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Screen Grabs: Thermaltake Level 10 plays coy on NCIS: Los Angeles
Screen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dt com. It ain't the first time we've seen fresh hardware hit the small screen, but we can't think of a chassis much larger than this making a cameo on the tele. Thermaltake's monstrous Level 10 enclosure popped up on NCIS: Los Angeles this week, with Chris O'Donnell doing his darnedest to lift valuable information off of the internal HDDs via telepathy. Or maybe we missed the point. [Thanks, Daniel]
Thermaltake shoves SATA HDD docks into V9 BlacX Edition PC enclosure
PC chassis enthusiasts (yeah, there is such a thing) will surely know that Thermaltake's V9 Black Edition has been out for a couple of years now, but there's evidently quite a bit of difference in the V9 BlacX Edition. Aside from that awkward letter change, of course. The otherwise ho hum mid-tower enclosure -- complete with a black outer shell, seven PCI expansion slots and a grand total of ten drive bays -- spruces things up by offering a pair of SATA HDD docks right on the front panel. Basically, the company took one of these right here and smashed it into the front of its newest enclosure. With it, you'll able to shove any spare 2.5- or 3.5-inch SATA hard drive right into your system for quick access, all without needing an external peripheral to do it. In fact, we just made a promise to ourselves to never buy another case without this kind of magnificent integration. Check it this August for $99.
Lian Li's T1 Mini-ITX Spider case shakes it real good at Computex (video)
Lian Li's T1 Mini-ITX Spider case just started shipping to those with a thing for oddities in late May, and the strangest PC enclosure since the Thermaltake Level 10 made its way to Taiwan this week for Computex. 'Course, the Gigabyte system loaded onto it was fine and dandy, but it's the moves it made that truly stole the show. Hop on past the break to see a chassis shake the thing its momma gave it. Yeah, you read that right.
Wooden Level Eleven PC gets inspiration from Thermaltake Level 10 chassis
Let's face it -- if you had a never-ending stack of cash and a computer room with no particular size constraints, you too would own a Thermaltake Level 10 enclosure. Regrettably, both financial and square footage constraints do indeed play major roles in most of our lives, including one Jeffrey Stephenson. This fine gentleman is quickly becoming the Ben Heck of wood-grained mods, this time cranking out a lovingly crafted iteration of the aforesaid chassis, but with that special wooden flair. The Level Eleven gets its inspiration from the gargantuan Level 10, but rather than taking things even bigger, Jeff decided to scale things down a notch; in fact, he constructed a fully functional PC within the handmade enclosure, all based around a VIA Pico-ITX mainboard and a 1.2GHz VIA Nano CPU. Thanks to the onboard VX855 media processor, this (comparatively) diminutive machine boasts an HDMI output and enough horsepower to pump out 1080p sans lag -- but it doesn't seem as if this bad boy is officially for sale. Not that he'd reject a five-figure offer or anything...
Windows Phone 7 Series getting one chassis spec at launch, two more in the pipe?
If we had it boil it down, the singular image burned in our brains of Windows Phone 7 Series so far is that of a large, nondescript slate -- the so-called "dogfood" device being passed around internally for the platform's development -- and although Microsoft isn't talking specs at this point, it's widely believed that this phone roughly represents the Chassis 1 spec that Redmond is passing around to hardware partners. Is this the only way you'll be able to get your WinPho 7 served to you, though? We might yet be months away from an official answer, but a pair of Microsoft developer evangelists on an Australian podcast are saying that Chassis 1 (full touchscreen, gigahertz processor, and dedicated graphics acceleration) will be the sole option at launch, with Chassis 2 and 3 following on after that. 2 is said to be "more like a Palm Treo" with a dedicated QWERTY keyboard, while 3 remains a mystery, though there's some speculation on the podcast that it could be a candybar -- a form factor that's becoming something of a lost art these days, particularly among smartphones. The speakers note that there's a lot of value in offering some form factor variety -- not everyone wants a keyboardless slate, after all -- so the real question might be how quickly after initial launch we'll see some of these other chassis filter down to retail.
