Portable-Palooza (voting thread opened!)

[bacteria]

I also wanted more than 6 weeks for the work, to give more time, however this is not the case. Too late now, let's just get on with it and get the job done!

This thread is getting rather heated due to a couple of people here throwing in controversy and bickering about trying to bend the rules to their advantage. Rather spoiling things for the rest of us.

Let's decide once and for all: are the rules, as interpreted, steadfast or not? Are we saying work started before 20th July on a project is valid or not, if not, why not as that was the original basis (and how far back before the date is "acceptable"). Is "work" defined as project design or project making of a project. Project design takes several hours' work after all, it isn't instantaneous.

Come on, let's define the parameters once and for all, then let's turn the page and get this thread back to quality postings...

[Rekarp]

reusing the original system shell in an unusual way, building frankencases like i do, designing a custom vac formed case etc

and thus c_mon's and my wooden cases slip away from being mentioned again!

Common c_mon we wooden case builders can't be ignored forever!!

/Swings soldering iron towards Triton

FREEDOM!!!

[bacteria]

...and hand-built perspex systems....

[Rekarp]

...and hand-built perspex systems....

.....

/shoves bacteria into battle formation.

YARRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!



/me thinks that is enough silliness for one day.

[bioniclebert]

The only reason I see a problem with the ZN-40 or whatever that case is called, is because to me it seems that a lot of people are using it as a case. It's not something that I would judge as being less skillful, it just seems to cut a little into originality, especially if a lot of the cases features remain stock. Now I'm not a good case maker, and I won't bash anyone at all for using one of these cases, but if you're going for something truly unique with one of them, you had better be putting something like a wii in there or make some modifications to the plastic.

Now I'm not entirely sure, but it seems "Brians" SNES portables have used this case, and I love those portables. (Correct me if I'm wrong on that, I only come here so often) So that being said, yes there is a way to use that case and make something really nice.
Like Triton says, I think that an easy case to use that shows a lot of hard work and customization is the "franken case". The only note I wish to leave on these cases, is that we all know console A/B can fit into the ZN40, and frankly, they look nice too. But if you are trying to win a contest, keep in mind that people will be looking at all the aspects in the portables to see which one is best, including creativity, style, etc.

Again, I have no problem using those project enclosures, it's just that in the spirit of competition, it wouldn't be too advantageous to use a case that a few other members are using.

On a side note, I am working on a new portable, a SNES. No details on that one, though I have some plans. As I stated already I am broke (actually I have about $4 in quarters), and need to buy a lot of stuff. That's the main reason why I cannot enter this competition, but it has inspired me to restart this hobby and to create something that I enjoy, to get done whenever it gets done.

As for the guy that we are wondering if he can enter or your portables can be entered, I say just make them anyway. The contest has inspired portablizers to come together and make some really cool portables, and that's the point. It doesn't matter to me if you started early or finished late. It's the idea that we can really show the level of interest, and skill that we have in this forum. And eventually, cash permitting, I shall join you, too.
-Bert.

[bacteria]

It surely doesn't matter what the casing is made of: frankencase, project case, perspex, wood, CNC, etc. You can make a nice case out of whatever, if you spend some time on it. Look at Brian's latest SNES, gorgeous!

[mothatrucka]

all of this was established when the contest timeline was set out, i was against such a short deadline to begin with but i aparently didnt have a say in the matter, in my personal opinion 6 weeks is scarcely enough time to do a portable when you have other obligations to fulfill (eg work, comissioned projects, family obligations etc)

Well, thus far within this six week timeframe, I have managed to start and utterly destroy three portables. Two have been resurrected to the point where they could be finished in time, and if I manage to finish those two, I have the parts necessary to resurrect the third. All of this has also occurred while working, fulfilling family obligations, doing someone else's job, and numerous other obligations. Six weeks is plenty of time to do a good, polished work. It's all a matter of managing your time well.


I am glad to see someone else agrees with me regarding pre-made cases. Frankencasing is cool, and takes some mad skillz. Frankencasing a ZN is cool, too. Building something new from scratch is also cool. Come on, think out side the project box. There's too many cool ways to do this than to get caught up on a certain type of case.



EDIT: Rules are rules. He started before the official start. That's my feeling.

[Life of Brian]

All I have to say about this whole discussion is thank God that everyone's moved past using tackle boxes.

[mothatrucka]

Funny. Everyone's missing the point here. Is someone who started actual work before the official start going to be allowed to enter it?


I say no. Plain and simple.

[Triton]

if the majority agree with you then thats the way it will be, i for one say that just bondoing in the screen bezel and buttons doesnt really count for much at all in the long run, he did at MOST 2 hours work before the contest started, whats 2 hours in a SIX WEEK LONG contest.

and as to the 6 weeks being enough, it depends greatly on how fast you work too, at the rate i work and the quality i keep my work to 6 weeks (judging by the portable i am currently doing) i would have the wiring about 3/4ths the way done and the case about halfway done, i would conservatively estimate something around 50-75 hours of actual work (if not approaching or exceeding) went into building the case alone. just because other peoples designs are less labor intensive doesnt mean that 6 weeks is long enough for everybody. some people have lives and cant dedicate several hours a day to their hobbies, unfortunalty

[hailrazer]

if the majority agree with you then thats the way it will be, i for one say that just bondoing in the screen bezel and buttons doesnt really count for much at all in the long run, he did at MOST 2 hours work before the contest started, whats 2 hours in a SIX WEEK LONG contest.

and as to the 6 weeks being enough, it depends greatly on how fast you work too, at the rate i work and the quality i keep my work to 6 weeks (judging by the portable i am currently doing) i would have the wiring about 3/4ths the way done and the case about halfway done, i would conservatively estimate something around 50-75 hours of actual work (if not approaching or exceeding) went into building the case alone. just because other peoples designs are less labor intensive doesnt mean that 6 weeks is long enough for everybody. some people have lives and cant dedicate several hours a day to their hobbies, unfortunalty

Look you need to prioritize. Work isn't all that important.
Take some sick leave and vacation. No sleep and lot's of energy drinks.

Sheez where's your commitment.

[Triton]

what and the boatloads of amphetamines arent enough for you people!? jkjk, actually just basically got hired at radioshack woot!

[kidw/32+systems]

Wow just saw this today lol so it looks like I better finish my portable. I started it at the beginning of summer so if it doesn't qualify (sorry didn't read all 25 pages) I don't care I will just be happy to finally to finish it.

[mothatrucka]

Better at least read the rules in the first post, if you aren't going to bother reading the whole thing.

[Aguiluz]

I want to join, but my formula isn't working....