Score: 0

HP, Dell and Lenovo call cameras built into their laptops "webcam" or "camera". Is there a pc maker that slaps their own brand on a webcam built into a laptop? Stand alone products are a whole different thing.
The real question... When will Apple introduce the iKeyboard?
Re:iSight? by Jesus_666 · 2009-12-01 08:03 · Score: 1

The iSight used to be a standalone product; Apple just happened to integrate it with their computers. They then kept the name because, hey, brand recognition also works for individual products.

--
USE HOT GRITS WITH STATUE OF NATALIE PORTMAN (NAKED AND PETRIFIED)
Re:iSight? by Drenaran · 2009-12-01 11:22 · Score: 1

I understand your point, but the other two examples at least have "cam" somewhere in there. That way you can go "oh, they mean a camera". iSight? I thought at first it was some sort of special addon for blind people. That's the only reason I griped, and my bad for coming off as a Troll.
The name still sucks though. (iCam would of made more sense)
Re:iSight? by rantingkitten · 2009-12-01 12:03 · Score: 1

I think part of the difference is that most people just say "webcam" for all the other products. Anyone who constantly said "Lifecam" instead would get weird looks. But because it's an APPLE product people actually refer to it as "iSight" and take that seriously. It's bizarre.

Other examples of this mentality:

If talking about a Dell, HP, IBM, Acer, or any other type of laptop, most people just say "laptop". "Hey, grab your laptop and get over here," or "I hear Jane got a new laptop."

But not with Apple. Oh no. Then it must be called a Macbook. "Woah, nice Macbook." "Hey, how come Joe got a Macbook from IT?"

There are a thousand different mp3 players out there and most people just say "mp3 player" or "music player". Unless it's an Apple product. Then it's an iPod! Woo!

--
mirrorshades radio -- darkwave, industrial, futurepop, ebm.
Re:iSight? by droopyMD · 2009-12-07 00:48 · Score: 1

Pretty good marketing, don't you think? And btw, probably it's because "it just works".

Fugly by gregthebunny · 2009-12-01 04:55 · Score: 1

That double-wide Linksys case looks stupid. I'm just sayin'.

Re:Ooh, you installed OS X on a non-Apple-branded. by maccodemonkey · 2009-12-01 05:05 · Score: 0, Redundant

It was Apple branded, that was the point. He used entirely genuine Apple parts, except for the case...

More of Case Mod... by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 05:17 · Score: 1, Insightful

This is more of a "case mod" type hack than a hardware or software hack. Style points gained for actually putting it together. No points awarded for doing anything new.

my time is worth by OrangeTide · 2009-12-01 05:20 · Score: 1

$250.

--
“Common sense is not so common.” — Voltaire

It all evens out by OrangeTide · 2009-12-01 05:23 · Score: 4, Funny

He just used a logic board? Well, I just ordered a new case for my 13-inch MacBook. The universe is in harmony again.

--
“Common sense is not so common.” — Voltaire

Re:It all evens out by oh_my_080980980 · 2009-12-02 06:38 · Score: 1

RTFA. He used more than the motherboard of the Macbook.

That's why reading is important. It helps prevent you from looking stupid.
Re:It all evens out by OrangeTide · 2009-12-03 05:14 · Score: 1

I did RTFA you useless troll.
He also acquired a few other bits, such as the wifi, bluetooth, isight, cables, etc. I think to have the universe in real harmony you need to buy the trackpad and keyboard for $130. to go with his internal macbook bits and my case. or you can shut the hell up.

--
“Common sense is not so common.” — Voltaire

OT: your sig by Anomalyst · 2009-12-01 05:30 · Score: 1

How may I assist you in futhering your laudable goal to become a grapefruit?
Probably best to indicate your preferred variety (from http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/grapefruit.html#Varieties )
'Duncan'
'Foster' ('Foster Pink Flesh')
'Marsh' ('Marsh Seedless')
'Oroblanco'
'Paradise Navel'
'Redblush' (including 'Ruby', 'Ruby Red', 'Shary Red', 'Curry Red', 'Fawcett Red', 'Red Radiance', and 'Webb'
'Star Ruby'
'Sweetie'
'Thompson' (Pink Marsh')

I find your idea intriguing and would like to subscribe to your news letter.
Also, your peel makes your future in aromatherapy appear to be quite promising.

--
There is no right to feel safe thru security vaudeville at the expense of everyone's freedom, privacy and tax money.

