Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

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jsa
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Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

This may seem ridiculous but I've got a few old, damaged Apple IIc's, as well a macbook pro with a damaged case, so I'm thinking of doing something really bizarre.

The plan is to remove the guts of the //c, minus the keyboard, introduce the guts of a Macbook Pro, establish a keyboard connection with the RetroConnector, and various mods for power lights/etc.

I see a path forward with everything except the display. I fully intend on heavily modifying the Apple //c case, but I'm looking for ideas on how to manage a display. I think there will be quite a bit of extra room in the case, so it's not entirely crazy to recess the display through a new slot in the back on an extended hinge... Though that might be asking for trouble/damage.

I thought about the old //c LCD display but honestly, even if I was able to find one, it didn't attach particularly well in the first place.

Looking for ideas! Thanks folks.

-j

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Re: Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

jsa,

So, you want to attach the entire MacBook screen + housing to the back of a IIc body?
Are they the same width?
Do you want the hinges operational so that you can set the screen angle?
You may have to attach the hinges to the top of the IIc, instead of the back, so it will not cover the ports (if that makes a difference).

Interesting combination.

Steven Smile

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Re: Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

You could retrofit an LCD color panel to the //c green monitor, like I did. Looks great and supports RGB:
http://www.eljavo.com/en/la-apple-c-a-color/
Regards
Jav

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Re: Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

Whats the model phillips screen you found. Im doing a similar thing and am on the search for one.

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Re: Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

Javster -

I second the request for the Philips model. I have exactly the same project I want to complete. Thanks,

Dave...

jsa
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Re: Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

jsa,

So, you want to attach the entire MacBook screen + housing to the back of a IIc body?
Are they the same width?
Do you want the hinges operational so that you can set the screen angle?
You may have to attach the hinges to the top of the IIc, instead of the back, so it will not cover the ports (if that makes a difference).

Interesting combination.

Steven :)

You could retrofit an LCD color panel to the //c green monitor, like I did. Looks great and supports RGB:
http://www.eljavo.com/en/la-apple-c-a-color/
Regards
Jav

Great question. I wasn't planning on using the original MacBook screen, but in theory the 13" would fit. I could either build a new container for it or find something smaller and more easy to retrofit into the space.

The ports on the back are pretty meaningless to me since I'm removing the destroyed //c motherboard and other components from the case. I was thinking of creating a horizontal slot and create some kind of recess for the screen... However, if I could find a decent enough small LCD (maybe that Philips monitor) I could fix something up that folds down over the main case.

So @javster, I'd love to know the model of that screen!

Thanks.

jsa
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Re: Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

I did find this website, which looks like a good source of screens:

http://www.millertech.com/lcds/computer/open_frame_kits.htm

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Re: Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

Hello Guys, the model is" 8.4inch LG-PHILPS TFT LCD, LB084S02-TD01+vga/av board
I bought it on eBay to a company called vitrolight for $85. It fits perfectly, but after the fact I realized the signal shows a smaller area (check photos) and I rather use as much as possible of the display area. I recommend you to get a 9 or 10" screen, as the signal will not show "edge to edge" on the monitor. Other than that, I'm very happy with it, I'm planning to buy another small screen for my //c plus and get a 9" panel.

Very important: it needs to be Standard 4:3 ratio, here is alink to the product on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-4inch-LG-PHILPS-TFT-LCD-LB084S02-TD01-vga-av-board-/300665206875?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item46010af85b

Hope this helps.
Javster

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Re: Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

LOL...the very one I just added to my watchlist last night. Yes, I also would hope for an edge to edge image as well. Do you have the maximum dimensions that the monitor case can handle of LCD? Im actually away from all my gear at the moment so cannot take the measurements myself, but want to order an appropriate one in preparation for the attempt.

It looks like the 9" models are more 16:9 aspect ratio. The 10" ones look 4:3. Will the case handle a 10"??

Ive actually got an old macbook laptop lined up for transplanting, and once i have the LCD in hand will be taking the project live. Actually have a couple ideas for it.

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Re: Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

Nice site. Just wish they'd put prices up. Cant believe in this day and age were still dealing with this sorta thing.

jsa
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Re: Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

I'm still determined to complete this project. I had a little hiccup... I had collected a number of Apple IIcs, I had three units and one just the case. The plan was to retrofit the top of the empty case to be the enclosure for the fold-down flat screen monitor, then use a traditional IIc with the original keyboard with the motherboard of the old macbook pro.

The hiccup started when I started to pay closer attention to the cases and internals. I collect Apple II's, and I failed to recognize that the IIc I planned to use as the main case was a mid-series model, the A2S4100. I had an A2S4000, and an A2S4500 in my collection, but never managed to get my hands on a A2S4100. I couldn't bear to see it gutted so now I'm restoring that one.

The empty case is from a A2S4000, but it's less than ideal for the flat panel enclosure because of the floppy drive. The A2S4000's keyboard are also terrible, so using that as the keyboard/case combo isn't going to work. The improvement once you move to the A2S4100 is remarkable.

So now I'm hunting for another A2S4100 or A2S4500 to use as the main case and enclosure. Blum 3

Why do I do this to myself? I clearly have a problem.

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Re: Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

I said the same thing when I placed an AE RAM IIc in mine.
Then I upgraded it with Stephen Buggies Rev 4 ROM.
I kept thinking "No sane person keeps tearing his IIc apart and changing it."

I guess I should place myself under observation. lol

Steven Smile

jsa
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Re: Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

My fully restored A2S4000, A2S4100 and A2S4500!

IMAGE(http://imageshack.us/a/img600/8070/c949.jpg)

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Re: Apple IIc / Macbook Pro Project

jsa,

Really nice looking units.

Hmmm. Maybe it's about time to break out the IIc's for a good cleaning.

Dagnabit! I have too much gear and not enough time to play with it all!

LOL

Steven Smile

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