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!

Here’s the unit open. The internal layout is almost identical to the previous model, though now there’s a better bracket to hold the fans, the hard drive connector is aligned via the case, and the DVD door is thick like the side of the case but sits flush inside it. Again the heat sink are supplemented with copper - the wonder metal that works wonders.

Testing the unit using Street Fighter 4. This is a good game for that because you can set the computer to just fight itself, over and over, so the system is doing something without any input.

The fabled Ethernet port. Strangely Menards is the best place to find Ethernet ports, they have a wall-jack unit you can get for like 5 bucks. A regular cable plugs into the Xbox motherboard, then is wired to this plug. Some plugs and jacks have internal circuitry, which we don’t want, so this is the simplest solution.

DVD drive open with the flush-mount door. Actually my friend Dave Campbell saw this while I was working on it and said “Why not make the DVD door flush?” and I said “Say, that’s a good idea!” and so it was. I guess I owe him a can of pop or something now.

Side view of unit. The memory card ports and vent are similar to the last model, though now this plate is flush with the side of the unit.

Unit with lid closed. The screws to hold the lid together are now on the inside and countersunk, much like a normal laptop.

LCD controls. Once again I’ve used the Gateway 1775W widescreen 17″ monitor. It has DVI in, which is pin compatible with the 360’s HDMI, and the resolution is exactly 1280×720, unlike most computer monitors.

Come to think of it, this is the only white-colored Xbox 360 laptop I’ve built since the original.

I wonder how much he wants for it?