From: Sci -Fi Tech
To put the recent review of the Dell XPS 710 box in perspective for you, here’s something you can get for $1,500 less than that quad-core monster: a 100-inch arcade gaming machine. Comprised of a projector, a 100-inch screen, and a PC loaded up with arcade games, it certainly won’t be able to handle F.E.A.R. as well as the XPS, but to be fair the XPS doesn’t come with a 100-inch screen.
So which is a better deal for gamers looking to drop between $4,000 and $6,000 on a gaming setup this holiday season? That all depends on if you like new games or old games and if you like buying your electronics from reputable companies or from poorly proofread websites. If you like the latter of each, then call up Dream Arcade and give ‘em your credit card! You’ll get a “high end PC with AMD Athlon 64 3200+ CPU” (that’s all the info you get on it), a “High output DLP projector,” and a “100-inh portable projection screen.” Sounds like a smart purchase to me. For a mere $4,500, you can’t go wrong.
My Opinion: While I think the control system is very nicely designed, and the huge screen is a plus; I don’t see the $4500.00 price tag justified. The cost of the computer, projector, projection screen, and control deck – materials wise, cannot exceed $2500.00 dollars. I think there probably is a lot of labor involved in the construction of the controls-panel; and that’s probably where the remainder of the cost comes in. Usually arcade controls are handmade and tested, so there is usually quite a bit of effort put into these setups. If I owned a sports bar or something, I can definatley see this as a great investment.
Although as always MAME related cabinets and setups have always been a DIY lovers’ project. In perspective the cost for a pre-built system like the one above is easily WORTH $4500.00 dollars when you think of all the work you would have to put in on setting up the controllers, wiring, and frame. For someone who has no concept of how to build their own Arcade system – this is a great deal.
