17" iMac converted to touchscreen external monitor

[jberg44]

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). 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 (including parts list) at:

Build Process

 

Here is a video:

[kawasakiguy37]

How much did this project cost you?

[RelientTU]

Holy {censored}. That's epic! I wouldn't mind having one of those around the house.

 

I'll echo the above: How much did the conversion cost?