Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ben Heck ponders Xbox 360 Slim: Motherboard, Memory Unit support, internal hard drive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/ben-heck-ponders-xbox-360-slim-motherboard-memory-unit-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/ben-heck-ponders-xbox-360-slim-motherboard-memory-unit-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/ben-heck-ponders-xbox-360-slim-motherboard-memory-unit-support/#comments
Full image after break
In light of recent Xbox 360 hardware news, like pictures revealing an alleged Xbox 360 Slim motherboard and documentation of USB storage in a future update, we decided to see if the two stories tied together in some technical way. Surprisingly, they just might. Modding artist, hardware sculptor and warranty wrecker, Ben Heck, told us that if the leaked Slim motherboard is legitimate, not only does he see no place for memory cards (lending even more credence to USB storage for data transfer), but he dropped on us the idea that it may also have an internal hard drive. To emphasize, this conversation is speculation based on potential evidence that has not been confirmed by Microsoft.

Joystiq: Okay, before we go any further, explain this internal hard drive theory?

Ben Heckendorn: Well if you look at the upper left of the board, there appear to be (2) SATA connections. One is clearly for the DVD-ROM, of course, but what's the other one for? My guess is an internal hard drive. How it connects I'm not sure, but why else have 2 SATA connectors? Also there's an extra plug that could be hard drive power (next to DVD power).

Now, after looking at the board, you said you were "99 percent sure" there are no Xbox 360 memory card slots. Please explain.

None of the connectors look remotely like an Xbox 360 memory card reader [Ed: See one after break]. Keep in mind the memory cards were kind of a "Trojan horse" to have a hard drive-less (cheap) 360 back in 2005. Now, especially with built-in memory since the Jaspers, they are essentially useless. Why waste money and space on adding something none of your new customers will even need?

Of note: The memory cards were basically USB devices, except they ran off 3.3 volts and had security chips to authenticate them, as do all Xbox 360 peripherals.

Continue reading Ben Heck ponders Xbox 360 Slim: Motherboard, Memory Unit support, internal hard drive

JoystiqBen Heck ponders Xbox 360 Slim: Motherboard, Memory Unit support, internal hard drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysis-opinionben-heckben-heckendornbenjamin-heckendornheckendornMicrosoftslimXbox-360xbox-360-slimThu, 18 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heckendorn's Xbox 360 Elite laptop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/ben-heckendorns-xbox-360-elite-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/ben-heckendorns-xbox-360-elite-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/ben-heckendorns-xbox-360-elite-laptop/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Modding wunderkind Benjamin Heckendorn has unveiled his latest invention: The Xbox 360 Elite laptop. If this seems vaguely familiar it's probably because you're remembering Heck's Xbox 360 laptop how-to design guides from last spring. The difference here is that this one is a modded Elite with built-in camera and other upgrades (video after the break).

If you're just hearing Heckendorn's name for the first time here, please feel free to take a trip down memory lane. Other mods of interest created last year include the Wii laptop and the freaky PS360 gamepad.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Ben Heckendorn's Xbox 360 Elite laptop

JoystiqBen Heckendorn's Xbox 360 Elite laptop originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckendornbenheckheckendornmodXbox-360xbox-360-elitexbox360eliteMon, 04 Feb 2008 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's how-to make an Xbox 360 laptop (part 3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/engadgets-how-to-make-an-xbox-360-laptop-part-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/engadgets-how-to-make-an-xbox-360-laptop-part-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/engadgets-how-to-make-an-xbox-360-laptop-part-3/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mod guru Ben Heckendorn, having taken a break to write a how-to for his PS360 pad, has returned like a trained Jedi (oh, wrong day, sorry) to complete the Xbox 360 laptop trilogy.

In the final act, Heck puts all the pieces neatly together and fills in all the plot holes with with pretty pictures and Digi-key part numbers. Our enjoyment is hindered only by our jealousy and inability to follow in his footsteps. For those with engineering skills, give it a shot. For those without said skills, enjoy the show and wait until Heck reveals his next crazy contraption.

See Also: part one, part two

JoystiqEngadget's how-to make an Xbox 360 laptop (part 3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2007 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben heckBenHeckheckheckendornmodmodsxbox laptopXbox-360XboxLaptopTue, 22 May 2007 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Hand it to Heck: The Xbox 360 one-handed controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/hand-it-to-heck-the-xbox-360-one-handed-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/hand-it-to-heck-the-xbox-360-one-handed-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/hand-it-to-heck-the-xbox-360-one-handed-controller/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Hackmeister Übergeneral Ben Heckendorn has whipped up a handy (pun!) one-handed Xbox 360 controller, perfect for The Fugitive dude or folks who are busy multitasking. This isn't for the faint of heart, but if you've got a bit of a bug to try it out yourself, roll up your sleeves and give it a go.

Seriously, is there anything this guy can't do? The thing is wireless, AND has both rumble controllers inside of it (take that, SIXAXIS!). Between this and the Xbox 360 laptop, he's a one-man hacking machine. Really. We're convinced the guy is a robot himself, with no organic parts left inside.

[Via The Xbox Domain]

JoystiqHand it to Heck: The Xbox 360 one-handed controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360Ben HeckcontrollerhackHeckendornone handone handedone-handone-handedPlayStation 3PS3SIXAXISwirelessXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:45:00 EST