Stripped-down and streamlined: I converted a MacBook Air with a broken LCD into a headless macOS machine to pair with my Apple Vision Pro
After removing the display assembly, the weight dropped to just 871 grams—nearly half the weight of a stock MacBook Air (M2 model, 1.24 kg). It’s now lighter than an 11” iPad Pro (466g) when paired with a Magic Keyboard (601g total) and still far more portable than a Mac mini (1.18 kg). And remember it includes battery, integrated keyboard and trackpad.
I’s a fanless, battery-powered Mac that fits easily in my bag and runs silently, with my Apple Vision Pro acting as a full (ultra-wide) external display. This setup becomes a modular Mac experience—like a modern twist on a UNIX workstation.
No display, no distractions, just Apple Silicon performance and presence.
For anyone with a damaged MacBook lying around (they’re available on eBay for around $200), this might be a second life worth exploring. Highly recommended!
Dr Bob, Brain Mechanic 