Adafruit Fruit Jam – an RP2350 Mini Computer Running Classic Macintosh

Posted4 months agoActive4 months ago

Original: Adafruit Fruit Jam – An RP2350 mini computer running classic Macintosh

rbanffy

45 points

9 comments

cnx-software.comHardwarestory

informativepositive

Debate

20/100

Rp2350Classic MacintoshMini Computer

Key topics

Rp2350

Classic Macintosh

Mini Computer

The Adafruit Fruit Jam, a tiny RP2350-based computer running classic Macintosh, is sparking a lively debate about what constitutes a "mini computer." As commenters weigh in, it becomes clear that the term is being reclaimed from its original meaning, with some nostalgic for the era of actual mini computers, while others see the modern usage as a natural evolution. Enthusiasts are already brainstorming creative projects, from reviving non-functional Macintosh units to 3D printing vintage cases, showcasing the Fruit Jam's potential for retro tech tinkering. With various DIY endeavors and related projects emerging, the discussion is a testament to the enduring appeal of retro computing and the innovative spirit of the maker community.

Snapshot generated from the HN discussion

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2-4h

Avg / period

1.8

Key moments

01Story posted
Aug 30, 2025 at 10:28 AM EDT
4 months ago
Step 01
02First comment
Aug 30, 2025 at 12:05 PM EDT
2h after posting
Step 02
03Peak activity
4 comments in 2-4h
Hottest window of the conversation
Step 03
04Latest activity
Aug 31, 2025 at 11:55 AM EDT
4 months ago
Step 04

Generating AI Summary...

Analyzing up to 500 comments to identify key contributors and discussion patterns

Discussion (9 comments)

Showing 9 comments

jhbadger

4 months ago

2 replies

I guess the era of actual mini computers (which were larger than the typical computer of today which were originally called micro computers) is so far in the past that the term can be reused to mean "machines smaller than current computers"? Nanocomputer would be the consistent naming.

zzgo

4 months ago

1 reply

Mini PC seemed to be the term that was being settled on, though I do see mini computer used where I'd expect to see nano computer as well. This is the first time I've seen anyone in tech use the term mini computer instead of nano, however.

Perhaps they're not teaching the under 40s what a mini computer is.

rbanffyAuthor

4 months ago

Tecnically, the IBMi seems to be the last survivor of the mini computer segment. Is HPE still selling Itanic boxes with VMS that could be called the heirs to the VAX family?

opan

4 months ago

This reminds me, I wanted the class of device that an iPod Touch falls into to be called "nano tablets" for a while in the early 2010s. It bugged me that it was basically a "phone" without the phone part. I hate to think you can only call something by its official branded name. Also, if you're using an actual phone without a SIM, it feels similarly silly to call it a phone.

That being said, I don't recall if anyone else did make something quite like an iPod Touch, and now it's dead as well.

adamredwoods

4 months ago

1 reply

It's been a project I want to embark on to buy a non-functional Macintosh unit and put this in there with the emulator.

https://learn.adafruit.com/fruit-jam-mac-emulator

rbanffyAuthor

4 months ago

A lot of fun can be had with the “for parts” computers you find on eBay.

rcarmo

4 months ago

I took the Pi Zero route a few months back and have a reincarnated Quadra in the 3D printed case of an SE/30.

raphlinus

4 months ago

I have very high hopes for this board, and have been playing with RP2350 with DVI out for a while (I have one of these on order but it hasn't arrived yet, but other boards[1] exist).

Emulation is a sweet spot because if you race the beam, there is no compositor latency. Basically every retro computer with less than a quarter meg of VRAM is fair game (whether a framebuffer or not).

I have a bit of time off this fall and intend to do some fun things.

[1]: https://github.com/DusterTheFirst/pico-dvi-rs/wiki/RP2350-DV...

robterrell

4 months ago

There's this one too: https://jcm-1.com/product/picomicromac/

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ID: 45074967Type: storyLast synced: 11/20/2025, 5:42:25 PM

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