Pimp Your Mac

August 4, 2008 |

Have you pimped out your Mac, or have you left it unmolested? I decorate my MacBook in a new way on a regular basis. I can’t stand the plain white look, and also just want it protected. If you’ve wanted to do some simple decoration of your Mac, this post is for you.

As you can see in these photos of my very simple 13″ MacBook Mod, you don’t have to get as complex or expensive as the NecroMac to have some fun changing how your favorite Mac looks. I used zCover, MacStyles, WeLoveMacs Trackpadz, and DecalGirl’s Custom Laptop Skin for my mods. All of the skins and covers were exceptionally easy to apply except DecalGirl’s lightening skin. That one was a pain in the behind, and if you use her skins I highly recommend having a couple of friends to help you or the skin will rip. Also, DecalGirl does not send an applicator tool. Happily, MacStyles does, and I was able to use that to get rid of air bubbles and creases. I cut the glowing Apple logo out myself with an Xacto knife. (more tips after the photos)

If you want to make a few simple changes to your own Mac, you don’t have to go the same route I did, or even use the same pieces and places to do it. There are all kinds of Mac mods. Some of the coolest are elaborate steam punk Macs, the famous NecroMac (pictured in the first paragraph), and others. If you have that kind of time and budget, those mods are fun, but if you just want to have a bit of fun and protect your Mac from harm in the process, you can go a much simpler route with a few easy add ons, decals, vinyl covers and keyboard mods.

Where to find simple modification tools:

Gelaskins

DecalGirl
zCover
MacStyles

WeLoveMacs

Schtickers

LapSchticks

SteamPunk Workshop (example only - finding your own steampunk items is key for a steampunk mod)

Skyn
Do you have a favorite place to get the accessories you need to mod your Mac? It’s about time to change mine, so let me know in the comments and I’ll check it out.