Control Panel...am I doing it right?

[bgeveritt]

My buddy has an old arcade machine, so we've decided to gut it and build a MAME. I've done a pretty good amount of research, and I think I'm ready to start build a control panel. This is my proposed layout:

Basically, it's a 2-player/6-button layout with a coin and start button for each player. I'd also like to include a trackball in the middle (mostly for Golden Tee)

I plan on purchasing the UltraStik 360 (with a hard spring and circular restrictor.) I plan on using the input method of these joysticks, so the buttons will just connect straight to the stick, thus striking the need for an I-PAC.
Since this is my first attempt, I have a few questions:

• What are the pros/cons regarding using the U360 joytick's input vs. output method?
• What exactly do I need for a trackball? Do I need an encoder, or can I find a trackball that has a direct USB connection to the computer?
• Recommended material (wood, particle board, etc.) to use for the control panel?
• Any glaring issues with my control panel layout/design?