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Thursday, November 17th, 2005 at 2:54 AM

This is how it all starts. AnandTech has done a great job disassembling an Xbox 360 and documenting it along the way. It actually looks like it may be easier to disassemble than the original Xbox, provided you have the right tools.

I’m impressed with the change in Xbox controller styles. While I was not one of the many who complained about the sheer size of the original Xbox controllers, I find the new style to be a delight to use. Wireless capabilities are a nice touch, too.

I read elsewhere that the Xbox 360 also has a battery to retain the date and time settings, which caused some problems with previous Xbox softmods. It can also be configured to use a network time server, such as time.microsoft.com (or time.apple.com, if you prefer “Apple time”).

The launch is less than a week away, and I’m hoping I’ll be able to pick up one of these new machines with minimal hassle. We’ll see about that.

11/18/05 Update
AnandTech posted another article, this time covering the Xbox 360 motherboard’s layout, ICs, and buses.

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 17th, 2005 at 2:54 am and is filed under Xbox. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Thursday, November 17th, 2005 at 1:56 AM

In all the official Apple Service Source guides, where detailed take-apart information for every Apple product is listed, they make references to a tool called only the “black stick.” It’s used for prying open plastic cases without chewing up the edge like a metal screwdriver would. However, they don’t mention what this tool really is or where to obtain one. RadTech, makers of my favorite iPod cases and polishing solutions, sells what seems to be the tool Apple uses. However, they sell this nylon pry tool for a ridiculous $7. For a strong plastic stick. Being in need and not knowing where else to get it, I ordered one not too long ago. After receiving it and noticing some information stamped on it, I did some searching and found out they’re manufacured by Menda, makers of various lab tools. I also managed to find an online distributor with a website that works. So, if you’re in need of an iPod opener that won’t mark up the case, and which doubles as a handy soldering tool, get your “black stick” from ESD Systems for $1.59.

8/17/06 Update: Buy this stick from Stanley Supply (mentioned in the comments). It’s sturdier than the pointy stick and makes opening iPods and Mac hardware a breeze.

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 17th, 2005 at 1:56 am and is filed under Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Tuesday, November 15th, 2005 at 5:11 AM

BoingBoing has a great timeline of the Sony “rootkit” fiasco that’s recently made news around the world. I’ll leave the details up to them. For a great audio summary, download the related Security Now! podcast. The EFF has also posted an open letter, asking Sony to make good. Here’s hoping that Sony receives legal action as a result of their spyware-like tactics. Lastly, Wired magazine is calling for consumers to boycott Sony copy-protected CDs until they come clean and recall all the infected discs.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 15th, 2005 at 5:11 am and is filed under Security. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Tuesday, November 15th, 2005 at 2:07 AM

I have to agree with the reply posted on David Pogue’s NYTimes blog, which contends that cell phone providers are too busy selling and not spending enough time creating a decent service. Cell phones, not unlike the Motorola ROKR, are just too feature packed. Instead of building an easy to use, worthwhile product, companies and providers work together — conspire? — to continue adding bullet points to the list of things included with the phone (which you will never use). Am I the only one who doesn’t want my network-limited, already-obsolete cell phone to be my main digital device? It seems I’m not alone:

“Will we ever use it as a primary camera? Music device? Oven? No.

Their refusal to develop a product we all actually want is maddening. It’s even more disgusting when they take a decent phone and botch it with their revenue-focused software. My LG VX8000 is supposed to be an mp3 player, but thanks to Verizon can really only play ringtones. Great”

Read the rest »

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 15th, 2005 at 2:07 am and is filed under Misc. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.