Joined on 07/12/05
Patience is a virtue...
Pros: Quite possibly the smallest MicroATX case you can buy that fits full-height expansion cards. Decent power supply, interesting (if extremely particular) CPU cooling solution.
Cons: None, if you know what you're getting into. Cooling solution could be more accommodating to aftermarket heatsinks, and the PSU fan could be a bit quieter. No airflow over the hard drives, and the plastic clips on the front cover will break if you're not careful.
Overall Review: It's a very interesting case, and if you need something small, if you plan to stick with Intel's stock cooling and just want something a bit quieter than an average case, it's excellent. Obviously if you're working with an AMD platform or *any* aftermarket heatsink you have to be very careful in choosing products that will fit the case, and you can forget about using the built-in CPU chamber. I'm currently using a Scythe Shuriken in this case (64mm tall), and it just barely fits beneath the DVD drive. The case feels flimsy when you take all of the components out, but becomes much more stable once everything is bolted down. I've had no problems with cables and the like, although if you plan on having 2 SATA hard drives you will likely need a 4-pin to SATA power adapter. In all, it's a great case if you have the patience to make it work, it's just not something you can throw components into without some consideration.
Boy, do I feel stupid...
Pros: Single-slot design, psuedo-quiet Zalman cooler, cheaper than dirt with rebate.
Cons: Admittedly, this is all my fault. I figured that although there were a number of reviews complaining about the card needing more cooling, I assumed that the card still worked regardless. My assumption was that even though the card may run hot, no manufacturer would ever be so stupid as to deliberately sell a card that would not operate under normal conditions. Well, serves me right that only a number of hours after receiving the card and trying to play HL2 I found out that yes, the card *does* need better cooling, because it crashes my system after about 60-90 seconds of trying to run a 3D engine. I literally can't even start a level. I yearn for the idle temps some people have been mentioning. 48C? I'm seeing an idle temp of 65C, despite the fact that my case, while small, has a respectable amount of air circulation.
Overall Review: I was running an 8600GTS as a temporary card before I bought this, and all was well. It just boggles my mind to think a company could let such an obviously faulty product ship. If you are considering buying this card, please don't. The price is awfully tempting for the potential this card has, but the other reviewers are correct; it's utterly flawed. Save yourself the trouble of an RMA and spend a few extra bucks on a card that works.
Good quality, but not ideal.
Pros: Very well made. Lots of interior pockets, holds laptop securely and feels like it provides a good amount of protection from bumps and drops. Though I don't own an M11x I had a very hard time finding any nice cases for my 11.6" HP dm1z, so I ignored the branding (which is thankfully subdued, aside from the shiny alien head on the front).
Cons: One of my primary reasons for buying a laptop case is to have some degree of weather-sealing, and the rectangular area for ventilation ruins this. My fault for not noticing this before purchasing. The outer mesh pocket is really the only place to hold your power supply, as the depth of the case makes it difficult to stuff the adapter into an interior pocket. This might not seem like a big deal, but it either A) makes it awkward to carry on your shoulder, or B) announces to everyone that you have a laptop inside.
Overall Review: Admittedly, my complaints are all directed towards decisions made about the overall design of the case rather than the quality of the case itself. There was the potential for this to look like a regular binder were the power supply able to fit inside the case, though that would necessitate it being wider/taller.
A great budget HTPC case
Pros: Frankly stunning for the price. It's very small - probably the smallest mATX case you can buy with full-size expansion slots - and the glossy finish and huge power button are subtle and classy. The CPU cooling duct is clever, and while it only really works for the stock Intel cooler there's just enough room with the duct removed to install a 100mm Scythe Shuriken. I've used two cases with this design and both power supplies have been reliable and quiet. Internally speaking it's very well built, and only a slightly more complicated install than a standard case.
Cons: The hinges on the front panel don't feel that durable. I haven't owned the case long enough to know whether they'll actually break, but it's not a stretch to imagine. Nor do the doors swing open far enough, and as a result there's some awkwardness in accessing the optical drive and using the front USB ports. The strength/size of the magnets keeping the doors closed (stronger than they need to be) doesn't help in this regard. I'd have preferred a case without doors for ease-of-access, but apparently most case manufacturers haven't found a way to make a nice-looking front bezel without completely covering everything. That said, the "Pull" label on everything is just silly, and bordering on offensive to my intelligence. Trust me In-Win, I can figure out how to get to my drives and ports.
Pros: Decent write speeds in camera, good price for the capacity.
Cons: Atrocious read speeds, particularly with external CF readers. Caused various computers to lock up entirely in an attempt to read photos off the drive, which occurred with 2 different CF readers. Transferring photos from camera USB (Canon 20D) works, but is still very slow. Transferring files to CF from computer is nigh impossible.
Overall Review: I decided to purchase another brand of CF card locally, which works just fine (and a bit faster writing photos to boot).
Mostly Awesome
Pros: Full-sized wireless keyboard with all the right features; good pointing device, scroll, more media buttons than I have use for, fantastic range (literally works from every room of my two-bedroom apartment, about 25-30 feet through walls).
Cons: Somewhat expensive for a keyboard due to its specific nature. Trackball a bit sensitive. Number pad is a bit excessive for its intended purpose. Some body flex in the unit as a whole.
Overall Review: Yes, this keyboard does have some flex if you twist it, but at the same time feels more solid, and more well-built than my old wireless keyboard (iOne Scorpius P20). To be honest, the flex seems like part of the design to keep the plastic from cracking or breaking after a long period of use (or dropping it, and you will drop it, more than once). Of course, I won't know until I've had it for a longer period. Can't comment on battery life yet, but the range is truly phenomenal, typed a sentence from as far away as I could get indoors without one missed character. No joke.