parallelport
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PSIO prototype loads PlayStation 1 ISOs on the console, no burned CD necessary (video)
Project PlayStation Input Output has been trying to load PlayStation 1 game images through the game system's parallel I/O port since 2010, and now it's ready to show off the first prototype. If piracy is your aim, then modchips that let users play burned discs and emulators that have been available through the console's 19-year history should suffice, but this project aims to bypass those methods. The potential benefits include easier homebrew support and playing of ripped discs on the original hardware without worrying about wearing out an aging console's laser. Eventually the team wants to load games and saves from an SD card, but in this demo video it's playing Klonoa: Door to Phantomile from an attached PC. As seen in the nearly ten minute video it does work, albeit slowly. As the video notes, optimizations for the USB controller and CD sectors that should speed things up have not been implemented yet. According to its FAQ, the PSIO team aims to have a final version done this year, you can check out the fruits of their labor after the break.
Shuttle's X50V2 all-in-one barebones PC gets passively cooled, passively hits online retail
When you've got an entire desktop PC inches from your eardrums, it helps if the machine is dead silent... or as close to that dream as possible. That's why we're pleased that Shuttle's new XPC X50V2 -- last spotted wearing a toga -- is now on sale with a completely fanless design for silent cooling. Since CES, the all-in-one has also gained legacy parallel and serial ports (you know, for your Zip drive) and room for up to 4GB of memory, but hasn't lost any of its dual-core Atom D510 1.66GHz goodness or its school lunchbox charm. Though we haven't heard official word about US availability, Shuttle's domestic website places the MSRP at $400, and online retailers including Newegg already show the tethered touchscreen tablet in stock.
Wii hacked with LPT cable instead of modchip?
This Wii hack set-up looks a bit dubious, at least at first glance, but may hold something promising for mod maniacs. Textb00k posted a video of his modded Wii playing a backup of Red Steel where he ditches the trusty modchip for a couple wires soldered to the drive board and routed to his PC's parallel port. The setup (PC only) also requires a patching program like Syndicate or WAB's "ISO Loader" or "WABModCheap" to make sure the Wii's firmware allows backups to load. He stresses that the video's purpose is to illustrate a cheap and easy hack alternative (about $3 and a trip to Radio Shack) to a modchip, but we say do it at your own risk, and if you're a Mac user, please return to playing your Wii as is. [Via Digg]
