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Laptop Arcade Dock

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Muramasa:
Man, I finally got this finished.

If you've ever seen a video by a guy called Dean Liou from Lenovo, then you probably know what this is. If not, then what it is is a Laptop Arcade Dock. Essentially it's the shell of an arcade with the control panel on a hinge, allowing you to place your laptop on a ramp inside the arcade and plug in the arcade controls via USB to play emulators or MAME with. I decided to recreate it. I definitely did not turn out as well as that one, but it's still alright.

Video:
eBay Listing: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=181036219281

So quick details:
- Made from 1/2" MDF
- Secured with L=Brackets and wood glue
- Painted with black latex paint
- Real Happ Competition Controls
- ZD Rematch Encoder
- Sized to fit most laptops

Please give me any constructive critisicm. I am aware that this is far from perfect (or arguably even good) so please let me know what I can do better since I plan to do more projects like this in the future. Thanks!

P.S. I will try to upload pictures later. Also, no build process pics. Sorry

chopperthedog:
With the plethora of knowledge available on this site and with you saying "it's far from perfect" and including the ebay link is a little sad imho. I know you're young and bla bla bla can't fault you for trying bla bla bla.... Improve on you carpentry skills and scour these forums for methods, ideas and plans to do it right. Also why bother with the dock when P4 3.2ghz 1gig ram 60 gig hd refurb systems can be had for right around $60. But I still think you are way to quick into the building of sub par constructed items for money. Good luck.


good day.

Muramasa:

--- Quote from: chopperthedog on November 30, 2012, 11:53:11 pm ---With the plethora of knowledge available on this site and with you saying "it's far from perfect" and including the ebay link is a little sad imho. I know you're young and bla bla bla can't fault you for trying bla bla bla.... Improve on you carpentry skills and scour these forums for methods, ideas and plans to do it right. Also why bother with the dock when P4 3.2ghz 1gig ram 60 gig hd refurb systems can be had for right around $60. But I still think you are way to quick into the building of sub par constructed items for money. Good luck.


good day.

--- End quote ---

Yes, you're right. After I posted this I've actually decided to not make any more arcades. There are a couple reasons why this thing sucks. First off, my dad is rarely able to help with the woodworking, and because I'm extremely impatient, when we do get around to it it gets rushed. Also, my dad funded this project expecting to be reimbursed when I sell it. I know I could've gotten much better materials (vinyl, actual decals, t-moulding, a computer, etc.) but that would've driven the price up and my dad would've never let this project get off the ground. And of course the hardest thing for me to accept was yes, I did build this for the sake of selling it, which is just not cool.

But these are not excuses, I know. Maybe when I'm older and I have the time, money, and ability to make higher quality products, I will start this again, but I understand that this is a turd. I'm gonna try and start a different hobby.

Thanks for the advice.

chopperthedog:
I also don't want to discourage you from continuing on with a great hobby. Think of a grand project for yourself. That Frankenstein with a vision that is constantly improved upon while improving upon your own skills and learning from the mistakes made along the way. Make it creative and fun and not a business.


good day.

Muramasa:

--- Quote from: chopperthedog on December 01, 2012, 01:06:34 am ---I also don't want to discourage you from continuing on with a great hobby. Think of a grand project for yourself. That Frankenstein with a vision that is constantly improved upon while improving upon your own skills and learning from the mistakes made along the way. Make it creative and fun and not a business.


good day.

--- End quote ---

Well, I do eventually want to make a MAME arcade for myself one day, and of course I will make that my grand project, but the problem was that I wanted to make money doing this but learned that it's not the fast paced process I thought it would be. I'm just very impatient, it's a bad trait I know. But yes, I will definitely do a "grand project" one day, but as my full time hobby, I think I'll change.

And thanks for the kind words, and you weren't discouraging me, I came to that conclusion myself. :)

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