Author Topic: Might start selling PortaCade (Read 2588 times)

USSEnterprise · « **on:** February 24, 2006, 12:23:14 am »

I was wondering if there is a market for these. Basically, a low grade computer (600 - 800MHz), Built in encoder, and control panel. It would almost be made like an old luggable computer. Computer in the boc, and the panel on top. Would have TV out and VGA out to connect to displays. As far as control panel, basic 6 button, 2 player setup. 2 8-way sticks and six buttons each. Maybe use CF for the hard disk. What does everyone think?

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2006, 02:22:34 am »

As far as pricing, I would could offer two options. All would be the same as far as controls. 2 omni stick joysticks, 6 buttons per stick, 1 & 2 player buttons, and 2 other use buttons, all hooked up to a KeyWiz Eco.

Cheapo:
700MHz Celeron Processor
10GB HDD
128MB RAM
48x CD ROM
nVidia MX 400 PCI w/ 32MB VRAM
Built in sound and LAN
Windows 98
$500

Better:
2.93GHz CeleronD
512MB RAM
80GB HDD
nVidia MX 400 AGP w/ 32MB VRAM
48x CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo
Built in sound and LAN
Windows XP
$750

Comments?

BobA · « **Reply #2 on:** February 24, 2006, 09:17:08 am »

Having a hard time visualizing the product that you are proposing. How about a small sketch?

I guess what I am really saying is how is this different then Arcade in a Box?

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=47846.0

Stobe · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2006, 09:41:42 am »

2 quick things tp think about:

1. Be careful with product name. Having Mame in the name can lead to troubles.

2. You could save yourself and your potential customers by using a DOS based system on your "Cheapo". Saving the license fees on windows. Especially if you go the CF route for hard drive, could save valuable space as well.

-Stobe

Hoagie_one · « **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2006, 09:56:43 am »

I dont like the CF idea for a hard drive. Constant writting\rewritting on a CF card would tear it apart over a short time, unles this thing is really small

melidian · « **Reply #5 on:** February 24, 2006, 10:53:06 am »

you don't have to write or rewrite to the cf if you don't keep high scores and i'm guessing there wasn't going to be licensed copies of those operating systems anyway. doesn't seem like such a hot idea since we all know how much that stuff costs unless you are selling to the home market??

JoyMonkey · « **Reply #6 on:** February 24, 2006, 10:57:17 am »

Sounds like Arcade-In-A-Box.

mccoy178 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 24, 2006, 11:12:42 am »

The only thing bad I saw was the word Celeron. You put an AMD under the hood, now you're cooking.

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #8 on:** February 24, 2006, 11:51:32 am »

The Arcade-in-a-box is the basic idea. I didn't know that existed $:-\$
It would be similar to that. Controls on top. Relatively basic controls. 4way/8way switchable sticks, and a hinged panel to allow access to the guts. I'm trying to find a place to get refurbished parts (processors, motherboards) without going to eBay. The "Better" version would use all new parts. "Cheapo" would be good for games pre 1993. BTW, those aren't the official names.

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #9 on:** February 24, 2006, 11:53:22 am »

There would also probably be room for a Betson Imperial trackball, but that would bump the price up about $80

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #10 on:** February 24, 2006, 12:09:19 pm »

I just found a place where I could get a full 866MHz P3 system very cheap.
"Cheapo" System price reduced to $400

nullb0y · « **Reply #11 on:** February 24, 2006, 01:40:05 pm »

heh cant u get a new pc for $300-400 seriousily 400 for a 866? wtf?

Stobe · « **Reply #12 on:** February 24, 2006, 01:49:25 pm »

Quote from: nullb0y on February 24, 2006, 01:40:05 pm

heh cant u get a new pc for $300-400 seriousily 400 for a 866? wtf?

I'm guessing he hasn't been reading the whole thread.

I believe the $400 includes the whole "Portamame" device.

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #13 on:** February 24, 2006, 01:52:32 pm »

Well, figure $120 for the computer (866MH, 128M, 10G) , $100 for controls and interface ($190 if trackball), $50 for paint, hardware, and wood

And some profit. Thats the reason I'm considering this

SNAAKE · « **Reply #14 on:** February 24, 2006, 02:02:58 pm »

you could use modded xbox instead of a computer. $150 brand new and $20 for duox2 modchip. It wont be "pre 1993" either cuz kawa-x or finalburn runs all capcom and neogeo games full speed and mamedox plays 90% of the games full speed. AND you have a support for xbox games,xbox live,etc.

