This is a mod that I have been working on for some time. I have converted a broken 17" iMac G4 into an external monitor / touch screen that can be connected to any computer by either DVI or VGA. All cables and connections (including the touch screen) go through the neck and can be connected to the base.
As the iMac G4 monitor uses a non-standard TMDS connection, I decided to replace the LCD with a standard LVDS monitor. The monitor components including the lcd controller and power source/inverter were relocated to the base as well as the touch screen controller. The touch screen is a resistive touch screen which connects via USB. The neck was entirely rewired.
Currently, I have it hooked up to a mini itx Windows 7 Core 2 Duo build (skinned to look like Leopard). I eventually plan on getting a mac mini for it. Although the mac mini may be able to fit in the base, it would have to be removed from its case. Instead, I think I am going to conceal the mac mini below the desk. This mod gives me a touch screen external monitor that I can use with any modern hardware, which is indistinguishable from a standard 17" iMac G4. So, I can keep my iMac a usable computer/monitor indefinitely. Because you can pull and tilt the monitor the touch screen is very useful unlike most desktop touch screens.
I have detailed the build process for those interested (including parts list) at:
http://dremmeljunkie.blogspot.com/2010/04/17-imac-g4-external-touch-screen.html
Here is a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOm4hS_bvEA
As the iMac G4 monitor uses a non-standard TMDS connection, I decided to replace the LCD with a standard LVDS monitor. The monitor components including the lcd controller and power source/inverter were relocated to the base as well as the touch screen controller. The touch screen is a resistive touch screen which connects via USB. The neck was entirely rewired.
Currently, I have it hooked up to a mini itx Windows 7 Core 2 Duo build (skinned to look like Leopard). I eventually plan on getting a mac mini for it. Although the mac mini may be able to fit in the base, it would have to be removed from its case. Instead, I think I am going to conceal the mac mini below the desk. This mod gives me a touch screen external monitor that I can use with any modern hardware, which is indistinguishable from a standard 17" iMac G4. So, I can keep my iMac a usable computer/monitor indefinitely. Because you can pull and tilt the monitor the touch screen is very useful unlike most desktop touch screens.
I have detailed the build process for those interested (including parts list) at:
http://dremmeljunkie.blogspot.com/2010/04/17-imac-g4-external-touch-screen.html
Here is a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOm4hS_bvEA