Or... by jours · 2009-12-01 05:38 · Score: 2, Funny

Huh. I see the top case with the keyboard in one of your pictures. So for less than $200 shipped (and a lot less work) you could've bought the bottom case and a replacement screen and built a laptop.

Of course then you wouldn't be on slashdot.

--
This sig intentionally left blank.

Re:Ooh, you installed OS X on a non-Apple-branded. by Sandbags · 2009-12-01 05:44 · Score: 0, Redundant

and that's the problem. The board itself does not carry an OEM license, so upgrade copies still do not apply.

Granted, it works flawlessly and installs Apple updates automatically, and I don't think Apple would give a crap since they clearly don't have to support it, and likely profited off the OS license, iLife license, and the spare parts too...

Apple doesn't want COMPANIES making systems, or facilitating hacks, but they have made it know they actualyl appreciate the general hacking community and have no intention of persuing people who use LEGAL copies of the software paid for in a store on home-built components.

--
There is no contest in life for which the unprepared have the advantage.

Clever, but - by RevWaldo · 2009-12-01 05:47 · Score: 1

Installing OSX on a Linksys router, now that'd be impressive.

(You can already install Linux, of course - http://lifehacker.com/178132/hack-attack-turn-your-60-router-into-a-600-router)

--
Prisencolinensinainciusol. Ol Rait!

Re:Ooh, you installed OS X on a non-Apple-branded. by maccodemonkey · 2009-12-01 05:48 · Score: 0, Redundant

"and that's the problem. The board itself does not carry an OEM license, so upgrade copies still do not apply."

And why not? Plenty of companies sell Apple products in different cases, and they're blessed by Apple.

Hell, I'm pretty sure I remember Steve Jobs playing with a 3rd party Apple tablet that was on display at MacWorld a few years ago. Pretty sure it was the ModBook, which not only was on display at MacWorld, but is commercially available, and considered by Apple to be licensed for OS X.

"Apple doesn't want COMPANIES making systems, or facilitating hacks, but they have made it know they actualyl appreciate the general hacking community and have no intention of persuing people who use LEGAL copies of the software paid for in a store on home-built components."

As noted above, the ModBook is a 3rd party system built with Apple parts sold commercially, and condoned by Apple.

Re:Ooh, you installed OS X on a non-Apple-branded. by Anonymous Coward · 2009-12-01 06:02 · Score: 0

Yeah, except for the box.

Woosh!

Prior art: iBox by illogic · 2009-12-01 06:07 · Score: 1

This was a big thing a few years back, when everyone seemed to want a small Mac desktop in a "pizza box" form factor. I guess this was pre-Mac Mini. You would get a PowerMac G4 logic board and power supply, and add your own case and accessories. Someone even came up with a concept for a ready made kit called the iBox which was a bring-your-own-logic-board PowerMac system. Not sure if that ever really saw the light of day. I really wanted one.

http://www.wired.com/gadgets/mac/news/2003/04/58310

Misleading title by dontmakemethink · 2009-12-01 07:32 · Score: 0, Offtopic

Was I the only one expecting a lava lamp?

--

War as we knew it was obsolete
Nothing could beat complete denial
- Emily Haines

The first comment on the linked article: by mr_lizard13 · 2009-12-01 08:12 · Score: 1

"You should post this on a modding website – you would get a bunch of traffic I bet!"

I'm sure that now this is on /. he's getting a bunch of traffic just fine without needing to post it on a modding website.

--
"We live in a global world" - Harvey Pitt, former Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman

Re:Nanny cam of sorts by odysseus31173 · 2009-12-01 14:03 · Score: 1

lol, thats a great idea for a prank. I think I will look into it.

Re:Ooh, you installed OS X on a non-Apple-branded. by odysseus31173 · 2009-12-01 14:15 · Score: 1

The logic board wasn't that bad in terms of cost. I think it was 150, I stalked ebay and google. So the total price to complete this was like 250 or so.

I've thought about doing something similar by johnkzin · 2009-12-01 19:24 · Score: 1

The Macbook Air motherboard might lend itself quite well to the innards of a eviGroup tablet, or something along those lines (I also happen to have a Samsung Q1 Ultra I'm barely using). It wont be a pretty, nor cheap, Apple Tablet, but if Apple doesn't pull their heads out, it might be the only way to get one that's legal.

Though, with the economy the way it is lately, I don't have that kind of throw-away money right now. But the idea keeps sitting there in the back of my mind...

Slashdot Mirror

MacBook Mod Gives Base Station Chassis New Purpose

129 comments