I know it’s been over a month since I’ve released any portables but I don’t want any of you to worry that I’ve given up, joined a monastery or anything. Quite the contrary – I’m actually working on several new projects at once, most of which are fairly original and cool. That, along with the editing of the documentary, writing for Engadget and preparing to make a game has slowed down my process a bit.
Alright I’d better get back to work now!
I packed up the Xbox 360 laptop today for shipment to its owner. I thought it looked pretty neat in the packaging and figured I’d snap a photo:
Click for big version
It fit pretty nicely into the LCD box/foam. Almost looks like an OEM deal, doesn’t it? Goodbye, my troublesome friend! Watch out for transit damage…
Article Links:
XBox 360 Laptop “Making Of” Story
Xbox 360 Laptop Finished Product Photos Page Includes videos and a full-resolution photo pack.
What a fitting news item for the 6 year anniversary of my site. Yes, it’s been 6 whole years since the first incarnation of this site limped onto Geocities and shocked the world with a -gasp- portable Atari 2600. Shortly thereafter I was on the Gamespy network, then in 2004 I bought a domain of my own. It’s been a fun ride and now, for your viewing pleasure, I present the Xbox 360 Laptop!
Ben Heckendorn’s Custom Xbox 360 Laptop
I guess I would say I don’t “mod” systems so much as completely rebuild them. This is a perfect example as everything in the Xbox 360 has been taken apart and reassembled, with LCD screen, in laptop form inside a custom case. Here are the specs:
1) Uses a 17″ wide (diagonal) 1280×720 progressive-scan LCD VGA monitor (for HD-level resolutions) Thus you can actually read the text in Dead Rising.
2) Water-cooled with custom-built radiator. Allows for a slimmer main body versus the mammoth heat sinks in a stock 360.
3) Built-in keyboard and Wi-Fi.
4) USB hub allows original number of 3 USB ports for user.
5) All-aluminum case, except for plastic keyboard / ring of light / screen control area.
6) Uses single customized “expanded” power supply brick for both screen and Xbox 360.
7) Breakout ports on back allow hookup to component TV, VGA monitor, sound system (analog or TOSlink) and even crummy composite video.
8) Size: 16.75″ x 10.75″ x 2.8″Â Weight: 14 pounds (with water loaded)
A fine “coffee table” game system.
Originally I didn’t think this project would be so tricky but I was quite wrong, it became the most monstrously difficult one since I’ve been into this “portablization” thing. Oh well. At least now I know how to build it.
Zombie killin’ fun!
Click on the links below to read the whole step-by-step story for the creation of this unit (good way to waste a lunch hour) or click “Photos” to simply see, well, more photos of the thing. Enjoy!
Article Links:
XBox 360 Laptop “Making Of” Story
Xbox 360 Laptop Finished Product Photos Page Includes videos and a full-resolution photo pack.
A final note – this was a commissioned job so the unit has already been sold and is thus not for sale. Those interested in persuading me to build another are free to email and ask, but beware of sticker shock. You could always buy my book and become a modder yourself!
Sub-final note to answer some FAQ’s: The unit cost about $1200 to build in materials and CNC machine time. That’s not including labor and design. Also since the software/firmware was not modified it is fine to use on Xbox Live (which I have)
OK I have a confirmation on my appearance. It’s Saturday afternoon at 5 PM. For more information on the show check out their official site.
The Midwest Gaming Classic Official Site – Official Link
On top of whatever I promised to do in the below update, I will also have a PowerPoint demonstration about the history of my projects, perhaps a video or two, and a couple “works in progress” I may also bring the original VCSp, since it’s been refurbished recently. See you there!
I had an idea just today, well, more of an old idea resurfacing. Anyway…
I’m wondering if anyone would be interested in a Neo Geo “Mini-Cab” arcade machine. This would be a bar-top single-slot MVS arcade machine with coin slot, arcade joysticks, swivel base, stereo sound and CRT screen. It would be about the size of a CRT “Mega Touch” machine and likely be themed, material and color-wise, like my own Neo Geo arcade machine.
I have admit part of my desire to build this is to use up the small CRT RGB monitor I have laying around so it’s one less thing to move this fall. But more than that, I am fairly dismayed at the death of “real” arcade machines out in the world today. All that’s left are Golden Tees and Mega Touches. Blah. At the very least a Neo Geo can give you a REAL golf game, yes of course I refer to the sublime NEO TURF MASTERS! Plus tons of other games that can be swapped out and are usually only $25-$40 each.
Anyone interested in such a thing? Neo Geo loving bar owners? MVS home conversion fans with limited space? The price would be well below that of a modern “arcade” machine. Shoot me an email if interested.
See Ben, Live in Concert! (Well sort of)
I will be speaking at The Midwest Gaming Classic which takes place June 3rd and 4th on the west side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I shall talk about my book, my projects and show whatever gizmo(s) I happen to be working on at that time. Perhaps I’ll even spill some secret project info, who knows?
Currently I’m scheduled to appear on the Saturday afternoon of the event, June 3rd. For more information and stuff, check out their site at www.midwestgamingclassic.com See you there!
“New” Neo Geo is a bit redundant, I know. No need to email me about that. Anyway, here’s yet another project I have been able to finish since cutting the albatross of Port Washington from my neck:
This uses the larger 1 slot MVS board known as the MV-1FZ. For info on it and the other Neo Geo arcade board consoles I’ve built, please visit this page.
Hey! Swing by benheck.com tomorrow and we’ll have the musical score of Port Washington available for download. Soundtracks tend to come out slightly before the movies anyway, so this seems like a good idea. And don’t forget, only 1 week before the web premiere of the movie itself! We’ll probably have daily updates until then, and maybe a few surprise “treats from the past”, so stay tuned!