PlayBook 4 News: Portable PlayStation 4 Laptop Makes its Debut after Portable Xbox, Xbox 360

By Shawn Schuster
PlayBook 4
Ed Zarick's PlayBook 4 portable console. Photo: Edsjunk.net

Master video game console modder Ed Zarick has released his newest creation this week: the portable PlayStation 4.

Aptly named the PlayBook 4, Zarick's creation is gaining the attention of custom case mod fans everywhere with its 22-inch Vizio 1080p LED display, 3D-printed plastic case, and relatively lightweight design that's perfect for LAN parties.

The self-taught engineer and owner of Ed's Junk released a video showing off his workshop and the new PlayBook 4 in several custom colors, including black and blue, and his black and white Destiny edition. He also mentions the possibility of unlimited custom accent colors for free, and even custom case colors at an additional cost.

This isn't Zarick's first time in the case modding spotlight as his previous Xbook One creation garnered quite a bit of attention itself. Zarick also did portable mods for the original Xbox and the Xbox 360 with smaller screens. The Xbook One features the same  22-inch LED screen as the PlayBook 4 and all available hook-ups for Xbox One accessories, including the Kinect.

If you're skeptical about performance, Ed plays through a bit of the new action game Destiny to show potential costumers that this is the same internal hardware, just in a reconfigured case and new poer configuration. All ports are still available, including HDMI out if you decide to hook up a second monitor.

As with Zarick's previous portable case mods, there is no battery pack, so true portability is questionable. A single power cord does plug into the back of the PlayBook 4, so that's another advantage over toting your normal console and monitor seperately.

With both portable consoles, you can either provide your own original console (PlayStation 4 or Xbox One) for him to hack up, or he'll provide one for you. The cost for both portable consoles starts out at $1,095 when you provide the console, but several add-on feature can drive the price up into the $1,500 range. For example, if you'd like to add the HDMI port on the PlayBook 4, expect to throw in another $50. 

If you're interested in getting one for yourself, you'll need to lay down a $750 deposit up front to get put on Zarick's work order list. Zarick says it should take around two to three weeks to complete each console, at which time the remainder of the balance, including the $75 shipping fee, is due. Each unit carries a 30-day warranty.

Be sure to check out Ed's website for more information.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories