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Check out your Xbox 360's heatsink without voiding warranty
Leave it to Ben Heck -- warranty thrasher and modder extraordinaire -- to point out an incredibly simple (and warranty-friendly) method of checking out your Xbox 360's heatsink. Put simply, you invert your console, snap a photo (or three for good measure) through the mesh, and compare your image with the above picture in order to determine if your box is rockin' the beefed up heatsink we've been hearing about. Go on, give it a go yourself, and make sure you report back with details of your findings (and photos for extra street cred).[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
A peek at the Atari Flashback Portable prototype
Curt Vendel, designer of the all-in-one Atari Flashback -- also known as the perfect holiday gift for that difficult person on your list -- let the readers of the AtariAge forums in on the design of the upcoming (and no longer rumored) Atari Flashback Portable.Sure, it's not quite as ... large as BenHeck's portable Jaguar or as expandable as his VCSp Rev. 7, but what the AFP is lacking in street cred it makes up for in sheer functionality. Like the Atari Flashback units that came before it, this petite package (which isn't much larger than a 2600 cartridge) will undoubtedly house dozens of classic Atari games, with nary a cartridge in sight. And for those two-player games? The handheld has two controller ports so you can plug in some joysticks for that authentic Atari experience. Update: more details gleaned from the AtariAge forums: the unit will run off 3 AAA batteries with a 15-hour runtime; the USB port will be a mini-port on the final release and games will be loaded via USB (from where? Will it play ROMs? Will we need to buy games individually?); screen resolution is 320X240 and the NTSC units will support AV out. Lastly, for those upset by the look of the unit, peep an even earlier spyshot of the Atari Flashback Portable after the break and bask in the glow of faux woodgrain. [Thanks, Chad]
Ben Heck's mystery product revealed to be Audio FX Pro 5+1 headset
After teasing us for a couple of months, modder extraordinaire (and Engadget contributor) Ben Heckendorn has finally taken the wraps off his mystery commercial product, now revealed to be a gaming headset. Dubbed the Audio FX Pro 5+1, the USB (non-wireless) headset opts for an old school look but packs its share of newfangled features, including internal motors for some force feedback action, along with some virtual 5.1 surround sound. As a bonus, Ben Heck's also responsible for the product's packaging, which includes some copy you're not likely to find anywhere else ("hear the cries of dying noobs with perfect digital clarity"), not to mention some faithfully reproduced bullet holes that Ben himself created in a fit of rage inspiration. As promised, the headset also comes in at under $100 ($80, specifically), and is available for pre-order from eDimensional now, although there's no word yet on when it'll ship.[Via Joystiq]
Behold Ben Heck's headphones of mystery
No, there's nothing particularly mysterious about them now, but those retro cans are the first consumer product by mod genius (and Engadget contributor) Ben Heck, hinted at through a veil of secrecy in late April. The Audio FX Pro 5+1 Headset sports a USB connection, an integrated 5.1 surround sound decoder and force feedback tech that allows you to feel frequencies that are too low for humans to hear. So ... superpowers.It's coming in July, but you can pre-order it right here for $80. The audio works with PS3 (just not the mic) but the 360 looks to be a no go. Now, Ben, just finish up your Wii Laptop that makes iced tea and hoverboards, and we'll see what we can do about that Nobel Prize.
Gameport: retro-focused portable with help from Ben Heck
The inimitable Ben Heck is taking his considerable console building talents and going pro. Well, maybe "pro" isn't the exact right word, but he's lent his design skills, as well as his portable handheld naming skills, to the Gameport handheld system. The device is just a prototype, so we have no information on availability or price, but we do know it should pack a 5-hour battery life, a 480 by 234 pixel screen, a video-out for playing on your television, SD card support (for storing your games, et al), and a USB 1.1 port for loading the thing up. Their goal is to create a system that reproduces the original experience of the 8-bit classics as closely as possible and, with open source software, encourage a development community to grow around the platform. Check out Ben on GameTrailer's GameOne and jump ahead to the last segment for some video of the Gameport. [Via Engadget]
Ben Heck lends his hand to emulation-friendly Gameport handheld
It looks like those not able to get their own one-of-a-kind Ben Heck creation could soon be able to get their hands on the next best thing, as Ben (whose work on Engadget can be found here) has now lent some of his considerable talents to the forthcoming Gameport handheld, which promises to let you get your old school emulation fix with no questions asked. While the Gameport isn't entirely Ben's doing, he did design the casing for the device, not to mention pick the name for it. The non-Ben Heck aspects of the device seem to be decent enough as well, with it boasting a 480 x 234 LCD display (the exact size isn't clear), an SD slot to handle all storage needs, and even a port to connect two systems together for multiplayer games. According to Ben, only Atari 2600 and Colecovision games are supported for the time being, although emulation of other systems will apparently be possible through software upgrades (it'll also function as a basic PMP). Unfortunately, it's still in prototype form, so it looks like we'll have to wait a while to get an idea of pricing or availability.[Via Ben Heck]