Level 10 gaming chassis gains Asetek liquid cooling solution
We're guessing that most Level 10 owners spend more time dusting off their chassis than actually using it for "computing purposes," but those that have been pinching their pennies in order to snag one now have yet another reason to do so. Asetek, which knows a thing or two about system cooling, has teamed up with iBuyPower in order to deliver the first and only liquid cooling option for what's quite possibly the planet's most astounding PC enclosure. The pain? Not a dime, as the option is now standard equipment on systems that include the case. Huzzah! %Gallery-85267%
Lian Li masters PC chassis marketing, gets our attention with T1 'Spider' video
It's a well known fact ('round these parts, anyway) that Lian Li is one of the more creative PC chassis manufacturers on the planet, but who knew the company responsible for crafting a case in the likeness of Dubai's own Burj Al Arab had a top-notch marketing staff, too? In the video past the break, the company's innovative new open-air Mini-ITX benchmarking case is revealed to the world, and while the device itself is a fantastic creation, it's the pitch that really sells it. Essentially, the highly flexible T1 Pitstop "Spider" is made for hosting smaller systems for limited amounts of time, making it easier to test and benchmark a litany of systems without having to crack open a traditional case with each setup. We're still trying to determine whether or not Lian Li truly expects to build and sell this thing, but whatever the case, the clip awaiting you below is totally worth a watch.
Foxconn distracts all with TXM-355 bamboo desktop chassis, brews bamboo tablet rumor
Look, we've all been giving Foxconn a bit of a hard time recently with all those Apple tablet and iPhone rumors, so it's only fair for the Taiwanese giant to take some time off for something fresh. What we have here are a couple of self-proclaimed "world's first" desktop chassis with bamboo front cover (so we guess that Dell Studio Hybrid doesn't count to them), aiming to achieve environmentally-friendly status in China. While Foxconn's Bamboo Forest 1 ATX case on the right has been announced for about a month, the TXM-355 or Bamboo Forest 2 microATX case on the left is fresh from the oven -- visually already a good candidate for your next HTPC build. Despite a few rough cuts and the ugly glue work on the optical drive flap, PCPOP has given the smaller brother a thumbs up overall. Not bad for ￥368 ($54) either, and it's only an extra $2 for the big daddy. Just watch out for that panda behind you. %Gallery-80067%
iBuyPower nabs exclusive rights to sell Thermaltake Level 10 pre-built systems
So, there are two nagging issues surrounding Thermaltake's awe-inspiring Level 10 enclosure. First, it's $850 and nearly impossible to find in stock; second, you best know how to piece together a full-blown rig yourself, 'cause you won't find this beast hanging around at infrequently visited corners of Dell or HP. Somehow or another, however, iBuyPower has managed to swoop in and remedy quandary number two. As of today, it's the exclusive provider of pre-built systems using this case, with base configurations boasting Intel's Core i7-920, a 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285, 6GB of DDR3 RAM, a 128GB SSD boot drive, 1TB of storage space and a Blu-ray drive. Feel free to spec this one out 'til your heart's content, but be mindful of that already-lofty $2,499 starting tag. %Gallery-79948%
Thermaltake Level 10 now shipping, ready to rock your socks and wallet off
Thermaltake's Level 10 PC chassis, a 47-pound beautiful behemoth in every way, has completed its almost exactly 9-month march from a March design unveiling to a "now shipping" retail page on Newegg. At $849.99, it ain't cheap, but let's not forget what's really important here: it fits three Blu-ray writers. Happy shopping / minor debt! [Thanks, Keenan]
Mission-style PC casemod easily slides into your La-Z-Boy collection
Jeffrey Stephenson is to case mods what Benjamin Heckendorn is to console mods. There, we said it. After watching the former pump out wood-grained mod after wood-grained mod, Sir Jeff has issued yet another -- wait for it -- wood-grained mod. The black walnut mission-style side table is actually a full-blown PC in disguise, with a standard ATX mid-tower within that's equipped with an Intel Core i7 CPU, NVIDIA graphics and dual stage temperature-controlled exhaust fans. He notes that it'll be available next Spring for those with fine tastes, though we're sure he'd customize it to fit your living room suite for the right price.
