3rd-partycustomizationdesignhardware-recommendationmacbook pro
Device: MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014)
I'm looking for detailed schematics, preferably official Apple publications, describing and/or annotating the dimensions or other specifics of the components. I'm not looking for electrical layout diagrams.
My goal is to create an acrylic chassis inspired by the old iMacs to replace the aluminum. Any leads on the topic of this documentation is welcome, even if it's not everything.
The particular part I am interested in is pictured below:
I had an old Powerbook G3 that had lost 2 of it's rubber feet. Instead of trying to replace them with the same ones, I just went to a hardware store and bought the little rubber stick-on feet that you could put on the bottom of furniture or a TV stand or whatever. Cost all of about 99 cents and worked perfectly.
They looked something like this:
I bought a new 15'' MBP just one week ago and I considered the same choices. Finally I took the 2.0 GHz for the following reasons:
from the pure CPU point of view this would be an endless pursuit: there will always be a CPU with a frequency a bit higher than what you have; for example you would be tempted to go from the 2.2 to the 2.3 GHz
the 2.2 (and 2.3) have 8 MB (instead of 6 MB) of L3 cache, that's my only regret
I think it is more useful to upgrade from the 5400 RPM drive to the 7200 RPM, I think there's a noticeable difference
if you're a software developer then you should really consider to upgrade to the HD screen
In my opinion, unless your budget is unlimited these two upgrades are much worth their price than the CPU upgrade to 2.2 GHz (even considering the GPU and the cache).
Best Answer
Apple isn't known for making their computer parts user replaceable or making their parts public, because of this I would think it would be highly unlikely Apple would publish CAD files/designs of parts. Here are some possibilities I can think of for finding a CAD file.
Find a patent. I'm not sure if Apple patented the chassis, but if they did you might be able to find the patent. If you're able to find it you could take the dimensions of it and turn it into a CAD file using a software like Blender, Fusion 360 or any other CAD application.
Contact a third party part manufacturer. There are multiple third parties that manufacture Apple computer parts. One example of those companies is iFixIt. They provide some parts, kits, and guides for replacing certain computer parts. I took the time to find the parts you need. The bottom chassis is made up of two different parts. The first part is the upper case assembly, the second is the lower case assembly. If you contact them and explain your situation to them, they might provide you with CAD files, this isn't the most likely though.
Using a ruler and CAD software. You've said you couldn't find any CAD files online so I won't mention that. That leaves one solution. Making your own CAD file, and just so you know, it's probably as complicated and time-consuming as it sounds. It's one thing just to make the part so it looks similar, but it's another thing to make it so it fits.
Good look finding/making the CAD file so you can make this part. I will look for a patent and make an update if I can find one.
P.S. Just so you know the part in the older macs is made out of plastic/rubber and not acrylic.