WTB/Commission portable Dreamcast

[stevenrushing]

I am hoping to purchase one of the outstanding portable Dreamcasts that have come out of these forums over the years. Barring that, I am hoping to commission a Dreamcast portable. I am not picky in many things in life, but I am picky about my gadgets, and want a really nice one. First, a few requirements:

1. the screen should be at least as large as the ps1 screen that is so popular. That's 5" right? Up to 7" would be even nicer. But the Ps1 screen will do.

2. I would like a VMU to be built in, accessible and run on the portable system battery, rather than having to replace that little disk battery all the time. I understand that this will limit me to the use of only one VMU. No biggie.

3. I want it to look nice. It doesn't have to be pocketable, but it would be nice if it has a svelte feel. A nice (simple, one color or two complementary tones) paint job is a must. I like the soft curves that come out of vac formed cases more than the hard corners that come out of CNC, but this is negotiable.

4. Battery life is crucial. I will be using this in Afghanistan (where I am posting from) and power (especially nice 110) is not always easy to come by. I would really like at least 1.5-2 hours per charge, more if possible. I am open to the idea of using rechargeable AAs or a swapable rechargeable battery if this would help. I understand that there is a tradeoff between size and battery life.

5. The disk can't be exposed. Sand gets into everything here, so the disk needs to be properly protected from the elements.

6. You need to be able to complete the project inside of a month.

I am an American in Afghanistan serving as a contractor. I support Marines with their satellite communications equipment and line of sight radios, and some data/networking. While the hours are long (12 hour shifts, 7 days a week) they are often empty if nothing is broken. I am bored and would like to play shenmue and space channel 5 while I am here!

I understand that the workman is worthy, and expect to pay out the nose for this portable. I expect to pay between $500 and $700 for this, less if buying an already completed portable that doesn't meet all my preferences. At the same time, as so much money will be dished out up front, please don't pm me or respond if you have 20 posts and no completed projects. I honestly don't mean to come off so insensitive, but I am looking for experience. I really want a nice portable that will last a long time.

I expect to pay half of the price up front, and half of the price via ebay auction (so that I have the protection of Paypal, at least for the second half of the payment) as soon as pictures of the portable are posted here to the forum. That means you get all the money before I get the portable.

Also, you needn't worry about shipping international. I have an APO address here in Afghanistan, which is an American Post Office box. The portable can be sent properly packaged in a USPS flat rate box, no more than $15 shipping, plus insurance.

Post if you have questions!

[hailrazer]

and want a really nice one.

3. I want it to look nice. It doesn't have to be pocketable, but it would be nice if it has a svelte feel. A nice (simple, one color or two complementary tones) paint job is a must. I like the soft curves that come out of vac formed cases more than the hard corners that come out of CNC, but this is negotiable.

The disk can't be exposed. Sand gets into everything here, so the disk needs to be properly protected from the elements.

6. You need to be able to complete the project inside of a month.


I understand that the workman is worthy, and expect to pay out the nose for this portable. I expect to pay between $500 and $700 for this, less if buying an already completed portable that doesn't meet all my preferences.

I quoted what is going to be the problem.

It's going to be next to impossible to get one built and shipped to you in less than a month that will meet all the requirements you want.
There are very few Dreamcast Portables makers out there. Let alone DC portable makers that can build a nice looking one that quick.

Try techknott (one of the best Dremacast portable makers)
http://forums.benheck.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=42365" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[stevenrushing]

Apparently I was inadvertently unreasonable. I am here for a year and just went ahead and got a dreamcast on eBay. That doesn't mean I no longer want a portable, just that I am willing to wait a bit for one.

New deadline: I would like it shipped by October 1.

If you have a completed portable already on the forum with pics and such, link me and name your price. 50%up front, 50% when I see pics/vids here (not when I get it).