ASUS introduces VENTO TA-F foldable PC case

While not nearly as gnarly as Acrylic Cowboy's inside-out case, the VENTO TA-F is probably more usable in most respects. ASUS' new foldable PC chassis promises a 30% savings on storage and transportation, but alas, all that apparently goes away once you stock it full of internal components. At any rate, novice and expert DIYers alike will appreciate the "no-tools-necessary" clause, and the plethora of drive bays within will keep mobile data servers happy as a lark. Those who'd like to pick one up will have to look coast to coast at their leisure (thanks for the specifics, ASUS), but make sure to choose silver (TA-F21) or black (TA-F11) beforehand.

[greyscale @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:21PM]

If I keep folding will it start to look presentable?

[bot @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:23PM]

Cool! Less transportation costs mean they can sell it for less to the consumer, riiiiiight Asus?

[Atropos @ Nov 2nd 2008 11:50PM]

You can buy shitty cases for cheap right now. Why wait until there's a foldable shitty cheap case?

[wako @ Nov 3rd 2008 12:43AM]

no, it just means that your case will fall apart under its own weight because sooner or later the hinges will give

[RoboDan @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:24PM]

Asus just joined the computer case card game...

... and has already folded


P.S. It's a stupid idea

[jorvay @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:48PM]

If you had to flip the bill to ship hollow metal boxes over-seas, you wouldn't think it was such a stupid idea.

[TomTom2007 @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:57PM]

Foldable PC case is a nice step in reducing shipping and storage fees, but manufacturers should do self-assemble cases, making each part/panel of the case completely detachable, not only saving money in shipping, but also saving some labor.

[Wwhat @ Nov 3rd 2008 9:19PM]

In short: ikea should start selling cases already
They sell LCD stands and mousepads and computer desks don't they, so why not.

[Laughing Man @ Nov 4th 2008 11:31AM]

A savings that I promise they will not share with the customers. They will just use the addition income to help fund the "Case" dept. to make other cases.

If they want to save on shipping cost, now that they have a case, sell use barebones kits. Case, motherboard, DVD burner, and power supply.

[Sean Hill @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:25PM]

Why?

Other than cheaper shipping, there are NO advantages. In fact, it'll probably be flimsy because of the added joints. And as far as the feature of tool-less, you're still gonna have to take out a screwdriver to install the motherboard and PSU, so you might as well as screw in the drives and cards while you're at it.

[happy_penguin @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:39PM]

I agree that the only apparent reason for this is savings on initial shipping. But you can't say how good it will be for sure, once assembled. If it's well made it may be just fine. Also, what's so wrong with having to use a screwdriver? I don't mind having to screw in my components on my main PC. It's not like I'm swapping stuff in on a daily basis.

Just make it good and solid. That's what is most important to me. I'll wait to see reviews before I pass judgement on this case.

[Penguin Warlord @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:39PM]

How strong does a computer case need to be? All I'm saying is that my computer just sits under my desk and occasionally gets taken out for an upgrade or cleaning. If it was a little flimsier it wouldn't make a difference.

Yeah the main advantages are cheaper shipping and easier storage. My question is why not? I'm sure that there are people who's lifes would be made a lot easier by having this. And why would you screw in the drives and cards if you don't have to? Getting the screwdriver out is not the most time consuming part. You sound like a grumpy tool. (Who's just jealous cause these cases are making you obsolete.)

[YpoCaramel @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:58PM]

Asus and retailers will like it. Its not really there for the consumer's benefit.

[happy_penguin @ Nov 2nd 2008 11:41PM]

"Penguin Warlord @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:39PM
How strong does a computer case need to be?"

Well, from a standpoint of being able to do it's job probably not all that strong for most of us. But personally I want my computer case to feel strong and solid. It's a perceptual thing and I believe it matters to most people.

"YpoCaramel @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:58PM
Asus and retailers will like it. Its not really there for the consumer's benefit."

It is potentially a consumer benefit if it means shipping cost savings passed on to the consumer. I can't say that it would be a cost savings passed on to the consumer but the potential is there.

[jasondefaoite @ Nov 3rd 2008 5:19AM]

Wondering if this would pass the FCC/CISPR22 Radiated Emissions requirements, with components inside obviously. Not sure with all those folds the shielding integrity would be there...

[Joshua @ Nov 2nd 2008 11:25PM]

Good Idea, I see a lot of chassis in the garbage, people will probably hold on to there old cases if they can store them better.
Less packaging. It's a plus for the environment

[matt @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:41PM]

Is IKEA going to start selling computer parts now?

