Nostalgia tech falls into two camps. Lazy references slap a retro logo on a modern object and call it vintage, while obsessive recreations feel like museum pieces. Most products lean too far in one direction, missing the sweet spot where memory and function coexist comfortably. The first feels cheap, the second feels precious, and neither ends up on your desk for very long once the initial charm wears off.
MaClock by Kokogol hits that balance. It is a miniature 1984 Macintosh that works as a rechargeable desk alarm clock, recreating the beige enclosure, rainbow Apple logo, CRT-style screen, and floppy disk slot at nightstand scale. It still behaves like a proper modern clock with 60-day battery life and USB-C charging, not just a static replica gathering dust next to other impulse buys that reminded you of childhood.
The physical details feel right. Warm beige ABS body, a recessed curved screen mimicking a cathode ray tube, horizontal ventilation grilles on the side, and a tiny floppy disk drive slot with a pink tab. At 80 x 91 x 112 mm, it is substantial enough to feel real in your hand, not a keychain trinket. The proportions match the original closely enough that it reads instantly as a Mac, even from across a room.
The included floppy disk acts as a power switch. You insert it to turn the clock on, a callback to the boot ritual of early Macs. The package includes a sticker sheet with rainbow Apple logos, a Macintosh label, and a dot matrix sticker, letting you customize and restore the design yourself. The unboxing becomes a small assembly project rather than a passive reveal, which makes it feel slightly more earned.
MaClock offers three display modes. Time mode shows large pixelated digits for hours, minutes, day, and temperature. Calendar mode centers the date in blocky characters. Easter egg mode wakes up Susan Kare’s Happy Mac icon, the smiling face from the original graphical interface. Seeing Happy Mac on your desk in 2025 is an unexpectedly emotional hit for anyone who grew up with early Macs and remembers what that face meant.
The adjustable backlight is controlled by a knob on the bottom left, which can be dialed down at night or turned off entirely. With the backlight off, the battery lasts up to 60 days, so it can sit on your desk for weeks without charging. It feels more like furniture than a gadget you babysit with a cable every few nights, which is exactly how a clock should behave.
MaClock treats nostalgia as something you participate in rather than just look at. The floppy disk, the stickers, the Happy Mac mode, and the CRT-inspired screen all ask you to engage with the memory. At just $30, it sits in the impulse buy zone, which might be the right price for functional nostalgia that earns its desk space by telling time and making you smile every morning when Happy Mac greets you with those chunky pixels.
In an exciting announcement today, Logitech expanded its “Designed for Mac” lineup with the introduction of the Wave Keys for Mac, an ergonomic keyboard crafted to provide comfort and enhance productivity for Mac users. This launch, set to coincide with the release of other Mac-centric peripherals in Logitech’s portfolio, underscores the company’s commitment to creating seamless, user-friendly experiences within the Apple ecosystem.
The Wave Keys for Mac stands out as Logitech’s first ergonomic keyboard specifically designed for the Mac, adapted from the Wave Keys that launched at the end of last year. Emphasizing comfort and usability, it features a signature wave shape that ensures a natural typing posture. This wavy design positions the hands, wrists, and forearms in an optimal manner, reducing strain and promoting comfortable typing throughout the day.
A key highlight of the Wave Keys for Mac is its cushioned palm rest, which comprises three layers: memory foam, high-density foam, and a knitted fabric covering. This thoughtful design offers 57% more wrist support compared to traditional Logitech keyboards without palm rests, making it an ideal choice for prolonged use.
Compact and Versatile
The compact layout of the Wave Keys for Mac is not only space-saving but also strategically designed to promote a more natural shoulder position while using a mouse. This makes it a practical addition to any desk setup, particularly for those who prioritize ergonomics without compromising on functionality.
Further enhancing its appeal, the keyboard includes easy-to-use +4° tilt legs, allowing users to adjust the keyboard’s angle to their preference for maximum comfort.
