Easily Portable MAME Cabinet?

[wackychimp]

For my first "cabinet" I'm thinking of building the computer into a desktop control panel type of box.  So basically I'd have this box that looked like a SlikStick box but a little deeper.  It would house all the computer components, speakers, a keyboard and mouse drawer, and then on top it would have the controls.  The video would just run directly out the back and plug into any TV.

The goal would be to build something self-contained that I could easily move out of the living room (so as to reduce flak from the Wife) and maybe even take to other people's houses to play.  Oh and it would have legs that would screw into the bottom to make it "arcade height".

Anyone ever done/already done/thinking of this?  

Just wanted input and thoughts.

Thanks!

[anthony691]

For my first "cabinet" I'm thinking of building the computer into a desktop control panel type of box.  So basically I'd have this box that looked like a SlikStick box but a little deeper.  It would house all the computer components, speakers, a keyboard and mouse drawer, and then on top it would have the controls.  The video would just run directly out the back and plug into any TV.

The goal would be to build something self-contained that I could easily move out of the living room (so as to reduce flak from the Wife) and maybe even take to other people's houses to play.  Oh and it would have legs that would screw into the bottom to make it "arcade height".

Anyone ever done/already done/thinking of this?  

Just wanted input and thoughts.

Thanks!

There was a thread about this not to long ago. Talking about useing Mini ITX mobos. Someone will probably dig the link up for you (maybe I will). It sounds pretty nice in theory  I am not sure if anyone has finished one before though...

Be sure to keep us updated

[Minwah]

You can buy them! http://arcadeinabox.com/

edit: ...or you could  

[simpleman46]

I've been working on a similar idea for a little bit now, I'll let you know how mine turns out.
Once it's done....
errrr.....   if.... it gets done.

[GSXRMovistar]

Try these:

http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=7952

http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=7667

The search function is a wonderful thing, you should try it some time  

[zorg]

you can alos grab some inspiration from these

http://www.inanna.com/~calhoun/ibox/index.html
http://www.inanna.com/~calhoun/tibox/index.html
http://www.inanna.com/~calhoun/iboxii/index.html
http://www.inanna.com/~calhoun/macmamebox4/index.html
http://www.inanna.com/~calhoun/macmamebox5/index.html

[Malachai]

The goal would be to build something self-contained that I could easily move out of the living room (so as to reduce flak from the Wife) and maybe even take to other people's houses to play.

You just read my mind!

I'm working on a project like that now.  Well, no speakers or keyboard/mouse drawer, but the same idea.  All parts are aquired and design is done.  I should finish construction in the next few weeks (really busy at work).  E-mail me or find me on Messenger if you want more details.

[wackychimp]

The search function is a wonderful thing, you should try it some time  

     I did but evidently wasn't using the right words.  "Portable cabinet" and "desktop cabinet" didn't yield much.

Thanks for the links.

[Hoagie_one]

you can alos grab some inspiration from these

http://www.inanna.com/~calhoun/ibox/index.html
http://www.inanna.com/~calhoun/tibox/index.html
http://www.inanna.com/~calhoun/iboxii/index.html
http://www.inanna.com/~calhoun/macmamebox4/index.html
http://www.inanna.com/~calhoun/macmamebox5/index.html

Where can one get the LCD screens.  Thats cool as all be all