The Basics:
Inside the foam and plastic bag packing was a silver HTPC case and a flat box that contained a well written case manual, a software / VFD manual, remote control, batteries, optical drive tray faceplate, screws, etc. Without digging very deep I could tell this was a well built case. The fit and finish was flawless, and the .25" thick brushed front face plate screamed high end. The front of the case is simple yet elegant.
On the left side of the case is only a single dime sized power button with a tiny blue LED above it. The middle section has a single, well designed optical drive opening with a VFD display below. The right side contains the HD135 model number.
The lower third of the case is an aluminum door that conceals a Firewire port, two USB ports, and a microphone / headphone jacks on the left, with an external 3.5" bay on the right. I have installed a card reader in this external slot.
The sides of the HD135 are made of extruded aluminum, and both have two large ventilation holes milled into the inner part of the extrusion. There are also large ventilation areas on the top, the bottom, and the back of the case. The back is typical with 7 expansion slots and an area for an I/O shield.
