Smallest Computer for NES emulator?

[Troglodyte]

Hello,
Since the only way to get RGB out of an NES is to replace the original PPU
with that of a PC10 PPU, I'm looking for some alternatives to get this kind
of quality into a small form factor.

Although, I have seen a few of those FPGA based NES projects, they seem awfully expensive,
and are probably more complicated to build than I am capable of right now. Especially, since I
only have an education in Computer Science, and a electronic background that does not cover
in depth subject as computer engineering / electronics engineering. Perhaps this is something
I can teach myself, but I'm sure it wouldn't be easy.

Also, I am almost certain that there still no NOAC clone consoles that can output RGB.

Anyway, since the original NES board is so big, and it doesn't output RGB without the PC10 PPU
RGB mod, I'm wondering what kind of small form factor PCs are out there that could be modded
into a portable.

It wouldn't need to be very powerful, but it would at least need to be able to run an OS like Linux.
Also, the only emulators I would need to run are 8-bit like the NES. I may want emulate the SMS,
but that is not necessary. Like I said, the main reason I want to be able to do this, is because,
in theory, the video quality would be much better.

I have seen a few very small Linux PCs / devices that only have the basics, like VGA, USB, etc.
However, I can't seem to find the links again. I'm talking even smaller than a Min-ITX board if
at all possible. I believe the small Linux device I am talking about, was ARM based.

Anyway, maybe this while less cost prohibitive than FPGAs, is still too cost prohibitive. Also,
I have a Dingoo, but I'd really like to take a stab at making my own portable NES capable
PC. It would need to have a way to hook up to a PSOne or similar LCD screen that
accepts RGB in, as well as a sound card of some type.


I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts on this.
Thanks.

[snowpenguin]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LM ... B001LMCPQ8

It is an atom PC.

You can make it run windows/linux.

It has 512 MB memory with an 900 mhz atom.

It can emulate n64 great.

Be happy.

Your life is now complete.

[Troglodyte]

It is an atom PC.

Really? Looks like a GPS to me?
Could you provide some more
info? I'm confused about this.

It is kind of expensive.
But I suppose for what
you get, it's really not.

I'm still wondering if anyone
has found a way to tap
RGB from these portable
MP3 / emulator consoles
such as the Dingoo A320.

Hmm... I think you meant
to link me to the ASUS
Eee PC. I have owned
a MSI Wind.

I was looking for something smaller
and cheaper; preferably without
an included screen.

Thanks

[snowpenguin]

It has been marketed as a gps and wifi device for cars, (it sucks for that purpose) but it is really an atom based computer inside. It CAN be made to run windows (it has been done) and it CAM run emulators well.

For $140 that's a STEAL. MAJORLY A STEAL.

For $600 it was a bit much.

[Troglodyte]

It CAN be made to run windows (it has been done)

Anymore information on this hack?

[samjc3]

That is whats called a "mid", or "mobile internet device". i feel obligated to point out, that you will want some kind of usb controller as that has touchscreen controls only. (also, i didnt look at the link im just assuming its palmers doodad)

[hailrazer]

http://www.ill-logix.com/forum/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

But you have to register.

[Troglodyte]

I feel obligated to point out, that you will want some kind of USB controller as that has touchscreen controls only.

Hmm... that's pretty much the only thing I can think of that would stop me from using this device.
I would think there is a way to add a USB drive keyboard / mouse / game controller. At least I
would hope so.

But you have to register.

Thanks... that would make since why I wasn't able to load
the pages I found others linking to regarding this device.

[snowpenguin]

Add controls.

If you're willing to make a portable, it would be much easier to just add some controls to the front of this thing's case.

[Troglodyte]

If you're willing to make a portable, it would be much easier to just add some controls to the front of this thing's case.

Yeah, that would be best, as it looks like it can handle standard USB input devices.
Also, since it is x86 compatible, hopefully it can run a NES emulator under DOS.
That would be a great way to limit boot time and overhead. Except... shoot...
chances are the SD slot wouldn't be supported under DOS. Might just want
to run the NES ROMS off a USB thumb drive anyway.

[snowpenguin]

It's got a 4 GB SSD standard.

[Troglodyte]

It's got a 4 GB SSD standard.

Ah... I see... missed that part.

[MasterPrime]

seriously? you guys forgetting this?

[hailrazer]

seriously? you guys forgetting this?

Are we forgetting a device that isn't out yet and we can't get and that has been delayed yet again.

Nope. We haven't forgotten it.

Oh and this might just be the perfect keyboard for the Mind Palmer :
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keybo ... 8&cl=us,en" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

But this also looks interesting and is Usb. :
http://efo.buy-lowest.com/index.php?mai ... cts_id=180" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Troglodyte]

Are we forgetting a device that isn't out yet and we can't get and that has been delayed yet again.
Nope. We haven't forgotten it.

Nope... I know about the Pandora.
Much hyped like James Cameron's movie with a Sci-Fi world of the same name.
However, this Pandora has yet to fully materialize

Besides, I am talking about hacking together my own machine that can do this.
It's a shame the there isn't an RGB NOAC yet, and might never be.

Oh and this might just be the perfect keyboard for the Mind Palmer :
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keybo" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... 8&cl=us,en

I can't get that link to work :/

Anyway, still looking for other opinions, though the Mind Palmer looks
like it might make a great hack, its honestly more power than I need.

I don't have interest in making an all in one portable at this time.
If it ends up being able to play more than NES games, that's fine.
But my main goal, is for it to have RGB, and at least be somewhat
more portable and affordable than the PC10 RGB hack. I also need
to be able to find a way to hack this finished portable up to another
larger LCD screen, and ultimately TV-Out onto a normal TV.

I seem to remember a very tiny computer that had an ARM processor or something
like that, that could run Linux. It might not be suitable for a project like this, but
it featured full VGA out. This was a few years back, and I can't find the link
anywhere. It did not have its own screen or any input devices. And for
some reason I remember it looking somewhat like a piece of yellow
cheese lol