All posts by benheck

Video Games

New Xbox 360 Portable

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Note: Inside pics / Making of section added.

My latest project is the Xbox 360 Portable. Figured that was a more appropriate name than laptop, because seriously, who’d put this in their lap? It weighs almost as much as my sister’s cat.


New Xbox 360 Portable Experience

It differs from my past Xbox 360 laptops in several ways:

  • Removable standard Xbox 360 hard drive for easy profile/data swapping
  • Both memory card slots accessible, same reason.
  • No keyboard! Really, they have those chat pads, what’s the point? (Besides looking cool)
  • Simplified layout of ports and buttons.
  • Internal wi-fi module, no external antenna. Antenna is strung out inside unit like other consoles/laptops.
  • Beveled edges! Countersunk screws!


Containing the full-sized 360 hard drive caused this unit to be about 1/2″ thicker than past models.

For a bunch more photos and info please read the rest of the story below. The THQ Darksiders prize laptop is the same model as this one but covered with artwork of course.

This black unit was a commissioned model, as for new large-project orders I probably can’t take more until the spring. If you do wish to suggest a project to me remember weirder is always better!

Continue reading New Xbox 360 Portable →

Video Games

Jasper search continues

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Checked out a Best Buy today… lots of new Xbox 360’s in stock. Looked like they do the reverse of supermarkets, ie, the freshest stuff is on top and not in the back/bottom.

ANYWAY it’s been reported elsewhere on the web that the Jasper all-65nm Xbox 360 (with rumored 256 meg onboard storage) has been seen with this data:

  • Manufacture date: 10/23/2008
  • Lot number 0843X
  • 150W power supply

I examined a unit from Best Buy that had the following:

  • Manufacture date: 10/18/2008
  • Lot number 0842X

…and though it was very close to the “Jasper” specs, it still had the 175W power supply. The power supply is always the “key” and in this case, doesn’t indicate a Jasper.

So if the Jasper that’s been found is correct, then its lot/date are likely the absolute minimum to find the new chipset, since the one I saw was only 1 lot # lower and 5 days older.

Once I do find one I intend to rip it to shred and share with the world (I can always use Xboxs, it’s like buying bulk Diet Pepsi) I’m looking forward to it!

I am going to Richland Center tomorrow for a thrilling wisdom tooth removal, it is at that Wal-Mart I found my first Falcon, perhaps I’ll get lucky again!

Video Games

PS360 Controller From Dual Shock 3

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Not sure if I’ve ever shown one of these before, so here it is:

Very similar to my older models, but this one uses the Dual Shock 3 for the super-immersive rumble function and also has the original Playstation D-pad, creating a true Frankenstein’s monster of a controller.

Of note: Does the nonmenclature of calling something “a Frankenstein” rather than the proper “Frankenstein’s Monster” ever bug anyone else?

Anyway, some making of pictures after the break – enjoy!

Continue reading PS360 Controller From Dual Shock 3 →

Podcasts

Benheck.com Podcast Episode 52

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Possibly one of the cheesiest graphics ever on Benheck.com

We’re back with a new podcast. Topics:

  • New Xbox X-Perience – We discuss the latest and greatest Xbox dashboard update, what we like and dislike.
  • Xbox 360 4 America – Regarding the current America economic downturn, we go patriotic and tell everyone that if they need to buy a game console this Christmas, they should buy the only American one – the Xbox 360! This really isn’t rocket science, people shouldn’t complain about the job market while walking out of Target with a Japanese Wii. We aren’t paid to promote the Xbox, and it’s nothing against Japan (I love my Sony stuff) but hey, at some point you just have to do your part in some way. We also discuss how the vast majority of big hit 360/PS3 games are made in America.
  • Blu-Ray vs the Theater – Having seen several movies now on Blu-Ray that I also saw in the theatre, it begs the question – is Blu-Ray better than the theater experience? At least focus-wise? We discuss!

Podcast includes my brilliant idea to get gas-guzzling SUV’s off the road, and other random topics. Enjoy!

Listen to Benheck.com Podcast Episode 52

www.benheckpodcast.com

Podcasts, Video Games

Winner of the Benheck Podcast “Lame Mega Man Robot” Entry

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Gus Douboulidis sent in the following entry, his description follows:


Moneymoto Man shoot dollar bills at you and likes to beat you over the head with the wii moto. Weakness – When he hits you 3 times consecutively he turns around and starts counting his endless supply of money.  This is when you need to sneak up on him and hit his wii moto(which is dangling from his arm).  Sending a bolt of electricity through his body, he drops his money and frantically picks up hundreds of dollars… this is your opportunity to shoot at him as much as possible before he realizes he’s getting hit.

I had a couple Wii-centric entries, but I picked this one because it had the best rendered “pixel art”. Congratulations Gus!

In other news, hopefully we’ll get back to our normal podcast schedule soon… though it’s likely we won’t have a new intro until the Christmas special. Regardless, stay tuned! Should have some new projects up in the next few weeks as well.