Seamless Integration and Personalization
Logitech’s commitment to enhancing user experience is evident in the Wave Keys for Mac’s seamless integration with macOS, iPadOS, and iOS devices. Users can connect up to three Apple devices simultaneously and switch between them effortlessly with the tap of a button. This multi-device capability is complemented by the Logi Options+ app, which enables users to personalize their keyboard shortcuts and optimize their workflow.
The Wave Keys for Mac also boasts an impressive battery life, capable of lasting up to three years on the included AAA batteries, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ensuring consistent performance.
Sustainable Design
In line with Logitech’s dedication to sustainability, the Wave Keys for Mac is made with 48% post-consumer recycled plastic, excluding the plastic in the printed wiring assembly, receiver, and packaging. This eco-friendly approach aligns with Logitech’s broader initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of its products and promote environmentally conscious manufacturing practices.
This launch is part of a broader initiative by Logitech to cater to the needs of Mac users. Alongside the Wave Keys for Mac, Logitech is also introducing other products such as the MX Keys S for Mac, MX Keys S Combo for Mac, MX Anywhere 3S for Mac, and MX Keys Mini for Mac. These additions are designed to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and ensure ergonomic comfort for Mac users.
Delphine Donné, Vice President and General Manager of Personal Workspace Solutions at Logitech, highlighted the company’s focus on integrating user-centric solutions with the Apple ecosystem while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. “With a focus on optimizing workflow, productivity, and comfort, our Designed for Mac portfolio empowers Apple users to unleash their creative potential and enjoy day-long comfort at the desk without sacrificing Mac compatibility and look,” said Donné.
The Wave Keys for Mac will be available for purchase in May 2024 at a price of $59.99.
They say necessity is the mother of invention, so it’s probably not surprising that some of the best and sometimes even outrageous designs were born out of someone’s itch, as they call it. Take for example this rather interesting DIY project that gives a home for an iPad mini and hides the Mac Studio in plain sight. While there’s no shortage of products that address those needs separately, this creative solution manages to combine both in an inspired way, paying homage to the product that catapulted Apple to fame 40 years ago: the venerable original Macintosh. Of course, it isn’t just a superficial nostalgia trip, but one that also harnesses some of the best features of Apple’s product design today.
Designer: Scott Yu-Jan
Although it’s patterned after the Mac mini, the powerful Mac Studio is exponentially taller, and its presence can’t be ignored when you place it under a monitor. On the other side of the fence sits the lightweight and compact iPad mini, which has gained a lot of features that almost make it suitable as a desktop device. These two products come from very different lines but share the same family spirit. Putting them together might sound superficial, but this 3D-printed modular case manages to pull it off so tastefully.
Dubbed the Macintosh Studio, the enclosure sits on top of and snugly hugs most of the Mac Studio, leaving only the ports near the bottom unrestricted. The front of the contraption has a slot for the iPad mini to slide in securely and connect to the Mac Mini via a single USB-C cable. This way, the iPad mini is always charged and ready to go when you need it, while also serving as a second screen for the Mac Studio thanks to Apple Sidecar. This gives both devices a customized home without removing anything from their functionality. You can even draw on the iPad quickly, though the position and angle of the screen won’t be ideal for working on art and designs.
The Macintosh Studio design doesn’t just copy the original Macintosh’s form but manages to insert a few modern conveniences to take advantage of all the unused space at the back. There’s a retractable headphone hook at the top, for example, as well as interchangeable drawers for a single portable hard drive or a stack of SSDs. There are other possible designs, but these two, in particular, add value to the experience while still staying within reasonable limits.
Given that it’s simply a 3D-printed enclosure, there’s plenty of flexibility when it comes to the color of the Macintosh Studio. A variety of hues could make it look like a hybrid of the Macintosh and the colorful iMacs, adding a bit of life to what is normally a plain and drab silver aesthetic. All in all, the design is quite ingenious in how it manages to solve two rather different problems while still preserving the individual values of each product.
