Joe Grand's Best of Hardware, Wireless, and Game Console Hacking [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Joe Grand (Author), Frank Thornton (Author), Albert Yarusso (Author), Lee Barken (Author), Tom Owad (Author), Ryan Russell (Author), Bobby Kinstle (Author), Marcus R Brown (Author), Job de Haas (Author), Deborah Kaplan (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1597491136 | ISBN-13: 978-1597491136 | Publication Date: October 27, 2006 | Edition: 1

The book introduces the principles of hardware design and describes the tools and techniques required to begin hacking. The DVD contains hack instructions for over 20 game consoles and hardware devices from Nintendo, Apple, Sony, Microsoft, Palm and more.

The presentation of these 20 projects on DVD media provides users with benefits and options not available on the printed page. All images are hi-res color that can be enlarged or printed, the text is easily searched, and the user can copy the contents to their hard disk and add comments directly into the PDF files. The DVD media also lends itself well to group projects (it includes a 10 user license).
The 160-page book includes chapters on hacking tools and electrical engineering basics, along with chapters on the background, design and functionality of each hardware device.

* Packed full of high resolution colour images that reveal the smallest details of each step in a hack
* Includes in depth coverage of the tools of the hacking trade and the basics of electrical engineering
* DVD includes a "Using the Tools" video starring Joe "kingpin" Grand

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Frank Thornton runs his own technology consulting firm, Blackthorn Systems, which specializes in information security and wireless networks. His specialties include wireless network architecture, design, and implementation, as well as network troubleshooting and optimization. An interest in amateur radio helped him bridge the gap between computers and wireless networks. Having learned at a young age which end of the soldering iron was hot, he has even been known to repair hardware on occasion. In addition to his computer and wireless interests, Frank was a law enforcement officer for many years. As a detective and forensics expert he has investigated approximately one hundred homicides and thousands of other crime scenes. Combining both professional interests, he was a member of the workgroup that established ANSI Standard "ANSI/NIST-CSL 1-1993 Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint Information."

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Syngress; 1 edition (October 27, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1597491136
• ISBN-13: 978-1597491136
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,148,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A nice collection of hardware hacks, July 26, 2006

By 

J. Grand "joegrand" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Joe Grand's Best of Hardware, Wireless, and Game Console Hacking (Paperback)

OK, of course I say it's a nice collection; I'm the author. :) This combination book/DVD is a selection of our favorite hacks from Hardware Hacking: Have Fun While Voiding Your Warranty and Game Console Hacking. If you're curious about modifying hardware and electronic products to do things they weren't intended to do, then this collection is for you. It's a great way to get involved in the hobby without breaking the bank. Cheaper than either of the previously mentioned larger books, only 4 chapters are printed (Tools of the Warranty-Voiding Trade, Electrical Engineering Basics, Operating Systems Overview, and Coding 101) The actual hacks (the rest of the material) is on the included DVD in PDF and HTML format with high-resolution images (most of them in color, as opposed to the black and white of the previous books). Some of the hacks include: Declawing your Cuecat, hacking the Playstation 2, hacking the iPod, modifications for the classic/retro Atari 2600, 5200, 7800, and 8-bit systems, hacking the Xbox, and how to build your own DVR/Home Theater PC. Don't be afraid to modify or hack your hardware - have fun voiding your warranty!

2.0 out of 5 stars Out of Print and Incomplete, August 3, 2011

By 

Christopher Nguyen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Joe Grand's Best of Hardware, Wireless, and Game Console Hacking (Paperback)

While Joe Grand is excellent at hardware hacking and explains so clearly, this book is out of print and despite being brand new does not come with the companion DVD. I feel there is much missing without the DVD. I would not recommend purchasing this.