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Buy vs Build vs Buy & Build

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Roughy:
I'm on the route of making a final decision as far as my first cabinet, and I've managed to decide that me actually building it probably won't be the best decision from a time, cost and most of all, skill perspective.

Hey, I'm honest.

That said, I've noticed a couple of "kits" out there that are of interest and if possible, I'd like some feedback to help me along my merry way:

1)  The Ultimate Arcade II Kit (with Control Panel Combo?) http://www.mameroom.com/UAIIEkit_info2.asp
This is a nice price--$500ish seems relatively easy to stomach to me, however, I'd really like a Trakball (gotta have a golf game!) and their kit doesn't appear to have that option, but they do have a "design your own control panel option that might just be dumb enough for me to use.  Or I could copy a different design.

The problem with this option is the wiring, etc. etc. to fill in all the holes on the control panel.  Seems to me that it should almost be something you could get put together easy enough, but then again, everyone deserves to get paid for their efforts--I'm reasonable and fair about that.

2) Dream Arcades Upright Kit http://www.dreamarcades.com/upright/
$1000 + shipping seems a *little* stiff to me.  But, perhaps it's worth it for all of the wiring to be taken care of and the control panel and all that stuff.  Perhaps I'm suffering from an all-at-once sticker shock for this one.

What I'd like to ask of "you" is an opinion or some advice.  I live in the Chicago area and am ready to go; I don't need a computer or a monitor, but want to be able to get what I need and turn it on and start the MAMEing.

Thanks in advance for any opinions and advices here.

MameJunkie:
Dream Arcades is way to pricey for my blood ($1000).
The UAII kit is okay if you really don't have any skills what so ever.

RayB:
3) Existing stripped cabinet.
Free - $50. Usually comes with a coin door already installed, marquee light, sometimes even wiring and controls. No assembly required. Just sand & paint.

wilef:
I'm in the process of building my first cabinet and I'm loving it.  It's really rewarding seeing the thing come together.  As far as time, yes it will take you some time.  My friend and I are about 18 hours into it and will probably end up at around 40.  Cost though, building it is the cheapest route (unless you need to buy a bunch of power tools).  I'll end up spending around $300-$350 which includes everything for the cabinet (wood, plexi, buttons, joysticks, wiring, keyboard encoder, t-molding, casters, screws, primer, paint, side art, marquee, control panel, etc.).  I found a used tv for $10 and already have a computer I'm going to use, so I'm not counting that into the cost.

Of course, if you don't have the tools or the carpenter skills, then I'd go with the kit (still give you something to do).  I really couldn't have done it without my friend (who owns the tools), so I was looking into the kit idea myself.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents.  Check out my site if you want: http://mariobrosarcade.blogspot.com/

daikiki:
I've had the pleasure of doing business with dream arcade, they're a class act, use quality components, and their uprights (and cocktails) look sweet. I don't know how much you'd be willing to do yourself, but maybe you could contact them about getting just the cab parts and doing the cp wiring yourself. Bear in mind that the included controls would probably set you back about two hundred bucks if you had to order them separately. Mameroom's product looks really nice, but It's definitely more of a DIY solution. It looks like you'd only be getting the wooden cab parts. No coin door, bezel, or marquee. Really nice design though.

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