Examining the front cover a little closer reveals a push to open I/O panel which includes two USB ports, microphone & audio jacks, and a Firewire port. Closing the panel takes a little more force than I expected to get it to snap into place. Flipping the case onto its back, I got to try out the screw/tool-less removal designed front cover. Here is the first time I noticed any rough edges on the case (to the left and right of the metal handle). I know it's on the bottom of the case, but nobody likes to run their hand over an unfinished piece of metal. With most cases I have, both sides need to be removed to remove the front cover. This feature is definitely a time saver. To pop the front cover off you pull down on the metal handle and the cover pops off.
Here is the inside view of the 'stealth' optical drive faceplate. When the button on the front side is pushed it will relay the push through to the button on the actual drive. The inside of the grill of the 120mm fan is actually removable (with a screwdriver) for that deep cleaning of dust that will build up. Notice the four metal inserts for the next set of images.
With the front cover removed, you can see a very nice, removable filter for the intake fan. This filter looks like it will block the majority of dust and debris that will enter the case. Also notice the holes where those four metal inserts line up with the front panel to keep it securely on. There are also four V-shaped pieces which provide tension so the panel will pop off when it is released.
Here we take a look at the inner side of the side panel and see the screw/tool-less removal design. The first image is the bottom spring-loaded clip which rests on the lip of the chassis. It is magnetized so it sticks right to the frame of the case. The second image shows the top of the side panel. When releasing the side, the two golden pieces go down and the side pops off.
