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Turn that old Mac into a functioning clock

Let's say you have a Mac collecting dust in the corner of your garage. Rather than succumb to your spouse's demands and send the old friend to computer heaven, why not re-purpose that Mac into something both functional and beautiful?

Cult of Mac points us to one enterprising hardware modder who has converted the base of his iMac G4 into a round wall clock. Take a look above on the left for the final result of his Dremel-sourced endeavor. This Apple fan from Japan was also kind enough to post photos of his DIY adventure [Google Translate link]. Check out another image below; the aluminum really pops on the dark wall.

Additionally, it seems that the inspiration for the iClock came from another Japanese modder who converted his PowerMac G5 into a functioning timepiece as well. Seen at the top on the right is the completed product. When all is said and done, it seems as though the PowerMac is still usable as computer. This qualifies the creator's work to be considered a "case mod" rather than an all out butchering -- which is ideal because a chopped Mac is a sad Mac. The PowerClock owner also posted in-progress shots of his work [Google Translate link].

I tend to fall in the camp that favors "software" modification, believing that for any piece of computing hardware there is some flavor of Linux that can breathe in new life. Unfortunately, however, sometimes Macs and PCs alike simply bite the dust and are only good for conversion into clocks or lamps.


Let's say you have a Mac collecting dust in the corner of your garage. Rather than succumb to your spouse's demands and send the old...
 

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GatorBait3

Seems like a waste of a good case ...

February 22 2010 at 1:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to GatorBait3's comment
Troy Banther

I agree.

I understand art and appreciate it but I could have done wonders with the case itself.

February 23 2010 at 12:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mike

If electricity is no problem use the actual computer as a clock.
This older iMac sits next to the nagios monitor, on top of a rack in my office
http://mikehathaway.com/content/imac-clock

February 22 2010 at 1:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Gillan

There is at least 3 TUAW posts about turning old macs into clocks.. We get the point, you guys have no stories so you re post different variations of stuff.

nice.

February 22 2010 at 1:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
TowerTone

I turned my old Swatch into a MicorZu.....

February 22 2010 at 12:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lorenztom

How about an even older Mac? http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenztom/1589463201/

February 22 2010 at 12:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
AleksB

Go hang that G5 on the wall please

February 22 2010 at 12:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Granger

Déjà vu - http://www.tuaw.com/2009/12/31/power-mac-g5-turned-time-teller/

February 22 2010 at 11:38 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Granger's comment
mingistech

I was going to post the same thing.

February 22 2010 at 12:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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