[Hi Kenneth @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:41PM]

its not like im going to take my pc on vacation and put all the parts and components in a separate place...thats what a laptop is for

[Hi Kenneth @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:49PM]

Error: I thought you had to take out all the parts...I still think a laptop is better...get like a gaming rig laptop...

[David @ Nov 2nd 2008 11:01PM]

What happens when I try to fold it up with parts inside?

[Hi Kenneth @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:50PM]

all the parts and component fold up with it...look at the bottom pics...you can see the parts. I caan see a hard drive

[jorvay @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:51PM]

Your girlfriend finally sees what her parents have been saying about you all along.

[Hi Kenneth @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:51PM]

EDIT: the top pics...man im having an off day

[Hawk Pidgeon @ Nov 2nd 2008 11:24PM]

@Hi Kenneth

That's an air vent, not a hard drive.

[James @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:52PM]

I see no point in having a folding pc case. I doubt the saving in shipping will offset the cost of hinges and parts to make it fold.

Still haven't found a case sub $100 better than the cooler master praetorian i got like 5 years ago.

[Anon @ Nov 2nd 2008 11:00PM]

How about the Cooler master Centurion?

[James @ Nov 3rd 2008 3:32AM]

That would be a step back from the praetorian. But to tell you why; no removable mobo tray, only exhaust and side fans, personally dont like the slide locking drive slots...ect

I would consider it if i HAD to get a new case but would probably go with a lian li or spend the money on a high end silverstone.

[SteveJr_Ri @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:54PM]

I'd rather fold up my laptop, take it and go

[Hawk Pidgeon @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:57PM]

Now if they could just make it fold with my computer inside it... then I'd be interested. Alas, I don't think that's gonna happen any time soon.

[patriotsn1 @ Nov 2nd 2008 10:57PM]

Wow this is an incredible idea... They should figure out a way to fold up the screen, keyboard, and some kind of small usable mouse along with it! Maybe then go ahead and make it small enough to put on top of your lap... man, 21st century stuff here!

[Temo @ Nov 2nd 2008 11:18PM]

I have no need for this... If I need to fold a case it is because it doesn't fit in the trash can.

[ramkanda @ Nov 2nd 2008 11:27PM]

Ora"gamey"?

[holycow @ Nov 2nd 2008 11:31PM]

not using the eee name for the case? Odd.

[Connor @ Nov 2nd 2008 11:36PM]

21st Century technology seizes to impress me.

[gad get @ Nov 3rd 2008 12:41AM]

It does what to you?!

[Jon Doe. @ Nov 2nd 2008 11:42PM]

The only question I have is Autobot or Decepticon?

PS- Remember to get out and vote Tuesday!!

[Kimleng @ Nov 3rd 2008 12:02AM]

At some point...they're going to release special origami cases. You get to pay a premium for a computer case that folds into a crane, airplane, frog, etc. Assembling cases doesn't have to be boring anymore! All you have to do is follow the thick 80 page manual in case you have problems figuring out what a crane looks like when it's folded out of a computer case.

[avester @ Nov 3rd 2008 12:47AM]

-Phew! And that nice looking bird only took 3 hours!

-What about the motherboard and parts, should they be there too?

-FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

[daliminator2000 @ Nov 3rd 2008 8:15PM]

I highly doubt there is a plethora of drive bays. You can't possibly have too many in a case this size.

[Jon @ Nov 3rd 2008 4:16AM]

People who quipped "what is the point", these foldable cases are meant to increase efficiency in shipping both environmentally and cost. There is no point in shipping air. What cases like these means is factories can ship more of them in one container/lorry/truck whatever.

[DrXym @ Nov 3rd 2008 8:11AM]

It's a nice idea but I expect most people will want to buy a case with PSU, fans, cables and other gubbins included.

[nxp3 @ Nov 3rd 2008 8:59AM]

For the consumer, why would we want a foldable case. It's more work for us and how many times do you ever disassemle a dman pc once you hook everything up? This is good for them, but I don't see anyone buying it because its foldable. No thanks.

[The_Steven @ Nov 3rd 2008 9:17AM]

Say what you will, but I think it's a good idea.
So long that when set up, it is no less stable than an ordinary case, and the price point is reasonable.

[ckiick @ Nov 4th 2008 3:06PM]

That's freakin' brilliant.

[thethirdmoose @ Nov 3rd 2008 10:08AM]

Why not just have the panels detach completely???

[ProfessorKaos @ Nov 3rd 2008 10:20PM]

Dumb, lets remove the components after building only to fold it for transport? Um no thx