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Bartop Builds and Computers
jammin0:
So it has been about 6 months since finishing up my last arcade build and I am starting to get the itch. Obviously 1 is enough when it comes to MAME machines but I have tons of family and friends who are in dire need of something to spice up their family/game rooms.
I didn't think I liked bartops at all but the allure of a smaller build like that is starting to draw me in. 17 and even 19" monitors are a dime a dozen on Craigslist right now and with only one set of controls I'm thinking I can get the build pretty cheap. Now I'm wondering about computing power. Recently I have found out about the android stick computers and they seem really really cool for a simple mame build.
Any thoughts? Basically they are supposed to be able to run any android apps and I believe there is a decent version of Mame4all for android. I've played it on my ipad before and it doesn't disappoint. I'm thinking about taking the plunge because I can find them for $50-75 dollars or so on ebay. Potentially, I could keep the entire build down to about $100 and make it look really nice at the same time.
Anyone doing this, or considered doing this?
Here's a link http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CNyC7dcXx5w#!
The one tiny thing I'm not sold on yet is the HDMI port. I really wish it had VGA out, for any of the old 4:3 monitors still floating around it would have to be converted back to VGA or DVI.
paigeoliver:
Rather underpowered compared to a used computer you could get on craigslist for $20.
jammin0:
Good point. I guess the only disadvantage to that is size and power. An older computer won't have wireless in it.
Seems like an old desktop might be kind of cramped in a Bartop. PSU by itself is going to take a lot of room. I'm also thinking of making 2-3 of these for some people and it seems easier to get an off the shelf solution.
You raise a good point though.
CoryBee:
--- Quote from: jammin0 on November 15, 2012, 04:36:53 pm ---Good point. I guess the only disadvantage to that is size and power. An older computer won't have wireless in it.
Seems like an old desktop might be kind of cramped in a Bartop. PSU by itself is going to take a lot of room. I'm also thinking of making 2-3 of these for some people and it seems easier to get an off the shelf solution.
You raise a good point though.
--- End quote ---
You could use a laptop. And if you aren't wanting to use it's screen the motherboard makes a fine replacement for a desktop. With a power supply ranging from 60 - 90 watts it barely uses any energy. Throw in your own LCD screen from craigslist and bam :laugh:
paigeoliver:
And wireless is a disadvantage in a cabinet. You really don't want your machines web enabled. It is a perfect way to make sure you end up having the fix them later. Let people use their laptops and cell phones to access the internet, not their video game cabinet.
Not useful for upgrades either. I firmly believe that finished cabinets should never see any software upgrades. Don't fix what isn't broken.
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