Wokyis retro enclosure expands Mac Mini M4 into modular dock with SSD, 5" HD screen, and HDMI input
Wokyis made its debut at Computex 2025 with a clever piece of retro-futurist hardware designed specifically for Apple’s latest Mac Mini M4. The product, also called Wokyis, is a $99 enclosure https://prelaunch.com/projects/wokyis-wokyis-the-retro-enclosure-for-your-mac-mini-m4 that transforms the compact Mac Mini into something reminiscent of classic Xerox PARC-era desktop machines. Beyond aesthetics, this enclosure adds tangible functionality: a built-in display, adjustable brightness control, and an integrated I/O expansion hub. The result is a throwback form factor optimized for modern productivity and modular experimentation. It will soon launch on a crowdfunding site like Kickstarter for $99 for the 10Gbit/s Dock or $199 for the 40Gbit/s Dock (to be confirmed if overall bandwidth is 10GB/s or 10Gbit/s for the basic one, will return here once I am sure)
The Wokyis enclosure doesn’t just house the Mac Mini M4—it enhances it. A key feature is the front-facing auxiliary screen, which can function as a photo frame, video player, or app-specific display using one of the M4’s three video outputs via USB-C. This makes it ideal for secondary tasks like media monitoring, home server dashboards, or ambient content display. Users can connect it directly through a Type-C output from the Mac Mini, integrating seamlessly into the existing setup without compromising front I/O access.
One of the most distinctive hardware features of the Wokyis is its internal expansion bay supporting M.2 NVMe SSDs, with configurations ranging from 1TB to 8TB. This turns the Mac Mini into a more robust local server or creative workstation without needing external dongles or drives. There's also an HDMI input, enabling the screen to double as a display for a Raspberry Pi or other SBCs. This adds flexibility for DIY setups, retro computing projects, or low-power cloud applications.
Wokyis also includes high-bandwidth port options with versions supporting either 10 Gbps or a full 40 Gbps of total throughput. Front-facing ports offer USB Type-C, SD 4.0 and MicroSD 4.0 ports, for fast media transfers or peripheral expansion. In short, it doesn't just look like a vintage machine—it acts like a modern-day docking station designed with retro charm.
The design pays tribute to the post Xerox PARC aesthetic but modernizes it with thoughtful materials and thermally optimized layout. The fit for the Mac Mini M4 is precise, providing full access to original ports while complementing Apple’s minimalist lines. The internal cooling and cable routing have been carefully considered, making it practical for continuous use in both horizontal and vertical setups.
While visually nostalgic, the Wokyis is clearly made for the present: it’s a compelling option for creators, developers, and enthusiasts seeking a desk-friendly expansion unit that doesn't sacrifice form for function. Whether you're running macOS-native applications or deploying Linux containers on a Pi tucked into the same chassis, it supports diverse workflows with style.
The enclosure's onboard display becomes particularly useful in headless or semi-headless configurations, like when running Plex, Home Assistant, or custom dashboards. Combined with SSD expandability and native video routing, the Wokyis makes a strong case for transforming the Mac Mini M4 into a home lab centerpiece or retro-themed workstation.
At Computex 2025, the Wokyis stood out not just for its look, but for its modular ambition. It’s designed to be fun, but also genuinely useful for expanding the scope of Apple’s smallest and its most powerful compact Arm Powered desktop. For fans of modular computing, retro design, or simply getting more out of their Mac Mini, the Wokyis might be one of the most intriguing accessories of the year.
My full Computex 2025 video coverage is here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvj3C9dXenaWQjgGGk5CmMxR
This video was filmed using the DJI Pocket 3 ($669 at https://amzn.to/4aMpKIC using the dual wireless DJI Mic 2 microphones with the DJI lapel microphone https://amzn.to/3XIj3l8 ), watch all my DJI Pocket 3 videos here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhDlWIAxm_pR9dp7ArSkhKK
Join https://www.youtube.com/charbax/join for Early Access to my videos and to support my work, or you can Click the "Super Thanks" button below the video to send a highlighted comment under the video! Brands I film are welcome to support my work in this way 😁
Видео Wokyis retro enclosure expands Mac Mini M4 into modular dock with SSD, 5" HD screen, and HDMI input канала Charbax
The Wokyis enclosure doesn’t just house the Mac Mini M4—it enhances it. A key feature is the front-facing auxiliary screen, which can function as a photo frame, video player, or app-specific display using one of the M4’s three video outputs via USB-C. This makes it ideal for secondary tasks like media monitoring, home server dashboards, or ambient content display. Users can connect it directly through a Type-C output from the Mac Mini, integrating seamlessly into the existing setup without compromising front I/O access.
One of the most distinctive hardware features of the Wokyis is its internal expansion bay supporting M.2 NVMe SSDs, with configurations ranging from 1TB to 8TB. This turns the Mac Mini into a more robust local server or creative workstation without needing external dongles or drives. There's also an HDMI input, enabling the screen to double as a display for a Raspberry Pi or other SBCs. This adds flexibility for DIY setups, retro computing projects, or low-power cloud applications.
Wokyis also includes high-bandwidth port options with versions supporting either 10 Gbps or a full 40 Gbps of total throughput. Front-facing ports offer USB Type-C, SD 4.0 and MicroSD 4.0 ports, for fast media transfers or peripheral expansion. In short, it doesn't just look like a vintage machine—it acts like a modern-day docking station designed with retro charm.
The design pays tribute to the post Xerox PARC aesthetic but modernizes it with thoughtful materials and thermally optimized layout. The fit for the Mac Mini M4 is precise, providing full access to original ports while complementing Apple’s minimalist lines. The internal cooling and cable routing have been carefully considered, making it practical for continuous use in both horizontal and vertical setups.
While visually nostalgic, the Wokyis is clearly made for the present: it’s a compelling option for creators, developers, and enthusiasts seeking a desk-friendly expansion unit that doesn't sacrifice form for function. Whether you're running macOS-native applications or deploying Linux containers on a Pi tucked into the same chassis, it supports diverse workflows with style.
The enclosure's onboard display becomes particularly useful in headless or semi-headless configurations, like when running Plex, Home Assistant, or custom dashboards. Combined with SSD expandability and native video routing, the Wokyis makes a strong case for transforming the Mac Mini M4 into a home lab centerpiece or retro-themed workstation.
At Computex 2025, the Wokyis stood out not just for its look, but for its modular ambition. It’s designed to be fun, but also genuinely useful for expanding the scope of Apple’s smallest and its most powerful compact Arm Powered desktop. For fans of modular computing, retro design, or simply getting more out of their Mac Mini, the Wokyis might be one of the most intriguing accessories of the year.
My full Computex 2025 video coverage is here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvj3C9dXenaWQjgGGk5CmMxR
This video was filmed using the DJI Pocket 3 ($669 at https://amzn.to/4aMpKIC using the dual wireless DJI Mic 2 microphones with the DJI lapel microphone https://amzn.to/3XIj3l8 ), watch all my DJI Pocket 3 videos here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhDlWIAxm_pR9dp7ArSkhKK
Join https://www.youtube.com/charbax/join for Early Access to my videos and to support my work, or you can Click the "Super Thanks" button below the video to send a highlighted comment under the video! Brands I film are welcome to support my work in this way 😁
Видео Wokyis retro enclosure expands Mac Mini M4 into modular dock with SSD, 5" HD screen, and HDMI input канала Charbax
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21 мая 2025 г. 23:17:01
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