They are
usually more feature-packed than tower cases and
have a higher level of aesthetic appeal. These cases
are designed for your living room and are not meant
for normal everyday PCs, even though nothing keeps
you from using them for that purpose. Today we will
have a look at one of the most advanced HTPC cases
available, the M-Station HT-1100 from 3R System.
The M-Station is a very well built case which also
features an integrated iMON VFD and remote control.
The iMON has been very popular among HTPC enthusiasts
so it is very nice to see it integrated in a HTPC
case.
Established
in Korea in 2000, KR Systems specialize in computer
cases and watercooling systems, however given their
relative young age they are spending substantial
money on research and development. Currently they
are a very competitive manufacturer in Korea and
already have some patent pending products. Let us
see what their R&D did for the HT-1100 M-Station
case.
Manufacturer specifications
• Dimension(Chassis)
: 430(W) x 133(H) x 450(D)
• Dimension(Total) : 435(W) x 147(H) x 458(D)
• Drive Bays : 5.25" x 1ea / 3.5"
x 2ea (Hidden : 2)
• Form Factor : ATX, Micro-ATX
• Weight : 6.0Kg
• Colours : Black, Sliver
• Expansion Slots : 7 Slots
• Rear Fan : 60mm 1ea (1ea option)
• Rear Fan : 80mm 1ea (option)
• Side Fan : 80mm 1ea
• Port : USB 2.0 x 2ea / IEEE1394 / MIC /
SPK / Multi Reader
• Multi Reader : CF, MD, SMC, SD, MMC, MS
• VFD Type : Soundgraph iMON VFD
Packaging and bundle
The M-Station
HT-1100 case comes into a thick cardboard box, which
is not much to look at but certainly gets the job
done. The box is very large, strong and almost impenetrable
to damage during shipping. By opening the box, we
found the HT-1100 case held inside two very tough
and thick pieces of Styrofoam. The case itself is
wrapped in a plastic bag.
The M-Station
has a quite rich bundle for a chassis, although
most of it is because of the integrated iMON. To
begin with, you will find a bag with all the necessary
screws, rubber pads and the (to be replaced with
the stock) optical drive faceplate. There is a short
manual, which could use with some improving, but
should be adequate for all but the least experienced
end user. The ATX extension cable provides power
to the iMON infrared receiver while the system is
powered off. There is a short installation guide
and manual concerning only the iMON itself. Finally,
there is the large iMON remote controller and a
set of batteries for it. The features of the iMON
are endless and the remote can be programmed to
suit your preference, so I will merely name some
of its features later instead. I will limit myself
to say that with this remote, you do not need to
have a mouse or keyboard attached to your PC or
even ever be close to it, as you can control every
PC function and emulate the keyboard/mouse from
it as well as long as Windows is installed.
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