Packaging:
The Mozart case is sold in a well decorated box that details all of the necessary features, as is the standard with all
Thermaltake cases. Of interest is that even though this is a 'desktop' style case, it ships standing upright like a tower case (with the front facing upward). With the built in carrying handle, it makes transporting the boxed case a little easier.
Inside the box you have rigid foam forms that keep the case fairly well protected. The case is also wrapped in a cloth-like covering to prevent scratches, and within the bag of accessories is a small cloth for cleaning the case's surfaces.
External Features:
Taking a look at the front of the case we see it has a somewhat sophisticated appearance that will fit in well with other audio/video equipment. The surge in HTPC popularity has lead manufacturers to adapt their traditional ideas on case designs to fit this 'new' computing environment. The combination of silver/aluminum and black trim is reminiscent of many other A/V components, and looks right at home installed in my entertainment center.
The bulk of the case is constructed from steel, but the front bezel is aluminum. I have worked with many other aluminum cases, and this is not like any others due to the material thickness and strength. Some portions of the bezel are thick enough to allow threaded holes to be used for mounting hardware. The texture on the front of the case is also nice as it prevents fingerprints and smudges from showing.
The left side of the front face contains the controls and the various inputs. There are chromed buttons for power and reset in the left corner, and in the black area there is a microphone jack, headphone jack, two USB ports, and one Firewire port. Directly above these connections is a window where an optional Thermaltake Media Lab VFD can be installed. Perhaps one day we'll have a review of that item, too!