Windows Mobile 7 chassis concept confirmed by Microsoft, not detailed
We still don't know what it looks like or when exactly it'll arrive -- rough estimate sometime in 2010 -- but Windows Mobile 7's being given special care by Microsoft with a chassis concept of "carefully defined hardware specifications" for hardware vendors, according to James McCarthy. As for what those specs are and how strictly it'll enforce adherence, we're still in the dark. If it's anything like what we saw with the rumored "Pink" specs from back in May, we're not too worried. Of course, it's in Microsoft's hands to screw up, and if they say it's okay to see StrongARM chips in WinMo 7 devices, someone'll do it, and we gotta imagine some negative vibes towards the mobile OS in general should someone ever have to manage a handset like that. [Via WMPowerUser]
Translucent XCM Eye Candy case encourages licking of DSi
Oh sure, the DSi was the definite hotness when it sprung onto the scene earlier this year, but if you're growing somewhat bored of the same old camera + touchscreen action, why not spruce things up with an all new exterior? The case you're looking at above does require the disassembly of your console, and thus, you can kiss your remaining warranty goodbye. Frankly, we view the sacrifice as thoroughly worth it, as XCM's Eye Candy shell is practically guaranteed to get more eyes, fingers and tongues on your machine. And really, who wouldn't want that?[Via Boing Boing]
Lian-Li intos low profile PC-C39 HTPC chassis
Still teetering on which Lian-Li chassis to put your next HTPC in? Hope you're kosher with one more option to make things even more difficult. On the real, the PC-C39 aims at a very specific niche: those who want low profile and are willing to deal with the limitations attached. Said case, which arrives in black or silver brushed aluminum, supports micro-ATX motherboards, includes an anti-vibration HDD cage, a pair of 70mm extraction fans, folded elements to prevent sharp edges and four low profile expansion slots. Too bad it'll set you back $210, huh?
Lian-Li introduces PC-C33 and PC-C34F HTPC enclosures
Honestly, there aren't too many empty HTPC cases hitting the streets these days, so it's quite refreshing to see Lian-Li pumping out a new duo for those still holding tight to true American values. Er, DIY values -- same difference, right? Anywho, both the PC-C33 and PC-C34F were designed to house micro-ATX / ATX form factors and boast plenty of room for internal HDDs, fans and a nice array of ports. The latter checks in with just a bit more room inside, not to mention a front-mounted, lockable HDD cage with a hot swap HDD capability. Hop on past the break for the full specifications, and since we know you're wondering, you'll be looking at $160 (C33) / $255 (C34F) for these when they ship in May.[Via HotHardware]
Lian-Li's "Burj Al Arab" PC-888 chassis eyes-on
We didn't set out to find Lian-Li's Burj Al Arab-in-PC-case-form at CeBIT (okay, we did, so sue us), but the best part of finding the PC-888 wasn't the case itself. Rather, it was the fellow who spotted it just behind us for the first time ever. We can't replicate in words the amount of glee in his voice, as he obviously has spent at least one night in Dubai's most iconic hotel. Needless to say, we're guessing he left Hannover with one of these in his checked bag.%Gallery-46779%
Lian Li's PC-V351 HTPC chassis makes us want to build
There goes Lian Li, making us drool all over our keyboards again. The company famous for making cases that you'd actually pay good money for is back, and this time it's after the HTPC crowd. The PC-V351 HTPC chassis is made from brushed aluminum and comes in black, silver or red -- the latter of which should only be considered by those who truly are more awesome than anyone else they know. There's plenty of room for a micro-ATX motherboard, three fans, a number of PCI cards, loads of ports, a few terabytes of HDD space and a TV tuner or two, naturally. There's no mention of price, but we'll go ahead and tell you it'll be expensive (and worth every dime).%Gallery-45494%
Shuttle ships liquid-cooled SDXi Carbon SFF gaming PC
Got a hankering for an all new gaming rig, preferably one that could fit in your over-sized backpack should the need arise? Ready to spend boatloads of cash to make it happen? If you're eagerly nodding your head up and down, have a look at Shuttle's liquid-cooled SDXi Carbon, a fancily painted machine that checks in at 7.3- x 7.9- x 12.2-inches and gets powered by a 3GHz Core 2 Duo E8400 CPU. Other specs include 2/4/8GB of RAM, between 250GB and 2TB of hard drive space, an optional Blu-ray writer, your choice of NVIDIA GPU, gigabit Ethernet and optional WiFi. The starting price on this bugger is an amazing $2,599, and if you plan on customizing the base configuration whatsoever, you should probably plan on taking out yet another line of credit on what's left of your home.[Via HotHardware]
Lian-Li's PC-888: if the Burj Al Arab were a PC chassis
We're not sure what percentage of each PC-888 sale goes straight to the owners of Dubai's Burj Al Arab, but it better be a lot. Lian-Li's latest eye-popping PC chassis looks pretty much exactly like the aforesaid hotel, and it's constructed from a significant amount of blue anodized aluminum. As you can probably tell from just looking, you can fit practically anything you'd ever need (as far as PC internals go) in here, with the case measuring in at 11.6- x 29.1- x 18.1-inches. A price has yet to be publicly disclosed, but a quick search brings up figures in the high $400s. Yeah, ouch.[Thanks, John]%Gallery-42894%
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.
