Click image for super-sized, suitable for framing version.

A few months ago I announced that I would be building a few more Xbox 360 portables, and well, here’s one now! While it looks similar to the previous model it’s once again a from-scratch redesign and has the following features:

• Built-in Ethernet port, finally.
• Built-in WiFi adapter, as usual.
• Digital pushbutton volume control rather than a clunky knob. I used a different audio amp as well, and it sounds a lot better.
• Flush-mount DVD door and side panels (such as the memory card slots)
• IR sensor for the remote control.
• Two user USB ports.
• More air holes!
• Jasper motherboard.

For more pictures, info and a demo video, click below. Both of these new units are spoken for (commission) but later this summer, after I take a break, I will probably be taking on new work so stay tuned!

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Here is the latest Commodore 64 original hardware laptop, “Revision 2″. Thanks to the generosity of the person requesting this build, this particular unit will be up for auction with proceeds benefiting charity.

The current plan is to have a “silent auction” where people send us their bids, and then the proceeds go to Child’s Play. We will start this auction on Monday July 6th after the holiday week. Bids should start at $1000 US.

It is very similar to the first C64 laptop I built, with the key difference being it uses the newer 1541-III Ultimate SD-card based storage solution / disk emulator. USB and Ethernet ports for this device are open and available on the front of the unit.

Additionally, we’d like to thank Reed at oldsoftware.com for finding us the refurbished keyboard and special RevE 64C motherboards - you can check out his site by clicking here.

More details on the auction as they become available - in the meantime click below to see more pictures and video. Enoy…

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In my continued efforts to put IKEA out of business, I present “Super Work Bench 2009″

As usual, it’s designed to fit in a specific room. For more pics and a rundown of the features (a piece of wood with features, that’s right, only on Benheck.com) click below.

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Having been in some sort of development since spring of 2005, Bill Paxton Pinball has now become the most delayed Ben Heckendorn project ever, finally surpassing the four agonizing years it took to complete Port Washington (which is still too painful for me to watch).

Who knows when, if ever, this all custom pinball machine will ever be finished. The backglass art makes a great wall decoration, but hopefully someday we see it lit up like a Christmas tree.

Podcast time again. In this thrilling episode we discuss some upcoming movies, mostly Ghostbusters 3, and the difference between who they should cast and who they probably will.

We also talk about some new games coming down the pike and my trip to the Games for Health conference two weeks ago.

Enjoy!

Listen to Benheck.com Podcast Episode 60

www.benheckpodcast.com

Last week was the Games for Health conference in Boston and I’d like to thank Ben Sawyer and his crew for making it such a wonderful event.

As part of the show I did an interview with Dave Graveline, who has a great radio voice. We discusses some of the things I do and how they relate to Games for Health. For more information, clink on the link above or right here to visit the page.

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Got a promotional heads-up from one of my old advertisers about a Guitar Hero 5 contest that is going on from now until June 22nd. Basically you can test your GH5 trivia knowledge and win concert tickets for you and your friends! Click here to visit their site.

Good luck, and I hope you do better than my friends and I at Quaker Steak & Lube trivia nights ;) (Thought we rocked some 1 VS 100 the other night on the Xbox 360)

We’re back with an all-new podcast!

In this episode we discuss why the Castlevania movie probably got deep-sixed, impressions of the stuff shown at E3 and finally we talk about the life cycle of the Xbox 360.

Enjoy!

Listen to Benheck.com Podcast Episode 59

www.benheckpodcast.com

Did you know I also design my own furniture?

Behold SUPER DESK! Routed from 1.5 sheets of 3/4″ birch veneer plywood, it is the pinnacle of 21st century desk engineering. It easily comes apart into pieces making moving a snap! For more pics and info click below.

While building this I wondered “Would anyone buy Benheck-designed furniture?” The parts could be routed, shipped to the customer with the plans, and they could sand, stain and assemble in the comfort of their own homes.Something like this would probably be around $300+shipping. Crazy idea? Good idea? Let me know!

Want the plans? Here they are, go nuts!

In other news, I realize there has been a lack of updates lately. This is because I am moving across town, getting ready for Games for Health in Boston, building 2 new Xbox 360 laptops, a new C64 laptop using the 1541-III Ultimate, and finally a new Pelican case Xbox 360 as well. We’re planning to record new podcasts this weekend so keep your shorts on, OK?

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A few weeks ago I was in Burbak for the Jace Hall show and the episode is now complete. It was a fun interview, very goofy and off-the-wall, which was nice for a change!

Click here to watch the full episode - enjoy!