Engadget's how-to make an Xbox 360 laptop (part 3)
Mod guru Ben Heckendorn, having taken a break to write a how-to for his PS360 pad, has returned like a trained Jedi (oh, wrong day, sorry) to complete the Xbox 360 laptop trilogy.In the final act, Heck puts all the pieces neatly together and fills in all the plot holes with with pretty pictures and Digi-key part numbers. Our enjoyment is hindered only by our jealousy and inability to follow in his footsteps. For those with engineering skills, give it a shot. For those without said skills, enjoy the show and wait until Heck reveals his next crazy contraption.See Also: part one, part two
Ben Heck teaches us how to make a 'PS360' gamepad
Not content with putting a PlayStation 3 Sixaxis inside an Xbox 360 gamepad and letting the world be jealous, Ben Heckendorn is showing us how to make our own PS360 controller. All you need is a Sixaxis, an Xbox 360 gamepad, various tools and circuits, and a bit of technical know-how.The end result leaves us, alongside the freakish monster of Science seen above, a Sixaxis shell and the innards of an Xbox 360 gamepad ... hmm, sounds like Heck should find a way to combine those parts into a controller and save us having to throw away perfectly good circuitry.According to the post, part 3 in the how-to make an Xbox 360 Laptop Mk II series will return next week.
Ben Heckendorn prepping his first commercial product
While you'll still have to go the DIY route to get your hands on an Xbox 360 laptop, those pining for a Ben Heck creation of their very own will soon have a slightly easier go of it, as he's now teamed up with eDimensional Inc to bring out his first commercial product. Of course, Ben's not saying exactly what his product is just yet, only going so far as to say that it's a video game accessory and it'll cost less than $100. If you're feeling particularly prognostic about that, you can head over to eDimensional's site and enter their contest, where one lucky winner will take home the mystery accessory signed by the man himself.P.S. -For those not already in the know, ol' Hecky is an Engadget columnist. We'd like to think that won't sway your feelings about his mystery product, though.[Via Ben Heck, thanks Rasmus]
Engadget's how-to make an Xbox 360 laptop (part 2)
Ben Heckendorn's back to serve as educator for all those would-be modders who wish to emulate his Xbox 360 laptop (mark II). Steps covered in the second part include designing the case, modifying the heatsink, hacking (dare we say Hecking?) apart an LCD monitor and combining the console's and monitor's power supplies. Despite the many descriptive images, explanations and downloadable resources, this project is not for the faint of heart.The final chapter of the how-to trilogy will show how to compile everything into a working beauty and is coming soon. See also: part one
Engadget: how to make your own 360 laptop
Hey, remember that super sexy Xbox 360 laptop we reported last week? Remember how we said that Engadget would be posting all the information you need to build one for your very own? Well, they've already posted parts 1 and 2 of their "how-to" series. Now, we would be putting our brains at risk of explosion if we were to try and follow the directions. As such, let's just say that building a 360 laptop involves soldering, desoldering, clipping, snipping, attaching, detaching, and magic.If you have the means, and if you can read the directions without damaging your grey matter, then you can start with part 1. If you manage to make it through that unscathed, proceed to part 2. All that remains is the looming madness of part 3. We'll let you know when it goes live.
Engadget's how-to make an Xbox 360 laptop (part 1)
Following Ben Heckendorn's unveiling of the Xbox 360 Laptop mk2, you've had a couple of days to prepare your mind and body for the inevitable how-to series you knew would follow, so braid up your hair and gather 'round as Master Heckendorn teaches you how to control your anger jealousy and build your very own Xbox 360 Laptop. Be warned: the process is fraught with peril and this guide (part one of three!) is comprised of nearly three dozen pictures and over 3000 "words." So grab your soldering iron and your power converters (available at Tosche Power Supply if you're plum out) and get reading. Us, we're content to just admire the pretty pictures, thanks.
Ben Heck creates the 360 Laptop mk2
Of all the wonderful things that can be said about the Xbox 360, "portable" doesn't usually come up. With a sizable case and a monstrous power brick, the 360 takes some effort (and preferably a comfy backpack) to haul around. Always there to heed our call, the venerable Ben Heck is at it again with the 360 laptop mk2. Many will recall his previous laptop effort, and we have to say the mk2 is definitely an improvement (the keyboard should come in handy for IM). There's no word yet as to how much the beast must have cost (HD screen = expensive), nor are there any "making of" pictures, but Engadget promises to reveal the whole process in the coming weeks. So, if you'd like to build one for your very own, stay tuned.In the meantime, hit the "read" link to check out some images and video of the 360 laptop mk2 in action.[Via Joystiq]
Engadget unveils Ben Heck's Xbox 360 Laptop mk2
Ben Heck has been busy, indeed. When he isn't busy gutting Xbox 360 controllers and cramming the guts of a Sixaxis into the hollow carcass, he's apparently gutting Xbox 360 consoles and cramming them into custom enclosures with integrated HD screens and keyboards (TID be damned). Engadget has pics of his latest revision, the Xbox 360 Laptop mk2 (sucks to be you, mk1) but all they're showing now is the finished product. Not to worry though, Ben promises an exhaustive three-part how-to (à la Wii laptop) soon.
