This chapter uses Nokia 6210 GSM mobile phone for the describing the hacks. This phone was one of the first mobile phones to support Internet browsing through Wireless Access Protocol (WAP). The first hack is the modification of the backlight color of the mobile phone. Replacing the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is within the realm of the hobbyist using a small soldering iron and a steady hand. The chapter also looks at interfacing with mobile phones through different types of data cables connected to the PC. The data cables open up a number of possibilities to interact with and modify the phone's software. The type of cable used for Nokia phones depends on several things, such as the model of the phone and what it is being used for. A data cable can also be used to enable a diagnostic mode that provides an insight into the phone's internal workings and its radio protocols. For the Nokia 6210, two cables can be used: the DAU-9P and DLR-3P. Another type of cable is the flashing cable, which allows reprogramming the phone's Flash ROM.

With digital media becoming ever more popular, the demands of storage space are increasing at a phenomenal rate. MP3s, digital video, and DVDs all consume vast amounts of space on computer hard disks. Integration of computers and home theater has only made the problem worse. When most people think of "hardware hacking," case mods come to mind. Fans of custom computer case modifications have become a huge community in the past few years. The community, once a small underground group of artistically inclined hackers, has become so large that there are numerous mail-order outlets to buy case rood supplies. This chapter focuses on case mods. Case modding is the ultimate way to personalize and express. Just as many people consider tattoos or piercing to be "body art," case mods can most definitely be considered "computer art." There are different categories of mods, such as painting, case windows, case and drive lighting, power supply, cable management, airflow management, and case silencing.

This chapter provides a list of tools that make the baseline of any good hardware-hacking cache. For some hacks, just a single screwdriver may be needed. For others, a workshop complete with power tools and advanced electronic equipment may be needed. For the most part, it is not necessary to have a world-class laboratory to conduct most levels of hardware hacking. The work area where the hardware hacking takes place should be clean, smooth, and well-lit where parts can be easily organized and handled without losing them. An inexpensive sheet of white poster board makes an excellent construction surface, while providing protection for the underlying table or desk. For dry environment that is prone to static electricity, it is recommended that an antistatic mat should be purchased from a local electronics store to prevent static discharge and protect the sensitive circuitry.

As the first personal digital assistant (PDA) to make waves in the mainstream market, the Palm became the favorite device of gadget freaks worldwide and an instant target for hardware hacking. Since the first release in 1996, many different versions of the Palm device have been created. The product line continues to expand even today, though millions of the earlier Palms are still in use and serve as great entry-level devices. Through a number of changes over the years, Palm, Inc., has developed and controlled the hardware solutions. This chapter details the hacking of three different Palm devices to increase the available random access memory (RAM) on each: the Pilot 1000, the PalmPilot Professional, and the Palm m505. The Pilot 5000 and PalmPilot Personal versions can also be hacked with only a few additional steps. User applications and data are stored in RAM so that more the memory available, more the information that can be stored on the device.