The Engadget Show: Inside Ben Heck's magic kingdom

If you're a reader of Engadget (and let's be honest -- you're reading this, right?) then you surely know Ben Heck's work. The master modder has been the source of some of our favorite tweaks, hacks, and flat-out crazy gadget manipulations over the years. We recently had a chance to take a peek inside his workshop and hear straight from Ben about what drives him to create the madness we've see on our pages. It's a phantasmagoric adventure you won't likely forget -- so sit back, crack a cold one, and enjoy the ride!

Note: Don't forget, our next full length Engadget Show is happening this Thursday, and our guest is Steve Ballmer!

Update: Video is now live! Sorry about that!

Host: Nilay Patel
Produced and Directed by: Chad Mumm
Edited by: Michael Slavens
Music by: Bit Shifter
Titles by: Julien Nantiec

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[AtomicPlayboy Posted Oct 19th 2009 8:23PM]

I'm disappointed. I figure he would live in a house modded out of an old ENIAC installation or something.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 20th 2009 4:57PM]

What a wonderful guest, fantastically charismatic and the bit shifter in the background made his speech sound epic. that doesn't mean it necessarily was, but it was cool.

[scape Posted Oct 19th 2009 8:57PM]

the whole time nilay was jealous of that skull drink (too bad it looked like pepsi and rum)
and yes, i want it, but it's like 70$! at da lickher sto'

[Noubourne Posted Oct 19th 2009 10:21PM]

Not sure if that's Crystal Head Vodka or not. Here in WI we have a distillery called Death's Door that makes vodka, gin and white whisky out of the wheat harvest from Washington Island in Door County.

I believe they produced a clear skull bottle for a limited edition of their product as well. Could be that...

I did not realize he was from Madison myself. Will have to check out the conventions around town.

[joshuatly Posted Oct 20th 2009 12:20AM]

Its so cool! Im lovin it!
And look at his t shirt:
The cake is a lie! LOL

[CubeGuy Posted Oct 20th 2009 3:46AM]

MY LAPTOP!

Now I know I made a smart choice.

[Shawn Posted Oct 20th 2009 2:35PM]

haha he lives really close to my house. I should have him mod some of my junk for me. Such a brilliant man.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 20th 2009 7:23PM]

"Hey I've got this crappy song... I know, I'll be naked in the video!"

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 24th 2009 11:51AM]

I live in the same town as this guy!

[givemeyourshoes Posted Oct 22nd 2009 6:54PM]

Seriously, that's all you got. When are we going to see a 30 min segment with this guy. He stuff is genius, he deserves more than 5 min of video :)

[qrius Posted Oct 22nd 2009 6:54PM]

so I'd like to do such a thing, but man, does the guy cut all his plastic and such to make encasings? Or does he buy them somewhere? Does he also weld? I mean, to what level do you have to actually cut and weld to do the same kinda stuff?

-wannabebenheck

[dardub Posted Oct 22nd 2009 10:53PM]

Why can't you put this up on youtube or something. I don't want any crappy itunes or zune software on my computer. And for some reason the 180 mb file is a 45 min d/l.