Need monitor rec for narrow cabinet

[soslo]

I just got a Stern cabinet that has a maximum (internal) width of 23 inches. This cabinet is totally gutted, so I am *probably* going to go with a Contra clone MAME cab.

Ok, to the problem. The problem is I have limited space in the cab yet want the biggest monitor that I can fit for viewing ease.

The "hole" for the original arcade monitor is 14.5 inches wide and 18 inches tall...while the visible area through the plexi covering is 13.5 inches wide and 16 inches tall.

I did some measuring and a 17 inch computer monitor has a viewable area 12.75" wide and 9.5" tall - much smaller than the original monitor.

Questions:
Would it be better to just use a vertical arcade monitor for this application? If so, the typical questions of which one, how much, which video card, etc. come to mind.

Is there a TV out there with a case of width 23" inches or slightly less? The closest TV I've found is:
Panasonic 20 in. Diagonal Stereo Monitor-Receiver with PanaBlack

[DeathMonk]

I would use an arcade monitor...  Just at a glance, the WG 25 inch K7400 CGA monitor it exactly 23 inches wide at the outter most point, so it would be a really tight fit.  Or you could just use a 19 incher.

I would recommend the arcadevga with an arcade monitor.

[soslo]

DeathMonk, thanks for the quick reply.

I checked out theWG monitors. You are right, it looks like that would be the biggest monitor I can fit.
The part that concerns me is the resolution...640 x 200 - is that enough for MAME and JukeboxFX? That is all this cab will be running. I wonder why the resolution is lopsided like that with a monitor that is relatively square.

I just ordered from Ultrimarc yesterday (ipac)...should have waited to combine shipping ;]

EDIT: I just checked out the k7500 and the resolution is 640x400 - same external dimensions, and only $10 more.  Is this monitor good as well?

[paigeoliver]

NO NO NO. 640x400 is a mid res monitor.

Don't buy it, don't buy it.

It won't work.

You need either a standard arcade monitor with an arcadevga card, or a VGA arcade monitor. The monitor you are talking about is Mid Res, and there is no real solution for hooking those up to the PC.

I suggest a 19" VGA arcade monitor mounted horizontally. That Frenzy cabinet originally had the monitor mounted horizontally anyway. It must have been converted later.

BTW. Good cab choice, games with front doors are nice.

[soslo]

paigeoliver, again, thank you for the tips...I may have made a big mistake.