Heck crams a Sixaxis into an Xbox 360 controller
Is there anything Ben Heckendorn can't do? It wouldn't shock us to read tomorrow that he's managed to build a combination Xbox 720 / PlayStation Quattro / Nintendo Hologlobe into one case, using only the interior components of a Casio watch and a Texas Instruments graphing calculator.For now, he's content to put a PS3 Sixaxis controller into an Xbox 360 controller shell, and make it look good. While it might be blasphemy to some and a slap in the face to others, there's no denying that the guy does great work. Check out the amazing pictures here, and find out how the surgery was performed.For just a few other Heck miracles, check these out:Amazing Wii laptopStupendous Xbox 360 laptopRetro-tastic portable Atari Jaguar[Via Engadget]
Ben Heck's PS360: SIXAXIS-stuffed Xbox controller
While not particularly partial to either, it's no secret that quite a few individuals seem to prefer Microsoft's Xbox 360 controller over Sony's award-winning SIXAXIS, and in the case of a particular individual who refused get his / her PS3 game on with a dual-shock controller, Ben Heck came to the rescue. In yet another instance of his DIY handiness, Ben stripped the innards from a PS3 controller, worked his PCB-bending magic, and somehow ported the functionality necessary for gaming on a PlayStation 3 into an Xbox 360 controller. Notably, this particular mod was done "on consignment," so if you've got a hankering for a couple of these yourself, we're sure Ben can make it happen. Be sure to hit the read link to see this traitor of an input peripheral in action, and click on through for a few more snapshots.[Via Engadget Chinese]
Ben Heck explains how to make Wii laptop
Remember that crazy Wii laptop Engadget commissioned from mod extraordinaire Ben Heckendorn? Well, Ben Heck was kind enough to write up a thorough how-to guide so that we can emulate his work. The third and final part of his instructional guide has been posted onto Engadget so that you can now get out your soldering iron and copies of Hardware Hackery for Dummies and give your Wii a crazy makeover. Part 1 ripped up the console. (O, the humanity!) Part 2 rearranges the parts and designs the case. Part 3 creates the casing and puts it all together. Hack, mod and enjoy, but be wary: if you screw up, a replacement will be extremely hard to find.
Engadget builds a Wii Laptop, world stares
We trust that you'll be able to refrain from Wii in your lap jokes long enough to gaze adoringly on BenHeck's latest creation for our friends at Engadget. Behold: the Wii Laptop! Painstakingly crafted from a Wii, a 7" 16:9 LCD monitor, and magic, the Wii Laptop has a built-in sensor bar, A/V output jacks (so you can hook it up to an external display), and a Gamecube controller port! Engadget has an image gallery and some video of the beauty , but just enough to whet your appetite before the multi-part How-To begins next week.
Ben Heckendorn updates the Atari 800 laptop mod
Will the myriad of modded consoles from Ben Heckendorn never cease? (We sure hope not.) The man who brought us the NES Micro, N64p, PPS2, Phoenix 2600, (not to mention an ongoing series of how-tos for Engadget) has finally updated his November 2005 hack of the Atari 800. That laptop, which combined a screen and the guts of the 1980s gaming system, has now been brought into the modern age (read: 2006) with a new case, a cleaner keyboard (with round keys!), and a breakout cartridge case. We particularly admire the Atari logo on the top, and Ben's usual attention to detail and a clean, efficient, design. Still, we can't wait for the day that Ben's talents get noticed by Apple, Dell, or another big-name laptop maker, so that more of the masses can be showered with his talent -- but then again, perhaps it's better that we keep him to ourselves. Check out a few more snaps on the next page, and then head over to benheck.com for his always thorough and entertaining build diary...[Thanks, technick29]
Look Mom, one handed 360 controller
The talented Ben over at BenHeck.com has come up with a new take on your standard Xbox 360 controller. Ben must have had the logic that using two hands on your controller is so 2005, why not just condense the control scheme and make it so you only need one hand? This modded 360 controller allows just that, only one hand required! All kidding aside, the inspiration for this mod what so that people with disabilities or those who have function of just one hand could play the 360. This is actually a great mod and very well thought out, gold star for you Ben![Via Digg][Thanks, kade]
