His work on the PlayStation 3 laptop done, modmeister Ben Heckendorn (aka Ben Heck) has turned his attention to something retro: a laptop version of the Apple IIGS microcomputer. The best - and last - of the Apple II line, the IIGS boasted some remarkable innovations for its time, including improved color graphics and audio capabilities.

While the Apple IIGS' glory days are well behind it, Ben's laptop mod project for this old computer grants it some interesting new features (Quoting Ben's post):

• Large 15″ color screen. Much bigger than the ones on my other 8-bit computer projects (thus far)
• Uses an original Apple IIgs motherboard with RAM expansion.
• Custom acrylic keyboard. It uses the original keyboard PCB, but the buttons were custom made for a cool modern look.
• CompactFlash adapter inside unit functions as an original equipment hard drive.
• Glowing backlit Â?][Â? logo. Blue for on, with a bit of yellow during disk access.
• Built-in stereo speakers.
• Side port access for floppy drive, joystick and mouse.
• Can play Arkanoid II!
  

The end result, as Ben describes, is a laptop that looks like it was made back in the 80s. The bad news is that Ben clarifies that this is a one-shot project, meaning that this laptop will probably stay one-of-a-kind. Those interested in more pictures and details regarding this mod project will want to visit Ben Heck's site via the source link below.