U-HID vs Mini-PAC?

[Ioargra]

I'd like to know the differances between the U-HID and the Mini-PAC (with optical support).

I'm thinking about building a CP pretty close to this:
http://www.mameroom.com/ClassicController.asp
3 joysticks (although I belive the 3rd is wired up on the same wires as the 2nd, so the encoder need only support 2 joysticks), a spinner, trackball, and an assortment of buttons.
I plan on using mostly for MAME, although I might use it for things such as NES/SNES, old atari games, old dos games, etc.
Anyway, I'd like to choose the best option in terms of an encoder. What would be the advantages/disadvantages for me?

It looks like both the U-HID and the Mini-PAC support complete independant inputs, so there's no matrix limitations in terms of maximum simultaneous keys pressed down.
The U-HID appears to be more flexible in terms of types and mixes of inputs it can accept, but in my specific case, I dont think I'll need it.
The U-HID supports macros, does the Mini-Pac support them? (I probably wouldn't need macros anyway).
Both have a shift capability.
The mini-pac has a 12 mhz RISC cpu, I don't see what the u-hid has, but I imagine its equivalent.

Limitations of the U-HID for # of connections:

Total 50 connection pins.

Max 8 analog axes on 50 possible pins (Windows limitation)
Max 32 Gamepad buttons on 50 possible pins (Windows limitation)
Max 8 Quadrature mouse devices on 16 possible pins out of the 50.
Max 3 Quadrature mouse axes (X, Y and Z, Windows limitation)
Max 50 keyboard keys on 50 possible pins.
Max 16 LEDs in any combination of PC or U-HID controlled. (USB 500 mA current limitation).
Max 50 low-current output drivers.

http://www.u-hid.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=4

The mini pac appears to support 1 trackball, a spinner, and 30 buttons (I'm guessing thier 28 button quote is excluding the mouse right/left ones, they are perhaps hardwired?)
http://www.ultimarc.com/mp_inst.html

If one configures the u-hid so that it would be setup to support the complete controller set of the mini-pac (2 joysticks 4 wires each, 1 trackballs 4 wires, 1 spinner 2 wires), then it looks like it would be 50-14=36 buttons on the u-hid vs 30 (or 28) buttons on the mini-pac.

Pricing looks similar at first glance ($69 vs $79), although the mini-pac for that price includes a comprehensive wiring harness.

Can anyone think of any other possible differances? Even if they don't nessasarily matter for my situation?

Thanks!

Edit: Corrected trackball info, thanks Turnarcades!

[Turnarcades]

The mini-pac supports pretty much everything you said (except only 1 trackball, not 2 - the seperate sections are x-axis and y-axis on 1 'ball), plus has the distinct advantage of being ready-wired with quick connectors.

Never used the U-HID but I'd only dabble in that if you need a custom wiring job or more analogue controls.

[arzoo]

Can anyone think of any other possible differances? Even if they don't nessasarily matter for my situation?

The U-HID can be used to light LEDs.

[u_rebelscum]

Can anyone think of any other possible differances? Even if they don't nessasarily matter for my situation?

U-HID can handle analog joysticks, 270 degree wheels, and analog pedals.  (Does sound like you need these, ATM.)
U-HID can output as keyboard and gamepad (and mouse).  Minipac can output as keyboard (and mouse).  Not important for mame, but some apps only like gamepads, others prefer keyboard, and others need both to play two player.

[Blanka]

Looks like the latest release of the MiniPac is the same as an UHID. Seems like Andy Photoshopped the Minipac logo on a UHID picture? Are they the same today Andy?

[BobA]

Sure looks like the same board maybe with a change in software.  Didn't know that the minipac had changed.

[Blanka]

Old one:


New one:


U-HID:


I have the idea the latest minipacs have a sticker on top of the U-HID PCB print.
I wonder if you can still connect to PS2 ports.

Now I see the old image, I remember those double DIN ports, but what made me find out was the different harness. The new one has 4 extra buttons, but no mouse buttons. You have to lift out 2 cables from the button harness, and put them into the analog harness to facilitate mouse buttons.