Reviews

It seems that each time I find a quality HTPC case, SilverStone has to come along and shake things up. The release of their GD06 HTPC case provided a great option for those that want a high quality HTPC case without spending a lot of money. Well, what happens when they introduce another case, again affordable, that builds on everything the GD06 was and more? You end up with the Grandia GD08.

There are a number of ways users try to incorporate things they see on the discount shelf at their local computer store into their lives. I, for one, am always looking for neat products that can make things easier all the time. In my efforts to simplify my HTPC experience, I have tried endless combinations of Bluetooth Keyboards & Mice, Remotes (iMon), Software (Logitech Touchmouse, Mouse Without Borders), and various mind control techniques that failed miserably. Recently, I strolled across the itablet Bluetooth Thumb Keyboard and figured I would give it a go.

If you frequent C.O.D. you will realize that I am a fan of Lian Li. I have had many of their cases over the years and it seems that they always seem to set the bar just a little higher every time they come out with something new. Granted, there have been some questionable designs over the years (U6), but I tend to forget those rather quickly when I look at the number of extremely well designed and meticulously manufactured chassis they have produced. Recently, Lian Li has produced an HTPC chassis that promises to impress... the PC-C60.

When you are on the go, sometimes having the multimedia connectivity you want isn’t always available to you.  When I travel, I like to bring my laptop with me wherever I go and there is nothing better than sitting in a hotel room late at night with my laptop hooked up to their TV watching the movies I bring with …

There is no doubt that the HTPC enthusiast has some options when looking for a chassis to fill the void in their entertainment center. It seems like so many of the options are either too small, too big, to ugly, or too expensive. With that in mind, SilverStone has stepped up their game. SilverStone is no slouch when it comes to manufacturing high quality computer components and with the introduction of the GD06, the company is trying to shake up the HTPC chassis market a bit.

Generally, many case makers like to feature top notch, expensive high end cases and seem to forget about the majority of people; those of us with a budget! The market is flooded with cheaply made, low cost cases that many just settle on purchasing because they can't afford cases by Lian Li, Silverstone, Zalman, or any of the other top end brand names. Recently, BitFenix has been making some waves by producing their Colossus with the soft touch element. Luckily for us, they want to continue their ways and offer a well designed inexpensive option for us named the Merc Alpha.