All posts by benheck

Video Games

Scripts now available on movie page

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Sifting around through files this evening, I had the notion to upload my independent film scripts to the “Movies” section of this site. You can now read the original text for “The Adventurous”, “Lizard of Death” and “Port Washington”. (My indies before those were done on this stuff I believe the ancients called “paper”…)

Gee, I wonder why there's 2 cameras mounted together?
A 2007 behind-the-scenes photo from one of our many movie concept tests that haven’t come to fruition.

They might be of interest to anyone who has seen my films and would like an idea of the writing process that went into them. Warning: none of them are done in the correct screenplay formatting, something I didn’t get into until after Port Washington. Also – like my modding projects – no incomplete or work-in-progress scripts are available. So in their place I threw on the above photo, to confuse and confound you all.

Video Games

Ben’s Hack Pick of the Week – Super Genintari!

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My hack pick this week (not that I manage to do this weekly but whatever) is Richard DaLuz’s “Super Genintari”:

Three great generations come together, much like a Lifetime channel movie

There was once a time when a person had to use separate consoles for playing their Atari 2600, NES, SNES or Genesis games… This filled the land with sadness, despair and an overabundance of power bricks, threatening the very fabric of the universe! (Or at least clogging up power strips)

But now, in this brave year 2008, Richard has come to rescue us all. The “Super Genintari” combines all these fine systems into one easy-to-use beast that goes great with any decor. (Includes giant glowing Pac-Man icon) I especially like the chunky solid selector buttons.

Click here to take a look at his site which contains more pics and a video of the unit in action. Swell work Richard!

Video Games

PS3 Laptop Auction for Charity

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Take the time, to real-a-lize that this, could be yours...

Now’s your chance to get a one-of-a-kind Ben Heckendorn creation! Engadget is sponsoring an auction to sell the PS3 laptop I built, with all proceeds going towards the National Cancer Coalition. Click here to check it out, and place a bid if you so desire.

It’s for a great cause and it’s also a sure-fire way to get a Benheck product – without having to email me 79 times that is! Happy bidding…

Podcasts

Benheck.com Podcast Episode #42

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We’re back! In this episode (which has nothing to do with gaming) we discuss:

  1. Musical scores in movies – they aren’t good or memorable anymore. We need Jerry Goldsmith back!
  2. The cost of Blu-Ray discs – too much!
  3. Hollywood’s dwindling box office – what we think are the real reasons even though they’ll blame it on gas prices at year’s end.

Enjoy…

Listen to Benheck.com Podcast Episode 42

www.benheckpodcast.com

Video Games

Apple IIgs Original Hardware Laptop

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As many of you know I grew up during the 80’s and spent a lot of time with the fun 8-bit computers of those days. One of my favorites was the Apple IIgs, and when someone requested I build a portable version of it I jumped at the chance.

It's Arkanoid Time!
A custom-built Apple IIgs laptop. Click for larger version, suitable for framing.

Some quick specs:

  • Large 15″ color screen. Much bigger than the ones on my other 8-bit computer projects (thus far)
  • Uses an original Apple IIgs motherboard with RAM expansion.
  • Custom acrylic keyboard. It uses the original keyboard PCB, but the buttons were custom made for a cool modern look.
  • CompactFlash adapter inside unit functions as an original equipment hard drive.
  • Glowing backlit “][” logo. Blue for on, with a bit of yellow during disk access.
  • Built-in stereo speakers.
  • Side port access for floppy drive, joystick and mouse.
  • Can play Arkanoid II!

For more photos and details, see below. I’ll post a Making Of story in the near future… in the meantime you can also watch this amazing demo video I put together:

Small iPod Version
Larger MPG version

(Note: Music was the most “frolic-ey” that I could find)

Please note, as usual, this is a one-time custom project and thus I will not be making any more of these. It is a one-of-a-kind single project. But I am always open to new modding requests if you’d like to drop me an email. Variety is the spice of life!

Continue reading Apple IIgs Original Hardware Laptop →

Video Games

Playstation 3 Portable

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After about 14 months of on-again-off-again work I have finally finished a Playstation 3 Portable:

My long-awaited PS3 portable
Wanna see more? Check out Engadget.com!

Some quick specs:

  • Original 60 gig PS3 model with backwards compatibility.
  • 17″ HDTV 720p screen, with HDMI connection. (Same as last Xbox 360 laptop)
  • Built-in keyboard and stereo audio amplifier.
  • Measures 17″ x 13.75″ x 3″ (actually thinner than a stock PS3) and weighs 16 pounds!

You can view more photos on the main story page at Engadget.com. In the coming weeks the “Making Of” articles will follow.

This unit was built by their request and is intended to be auctioned off for charity – more details to come. Since I am already busy with other things, I will not be making any more of these. Feel free to email and ask for other custom design work or inquiries, however!