Any builds that combine Arcade Cab with working computer station?

[j1345]

Since i'm going to destroy a laptop that we normally use in our kitchen...has anyone built a combination system thats a MAME cabinet and still able to use a computer surfing station? 

Thanks!

[_Iz-]

Lol - yep!l I built mine with a keyboard / mouse pullout under the control panel. My kids use the arcade cabinet to do their homework on. Then we play games.

[j1345]

Any Photos of your hybrid?

[Locke141]

People have done it but its not an ideal format for a computer station.

You can get a used computer pretty cheep look at arrow direct. I would rather have two things that both work well at one task rather then one that kind of does both.

I like to put Lubuntu (Linux) on old laptops to speed them up and extend there usable life of the device. It's easy to install and use.
http://lubuntu.net

[yotsuya]

People have done it but its not an ideal format for a computer station.

I would rather have two things that both work well at one task rather then one that kind of does both.

This. So much this.

[Rabidgamer]

Put a bartop on your kitchen counter and whip out a wireless keyboard/mouse when you need one

[Generic Eric]

People have done it but its not an ideal format for a computer station.

I would rather have two things that both work well at one task rather then one that kind of does both.

This. So much this.

That.

For reals.

[RetroGreg]

I agree you really can get a cheapie wirkstation from Arrow Direct. There's a thread in the Everything Else forum and someone usually posts the best coupon codes that are currently working. Perfect for surfing and spreadsheets.

[_Iz-]

Pics...

[Generic Eric]

Years back, I had an idea for podium-cade.  It was a podium turned into an arcade. 

It never got off the back of the napkin.

[Locke141]

Thank for proving my point. That does not look like a good place to do any work.

[pbj]

Years back, I had an idea for podium-cade.  It was a podium turned into an arcade. 

 

Lectern.

[Locke141]

Cheep PC's from a member.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,133968.0.html

[_Iz-]

Thank for proving my point. That does not look like a good place to do any work.

I agree, for an adult trying to get work done this would suck. Kids don't care and we didn't have room or the budget to do both separately. They're happy, I'm happy. It works for us.

[Generic Eric]

Years back, I had an idea for podium-cade.  It was a podium turned into an arcade. 

 

Lectern.

Lectern-cade, now there is something I can get behind!

[j.fitzenr]

I would get a ton of work done there.  "Okay, that was a great opening e-mail sentence, I deserve a few games of Wonder Boy."

[ark_ader]

I toyed around with this idea for a long time, then bought the xarcade.  It is nice to have a joystick on the desk, hooked up to a kade, but was worried that I would get strain from sitting too forward on the desk, or losing valuable desk space where the controls are, etc.  The xarcade fills this void.  But having a u360 and four buttons is still pretty tempting.......where is that spade bit....

[Locke141]

I agree, for an adult trying to get work done this would suck. Kids don't care and we didn't have room or the budget to do both separately. They're happy, I'm happy. It works for us.

Sorry man, I didn't know that was your build. I wouldn't have been so harsh. I think adding a hidden keyboard & mouse is find for the ovational use case or trouble shooting.
 
Glad it works for you. 

[ark_ader]

Just curious.  Why have a mouse, when you have a trackball so close to the keyboard?

[_Iz-]

when you're using the keyboard the trackball is even more awkward to use...  plus one daughter likes to play "the sims 3" on there and hates using the trackball.