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #15 on:** February 24, 2006, 02:03:57 pm »

As far as the "better" system, I realized that a A64 3000 costs the same as the Celeron setup. So I suppose that would be a better option. As far as an OS, I could either use a Linux distro or DOS 7.1

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #16 on:** February 24, 2006, 02:05:19 pm »

I have no experience modding consoles.

I think I'll stick to PC.

AlexC · « **Reply #17 on:** February 24, 2006, 04:29:43 pm »

PM sent

zaphod · « **Reply #18 on:** February 24, 2006, 08:13:18 pm »

$400 would be very reasonable for what you are providing. Get a prototype built so everyone can see real photos and construction quality.

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #19 on:** February 24, 2006, 08:52:04 pm »

sounds like a good idea. I'm going to try and do so on the cheap in case it doesn't work out. I got a few socket 7 mobos I can use. The case will be made out of MDF. There will be no trackball. If someone ends up wanting it, I'll upgrade the 'puter

allroy1975 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 25, 2006, 03:35:38 am »

don't use 3/4 MDF...just the box will be HEAVY.

just my suggestion

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #21 on:** February 25, 2006, 03:46:37 am »

good point. maybe pine?

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #22 on:** February 25, 2006, 02:13:24 pm »

I'm going to Home Depot. Going to get wood, hardware, paint. Look for router and drill bits.

Demon-Seed · « **Reply #23 on:** February 25, 2006, 06:43:18 pm »

Hey
I would like to be kept up to date on the project! I was thinking of making an arcade in a box too!

thx
Jim

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #24 on:** February 25, 2006, 06:54:50 pm »

When I get started, I'll make a thread in roject Announcements

IG-88 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 26, 2006, 02:33:21 pm »

Quote from: USSEnterprise on February 24, 2006, 12:09:19 pm

I just found a place where I could get a full 866MHz P3 system very cheap.
"Cheapo" System price reduced to $400

Care to share that "place" with me?

Not trying to undercut you but would just like to know where I could find a couple.

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #26 on:** February 26, 2006, 04:29:42 pm »

www.isellsurplus.com has Compaq iPaq PCs w/ 866MHz P3, 128MB RAM, 10GB HDDs, CD-ROM and NIC for $100 a piece + shipping

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #27 on:** February 26, 2006, 11:01:31 pm »

I can't use them anyway. They don't have a TV-Out, and they don't have any PCI slots. Not expandable at all

Bloinkxp · « **Reply #28 on:** February 27, 2006, 03:56:18 pm »

You mean this? http://www.isellsurplus.com/product.asp?id=18787&C=7
It says it has three open PCI slots...

-d

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #29 on:** February 27, 2006, 04:26:40 pm »

Actually, thats not the one. What I had seen were old Copmaq iPaq towers. I couldn't use a desktop type PC. I don't want to deal with riser cards

melidian · « **Reply #30 on:** February 28, 2006, 12:50:09 pm »

i would think the profit margin on this would not outweigh the effort...unless you truly love doing it! also, isellsurplus.com is now ican'tstayinbusiness.com if anyone was thinking of ordering from them.

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #31 on:** February 28, 2006, 02:29:05 pm »

crap! They had cheap stuff
And to me, that profit margin ain't bad. $150 to $200 per unit is a lot to me.

melidian · « **Reply #32 on:** February 28, 2006, 02:58:01 pm »

i didn't realize you had figured it out that high...good enough! yeah, i was gonna order some power supplies they had for .99 or 1.99 or something yesterday

USSEnterprise · « **Reply #33 on:** February 28, 2006, 03:31:56 pm »

They had P3 700s for $11

PoDunkMoFo · « **Reply #34 on:** February 28, 2006, 07:45:05 pm »

Quote from: USSEnterprise on February 28, 2006, 02:29:05 pm

And to me, that profit margin ain't bad. $150 to $200 per unit is a lot to me.

Remember when you figure frofit margin your time should not be free. Easy way to get into trouble is to just look at what it costs you versus what you can sell it for. Sure it's fun.... for the first few units but then you start to wonder if all the time it takes is worth what you are making. I believe that others on this board have ran into trouble in this way. If that's your margin after you figure what your time is worth than go for it.


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