Bartop Builds and Computers

[jammin0]

So it has been about 6 months since finishing up my last arcade build and I am starting to get the itch.  Obviously 1 is enough when it comes to MAME machines but I have tons of family and friends who are in dire need of something to spice up their family/game rooms. 

I didn't think I liked bartops at all but the allure of a smaller build like that is starting to draw me in.  17 and even 19" monitors are a dime a dozen on Craigslist right now and with only one set of controls I'm thinking I can get the build pretty cheap.  Now I'm wondering about computing power.  Recently I have found out about the android stick computers and they seem really really cool for a simple mame build. 

Any thoughts?  Basically they are supposed to be able to run any android apps and I believe there is a decent version of Mame4all for android.  I've played it on my ipad before and it doesn't disappoint.  I'm thinking about taking the plunge because I can find them for $50-75 dollars or so on ebay.  Potentially, I could keep the entire build down to about $100 and make it look really nice at the same time.

Anyone doing this, or considered doing this?
Here's a link http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CNyC7dcXx5w#!

The one tiny thing I'm not sold on yet is the HDMI port.  I really wish it had VGA out, for any of the old 4:3 monitors still floating around it would have to be converted back to VGA or DVI.

[paigeoliver]

Rather underpowered compared to a used computer you could get on craigslist for $20.

[jammin0]

Good point.  I guess the only disadvantage to that is size and power.  An older computer won't have wireless in it. 

Seems like an old desktop might be kind of cramped in a Bartop.  PSU by itself is going to take a lot of room.  I'm also thinking of making 2-3 of these for some people and it seems easier to get an off the shelf solution.

You raise a good point though.

[CoryBee]

Good point.  I guess the only disadvantage to that is size and power.  An older computer won't have wireless in it. 

Seems like an old desktop might be kind of cramped in a Bartop.  PSU by itself is going to take a lot of room.  I'm also thinking of making 2-3 of these for some people and it seems easier to get an off the shelf solution.

You raise a good point though.

You could use a laptop. And if you aren't wanting to use it's screen the motherboard makes a fine replacement for a desktop. With a power supply ranging from 60 - 90 watts it barely uses any energy. Throw in your own LCD screen from craigslist and bam 

[paigeoliver]

And wireless is a disadvantage in a cabinet. You really don't want your machines web enabled. It is a perfect way to make sure you end up having the fix them later. Let people use their laptops and cell phones to access the internet, not their video game cabinet.

Not useful for upgrades either. I firmly believe that finished cabinets should never see any software upgrades. Don't fix what isn't broken.

[jammin0]

I use vnc all the time to tweak settings or if I want to add a new game.  I also stream music to use as a jukebox.  I guess this is just a difference of opinion here.  Beats having to hook up a keyboard and mouse.  I guess if you strictly run MAME and nothing else I can see your reasoning. 

[paigeoliver]

Ok, yes it makes sense from your usage. Although I wouldn't want to send one out to someone else's place web enabled.

I use vnc all the time to tweak settings or if I want to add a new game.  I also stream music to use as a jukebox.  I guess this is just a difference of opinion here.  Beats having to hook up a keyboard and mouse.  I guess if you strictly run MAME and nothing else I can see your reasoning.

[stpcore]

I think this sounds interesting. How would you configure a control panel...would it be USB?

I'm finishing my first bartop now and went with an original Xbox and Coinops 5. Let me know if you attempt to run the Android device in your bartop!

[Unstupid]

I'm holding out til I can buy an Intel NUC!  Looks like they are saying next month now 

[jammin0]

I think this sounds interesting. How would you configure a control panel...would it be USB?

I'm finishing my first bartop now and went with an original Xbox and Coinops 5. Let me know if you attempt to run the Android device in your bartop!

Yeah, it looks like they have basic gamepad support so I would just do a controller hack of a cheap usb gamepad.

[jammin0]

Ok, I bought one of these things.  I'm actually planning on giving it to my sister for Christmas as a media streamer.

Maybe I'll post a video of some Mame4Droid gameplay if I get a chance this weekend.  It cost $59 shipped from an Ebay seller in Hong Kong and came to my house in about 7 days.  My initial thoughts are pretty positive.  There are tons of horrible reviews but equally as many positive reviews.  The first thing I did was flash a new rom on it.  Then I started playing around with XBMC since it is going to be used primarily for media streaming.

It is about the size of a harmonica, plugs into the service USB port on the back of my computer for power and runs Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean.  It has mini-hdmi port, card slot, mini-usb, and usb.   Plugging a mouse or keyboard into one of the usb ports works great and I just played one game from the app store with a cheap control pad that I had but didn't take any time to map controls.

I don't think it is ideal for an arcade setup just because there is no really slick way to do it from a software standpoint.  I don't think there is an easy way to change android to load an app on startup and hide the system bar etc.  Maybe someone smarter than me will run with it though.  Anyway, thought I would share.  This thing runs XBMC a million times better than my jailbroken ATV2.

[Unstupid]

NUC is yummy!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856102002

[stan2323]

Don't fix what isn't broken.

Here here. Too many people try this and screw up something.

Stan

[sharpfork]

I'm glad to hear the XBMC runs strong on this device.

Is this the one you bought?
http://dx.com/p/mk808-dual-core-android-4-1-1-google-tv-player-w-1gb-ram-8gb-rom-wi-fi-tf-hdmi-160535
!

I think android has a bright future but just isn't there yet for cabs.
At some point we'll see a form factor like this (VGA!):
http://apc.io/about/
and power like:
http://www.hardkernel.com/renewal_2011/products/prdt_info.php?g_code=G135235611947
for <$100.
BP, the dev of coinops is talking about moving to Android.  When the hardware is ready, I think he'll do some cool stuff on the fronend.

In the meantime, I think the way Degenatrons does it is really cool:
https://sites.google.com/site/degenatrons/building-an-xbox-powered-arcade-cabinet
I know you have xBox experience
 
I'd do the video conversion through component or a frosty VGA hack.

Please let us know how emus work.  I've played a bit with final burn on my android tablet but it doesn't have the same power your device does.