Bender's Little Black Box

[Bender]

Here is the next project I have in my head basically a ultra mini folding arcade
The basic folding mechanic is the same as the Benderama
It will be based on an Asus eee netbook
It is aprox 4x8x9" when folded and should fit cofortably in your lap or of course on a table
Will be powered by rechargable laptop batteries, and hopefully last around 6hr before needing to be pugged in
Thought it would be fun on the train or for travel, I got mame running on my PSP but it's just not the same with out some real controls, even if they're on the smallish side

I'm planning on using a JLF joystick with 30mm balltop
24mm samwa buttons (not sure if I'm going 4 or 6 buttons)
an 1 1/2" trackball (though this my get left off if there is not enough room for it to be comfortable and how many buttons I go with)
and Spintrack or TT2 spinner, whichever is shorter under the panel

Here are some SketchUPs of my first draft

and I know the Trackball is in a weird place but it is so small that it actually fits under my hand (without touching) while I'm pressing the buttons
Oh and I'm going to try to light up the buttons some how, not fully lit but like the ring Ond and Franco have done (all in the same color)
and the soda cans are just in there for scale
Also there will be no artwork just a simple black box, kinda like a giant DS but with a joystick and good games
Obviously I'm not using the colors in the render for the controls, it just makes it easer for me to judge the layout

I'll update the design once I get all the parts and take the netbook apart
Let me know what you all think of the design

[javeryh]

This is going to be effing sweet.   

[wp34]

That is sweet.  I like that you are including a spinner and trackball as well.  Including a battery is also brilliant. 

You really should have a Slurm Cola next to it for scale.   

[Bender]

You really should have a Slurm Cola next to it for scale.  

I tried but I just can't get an image to wrap in sketch-up
but, you weren't the only one, my wife was appalled it wasn't a slurm can!


**EDIT:**  SLURM! can has replaced generic can!!!!!! (at least in the stills)

[Epyx]

Very cool Bender.  I would kill (okay...maim maybe...) to see an upright design/build of yours...any plans for this in the future?

[drventure]

Slick. I like it!

At that scale, why not put it in a leather briefcase or something. James Bond style. Or maybe more "Mission Impossible"

[drventure]

Doh. "Little Black Box"

You already have a theme going.

Nevermind 

[emphatic]

This is indeed interesting.

[EightBySix]

Love it!

It's crying out to have a discrete carry handle on the front...

How do you do the animations in Sketchup? did I miss something - or is it some sort of pro version goodness?

[Yvan256]

Looks like a cool project, but I think it's missing a marquee and a carrying handle. Also, aren't all netbooks widescreen?

Bonus points if you can fit a rotating control panel in that thing.  

[IG-88]

Love the idea,    I would be a little concerned about the whole thing moving around during a heated game. Maybe put some of that rubber no-slip material on the bottom to keep it from sliding around on a table? Can't wait to see it done!

[dawolv]

This is going to be effing sweet.   

Indeed!