Life without a lenscap

I am working on a project inspired by a couple of projects I saw on line, but with some major differences.

Basically the goal of this project is to build a computer inside an NES system. The computer will run the Ubuntu Linux Operating System, and will have 2 functions: Online-Video Watching [via Boxee], and NES emulation via the original controllers.

I have some requirements that must be fulfilled by this project, and I have begun organizing the parts to make it come to fruition. I have included them here to keep me honest as I continue.

• The Computer's only monitor will be a television. It must be able to easily connect to a TV using one or more of the more common display interfaces for a TV.
• The computer's grand total of parts in the computer must not be greater than $250.00, with a goal of under $200
• The computers main input will use original NES controllers, which must connect to the console through the original NES ports. This will involve programming a microprocesser, and making a converter inside of the box. Ideally the conversion will be to USB. A sub-goal is having the NES controllers be the computers only input.
• The NES-PC, when finished, must be as true to the original form of the NES as possible. There will be nothing sticking out of the case. The only alteration allowed is the cutting of a hole for the mobo frame. Even this should be avoided.

With that out of the way, let's give a status update:

Parts Obtained:

• NES system, with NES controllers COST: $0.00
• Intel D945GCLF2 Little Falls 2 Micro-ITX motherboard with 1.6GHZ atom CPU COST: $93.00
• 1 Gb Ram COST: $34.00
• Molex to P4 Power Cable COST: $7.00

Total Spent to date: 134.00

Steps taken:

• Removed parts except controller parts from old NES
• Began research into microprocessor programming.