front end comparision

[ryantheleach]

is there a pae with a table drawn up of all the frount ends out there with features etc non windows look multiple emulators etc.

[TalkingOctopus]

No there is not.  It would be hard to keep a table up to date because many frontends are still being developed and getting more features.  You'll have to visit each frontend's website and give them a try.  If you wanted to make a table, I'm sure that someone would be willing to host it on the web.

[Minwah]

All the cabinet FE's can do non-Windows, and multiple emulators...just give them a try and see which you like...

[screaming]

Well there's this one, but it's not detailed nor complete.  There has been much talk about creating a detailed tabled of all the major front ends out there but no one's stepped up to the plate yet.  Why don't you?

-Steve

[ryantheleach]

thats what i was thinking but wanted to check if anybody else had done it

[Howard_Casto]

nope... but keep in mind, the reason no one does it is because it's a full-time job.  

First off simply running a fe once isn't enough.  To be fair :

You have to create a scenario (like perhaps a arcade machine with no trackball and mouse running emulators a, b and c).  and set up each fe for the scenario, not qutting until the setup is complete, or as complete as that fe will allow.  

Not only that, but you have to do this over and over again.  Trying out each fe all over again upon each major release.  

A snap-shot in time of what each fe is capable of is no longer valid given the rapid development of fes.  Only a dynamic, ever current comparison would be of any use to anyone.  


Also if you give a bad review to a popular fe or a good review to an unpopular one, prepare for the hate mail.  If I've learned anything from this site, it's that some people are afraid of or are offended by strong opinions.  And if you give really "P.C." reviews then  they'll be watered-down and won't help anyone decide.  

Of course a more impartial, chart of features would be nicer, but I believe to explain many of these features and if they really do anything interesting would require reviews as well.  

I am not trying do discourage you from doing this, I just want to make you aware of what is involved.  It would take a really dedicated person to take on this project and if a less dedicated person did it, it wouldn't turn out well and wouldn't be of any use to anyone.  

[ryantheleach]

thats a good point thanx with school and after school jobs etc it would get annoying maybe sum1 on byoac or mameworld.net could do it (perfect places in my opinion)