Just cost Frontgate $3.5k...

[Chester]

My wife dragged me into the Frontgate store at Phipps Plaza in Atlanta and they had a Ms. Pac-Man/Galaga 20th Reunion cabinet set-up and for sale. You can order the thing from them for about $3.5K from their catalog. There was this guy in his mid-forties there with his 3-ish grand-daughter having a blast. I overheard him ask the sales clerk about how long would it take to have one delivered...so I struck up a conversation.

You know, the usual MAME intro chat:
Me: "Man, how much of your youth was spent plugging quarters into these things?... I know I did!"

Him: "Yeah, me too! Today's games just aren't the same. I was just about to buy one of these things so I can play it and get my grand-kids hooked!"

Me: "Really? Did you know there's a way to get all your old favorites and play them for a fraction of the three grand you'd spend on this machine for only TWO games?"

etc...

He took down all the stuff to go look up, including this website and Saint's book (!). Maybe he'll build a cab...
...or at least buy Saint's book!

BTW, Saint's book is awesome. I have been visiting this site and many others for about a year, and I thought I knew enough to get started. His book fills in gaps that I didn't know existed in my plans, and really spells everything out for you. It is excellently written, and I think I learn something new every time I pick it up!
I anticipate starting on my cab within the next month. Wish me luck!

Chester

[AlanS17]

I wonder how many people have read the book before coming to the site... I'm sure that number is growing, but I haven't seen a massive joining frenzy in the forums.

As for what you said there, Chester, I can relate. I've had the conversation with random strangers more times than I can count!