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Apple Macintosh, we reflect on how this technology has transformed our lives. The Macintosh changed how we interact with computers and redefined our relationship with technology. In 1984, Apple introduced the Macintosh, a computer that put the future at our fingertips. It embraced the philosophy of human-centric design long before it became a popular term in design circles.
Designer: Apple Computer, Inc.
Its graphical user interface (GUI) was a significant departure from the cumbersome command-line interfaces of the time. Using icons, windows, and a friendly desktop metaphor made technology accessible and approachable. This leap was not solely about technology but also about how humans interact with it.
On January 24, 1984, Steve Jobs famously unveiled the first Macintosh by dramatically pulling it out of a bag. The personal computer boasted a 9-inch black and white display powered by an 8MHz Motorola processor and 128KB of RAM. In classic Steve Jobs style, he then produced a 3.5-inch floppy drive and inserted it into the computer, much to the delight of Apple shareholders. Jobs had famously said, “We want to put an incredibly great computer in a book that you can carry around with you and learn how to use in 20 minutes.” At its launch, the original Macintosh cost $2,495.
Design Aesthetics: More Than a Machine
The all-in-one design of the Macintosh broke the mold. Its compact, boxy frame, complete with a built-in 9-inch screen, was an object of desire – sleek, stylish, and something you wouldn’t mind having on your desk. Looking back, it was more than a machine; where multiple layers of innovation and thoughtful design choices distinguish it from anything else of its time, it was a piece of art that complemented the user’s space.
The Macintosh computer differed from the early personal computers as it didn’t have a bulky, segmented design with separate units for the monitor, CPU, and keyboard. Instead, it had a compact, all-in-one design. This unique design of integrating the monitor and computer into a single unit was not only space-efficient but also symbolically significant. It represented a unified, holistic approach to computing, aligning with the philosophy that technology should seamlessly integrate into people’s lives without complicating them.
The friendly beige plastic casing, rounded edges, and compact size make it appear warm and approachable. The designers wanted to communicate that technology can be pleasant and welcoming rather than intimidating and alienating. Steve Jobs, known for his attention to detail regarding aesthetics, believed that good design was integral to the user experience. He famously said, “Design is not just what it looks and feels like. Design is how it works.” He believed good design, not just a superficial veneer, was essential to make things look good.
Did you know that the Macintosh had some fantastic design elements? One of the most unique features was the handle on the computer’s top. Not only was it functional, but it also represented portability and personal ownership. It made you feel like the Macintosh was your personal computer, one you could take charge of and create your own. This feature reflected a shift in how we see computers, from impersonal corporate machines to personal tools for creativity and expression.
The Macintosh’s 9-inch screen may seem tiny now, but it was a big deal in the day. It’s what made the Mac look so cool and funky. The cool thing about it was that it showed graphics and text in a way that had never been seen before. It was like a window into the heart of the Macintosh, showing everyone what made it unique and innovative.
Bridging Human and Machine: The Mighty Mouse – A Closer Look
When Apple Macintosh introduced the mouse, it wasn’t just another peripheral device. It changed the way we interact with machines. This tiny device played a massive role in connecting the digital world with its users. It transformed the personal computer from a specialized tool to an accessible and creative medium.
The mouse, tailored for the human hand, turned physical gestures into digital actions. Its design was simple yet effective – a small, palm-sized device with a single button, embodying the principle of simplicity and ease of use. This approachability was crucial. It invited users who might have been intimidated by the complexity of computers to explore this new world. Steve Jobs, ever the proponent of intuitive design, understood this connection, emphasizing, “We made the buttons on the screen look so good you’ll want to lick them.” The mouse was an extension of this philosophy, making the digital environment tangible and inviting.
