I have a client who has a MAMED computer that he uses with a X-Arcade that wants to plug and play his computer into a arcade cabinet for around $500 (the challenge) to $900 (all in):

"A cabinet with everything ready to go...I just plug in my computer and off I go!  I don't much care about the graphics on the sides of the machine and i would prefer dual controls (so that 2 people can play @ the same time...Joust or HyperOlympics anyone?).  As long as the cabinet is in good shape.  Also, I would much rather have an original arcade cabinet then one someone has made."

Given his budget, knowing him he would likely be happier with a nice quality upright arcade cabinet with a classic game's original artwork, but I'll bet a "MAME" version would appeal to him as well.

I don't have time to do a cabinet (nor do I know enough about how these things are put together). It is possible he could arrange to install his own monitor but he wants controls in already. I could install speakers and an amp if I had to.

I might be willing to accept a terminal to terminal shipment for the right one.  EM me pics and dets.

Thanks!

I still have a vision 33" with monitor for 200$ if he wants to make a MEGA MAME/Jukebox.

It still has a power supply in it, but I can remove that for you if you like. LOTS of room to put a computer inside.

I myself would ditch the monitor and go LCD as sparky did with Vengeance's MEGA mame cab.

you can also just take apart the X-arcade and install its buttons/hardware in the CP of the machine, easy as pie.The buttons pictured will be taken out as I need them for a project I am working on right now.

The "brushed aluminum" on the CP is just "mack tack" adhesive, will peal right off if you want black (last pic)

I need this thing out of my basement

ah, yes, the behemouth.  I will ask him, but I think that's a bit bigger than he expected....  

http://www.cgcc.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19065

There's a big mame and a not so big mame there

OK, let's try that again.  My client is looking within the $500 - $900 range for a fully equipped MAME cabinet WITH good quality monitor, if possible, and he can supply a computer (if need be), and has all the MAME software necessary.  But he does need a purposeful decent cab with controls, etc. "ready to MAME" - keep in mind I am a newbie when it comes to MAME, so I am looking for some guidance here.  I am considering Terry's "Behemouth" since it's more complete than Zac's (sorry), but I really think he wants something a little more on the "normal" size cabinet....  

Well just so you know Wayne that monitor in mine is a FRICKING HUGE PC monitor too,
easy peasy to configure with mame as compared to arcade monitors.

Right now has 2.4 ghz pc installed more than enough for the early 80's classics I run, but prolly not that bad for some of the newer ones either. Don't think it will run hard drive based games properly...then again I am not sure many do anyway.

Has an ipac for the joys and buttons and a optipac for the trackball..

/end sales pitch

Well based on his wants needs...The smaller one I have would work too...no trackball though...(The wayne gretzky)
If he has a xarcade setup now... why not just pull the panel off and use his? Probably mount right on there...

I could pull the jamma stuff out and throw in another ipac for 4 player controls ie simpsons, tmnt, gaunlet.. etc. It has a medium res monitor in it that configures better with mame and no need for a jpac etc...or you could drop a 22inch PC monitro in there for real ease of use.

$400 delivered to your door

/end second sal3es pitch

Quoted from websherpa

OK, let's try that again.  My client is looking within the $500 - $900 range for a fully equipped MAME cabinet WITH good quality monitor, if possible, and he can supply a computer (if need be), and has all the MAME software necessary.  But he does need a purposeful decent cab with controls, etc. "ready to MAME" - keep in mind I am a newbie when it comes to MAME, so I am looking for some guidance here.  I am considering Terry's "Behemouth" since it's more complete than Zac's (sorry), but I really think he wants something a little more on the "normal" size cabinet....  

500$ to 900$? MAME-ready? LMAO....

Cabient with a good monitor = 200$ (assuming the 33" is used)
IPAC = 70$
Wiring and connectors = 60$
ArcadeVGA video card (assuming an arcade monitor is used) = 110$
Joysticks and buttons: 70$
CPU Speakers = 60$ (and that is a cheap system)
Cabinet hardware and paint = 80$
New t-mold = 30$

... so we are up to 680$ with only cheap stuff, and you haven't even put in 5 minutes of time to assemble it. Not to sound brash, but your buddy is dreaming. I get at least 5 similar requests a week. No one seems to realize what is involved building a decent MAME.

Quoted from Sparky

500$ to 900$? MAME-ready? LMAO....

Cabient with a good monitor = 200$ (assuming the 33" is used)
IPAC = 70$
Wiring and connectors = 60$
ArcadeVGA video card (assuming an arcade monitor is used) = 110$
Joysticks and buttons: 70$
CPU Speakers = 60$ (and that is a cheap system)
Cabinet hardware and paint = 80$
New t-mold = 30$

... so we are up to 680$ with only cheap stuff, and you haven't even put in 5 minutes of time to assemble it. Not to sound brash, but your buddy is dreaming. I get at least 5 similar requests a week. No one seems to realize what is involved building a decent MAME.

eXactly..thats why my big one is a steal!

Quoted from Sparky

500$ to 900$? MAME-ready? LMAO....

Laugh away, I have no idea about these things (Pinhead here, no vidhead). Thanks for the info though, it helps.
Client has his own computer and can arrange monitor and audio, if that helps.

Quoted from websherpa

Laugh away, I have no idea about these things (Pinhead here, no vidhead). Thanks for the info though, it helps.
Client has his own computer and can arrange monitor and audio, if that helps.

The problem with cost-cutting on a MAME is that you end up with a machine that looks and feels like crap.

Quoted from Sparky

The problem with cost-cutting on a MAME is that you end up with a machine that looks and feels like crap.

  hey i love my crap mame.  yes it costed me 500.  yes its a counter top.  but i love it.  it was the reason to get a mame was to save me some room for more pins.  
  but yea.  most mames that are really nice are alot more in price.  i did kind of luck out with a member who sold it to me.  its a homemade cab with a laptop in it and a nice lcd screen.  buttons and controls are tight together and no trackball.  but it plays great.
   wouldn't mind upgrading someday to a full cab with trackball and spinner.
  good luck on your hunt for your friend.