Before the Macintosh, interacting with computers mainly involved typing commands – an efficient method for experts but alienating for novices. The mouse changed that, making computing a more intuitive, point-and-click experience. This change was akin to learning a new language where actions and commands became visual and direct. The mouse demystified the computer, aligning its use more closely with natural human behavior and less with the need to learn complex command languages.
The mouse was integral to the success and functionality of the Macintosh’s GUI. It allowed users to navigate the interface easily, interact with icons, open windows, and use menus. This ease of navigation made the computer’s advanced capabilities accessible to a broader audience, fostering a more inclusive digital culture. The mouse and GUI combination was a powerful duo that set the standard for future user interfaces, influencing the design of operating systems and software for decades. Applications became more visually oriented, focusing on ease of use and accessibility. Programs like MacPaint and MacWrite showcased what was possible with this new form of interaction, allowing users to create graphics and documents in previously unimaginable ways on a personal computer.
Over the years, the mouse has evolved, gaining more buttons, adopting new technologies like laser tracking and wireless connectivity, and even transforming into touchpads and touchscreens in modern devices. However, the core principle remains: technology should adapt to human needs, not vice versa.
In celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Macintosh, the significance of the mouse in bridging humans and machines cannot be overstated. It was a bold step towards making technology more personal, intuitive, and human. The Macintosh’s mouse was a harbinger of a future where technology becomes an extension of ourselves, seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, facilitating creativity, productivity, and exploration in the digital realm.
Echoing Steve Jobs’s vision, he said, “It’s in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough — it’s technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields us the result that makes our heart sing.”
The Macintosh made our hearts sing then, and forty years on, its legacy continues to inspire.
Nostalgia is a very powerful emotion, especially judging by the number of successful “retro” products sold in the market in the past years. Although the flood has seemingly trickled down a bit, it continues to flow especially in the gaming scene. Old gaming brands have suddenly resurfaced to bring nearly forgotten designs to the present, taking previous generations down memory lane while introducing today’s gamers to old-school experiences. While some of these retro consoles actually try to relive the past, this interesting and rather cute box might take your head for a spin with its Mac design and PC internals, combined to offer not just a gaming computer but a piece of desk decoration as well.
Compared to the computers put out by the likes of Atari and Commodore, the early PCs didn’t really have a memorable design that would go down in history as iconic computers. It was the original Apple Macintosh, instead, that captured people’s attention and imagination of what a home personal computer should look like. Of course, that was decades in the past, but the imagery has stood the test of time as proof of the design’s timeless character. AYANEO, a brand better known for gaming handhelds, is now taking that immensely popular design and giving it a rather curious twist.
As part of its AYANEO REMAKE concept line, the AYANEO Retro Mini PC AM01 slaps the old Mac design onto a new machine. The basic elements that have distinguished one of Apple’s earliest successes are there, tweaked a bit to avoid potential controversies, of course. There’s the telltale sign of a floppy drive, as well as a square rainbow badge that’s a nod to the old Apple logo. There’s a black rectangle near the top that’s purely cosmetic, denoting where the screen is supposed to be located. There’s nothing there, though, which is a bit of a waste, but it doesn’t really matter considering how the mini PC is used.
Unlike the Mac, the AYANEO Retro Mini PC is meant to lie down on its “back” rather than standing up, with that black rectangle in the rear. That’s because the ports for the computer are actually located on what would have been the top and bottom sides, so it has to be horizontal to actually be useful. Of course, this product is a gaming console anyway, not a standalone computer with a built-in display, so you’ll need to plug in peripherals to make it work. And yes, it runs Windows 11, which, given the eternal rivalry between Macs and PCs, some might find a bit insulting.
AYANEO has other retro designs also in the pipeline, including the Retro Mini PC AM02 that takes after the classic NES design. Curiously, that one does have a functional mini display since it can actually be used upright. It’s also working on a handheld that brings back the dual-display design of the not-so-old Nintendo DS, though the practical purpose of that second display is yet to be revealed.
