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Product:
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Zalman HD135 Aluminum HTPC Case |
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Price:
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$343 (CDN) / $299 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Zalman
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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December 31st, 2006
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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The remote control has been designed to offer an extended level of functionality and includes integrated macro style buttons. Due to the
size of the remote the layout is somewhat a little crowded but handles audio control options, basic keyboard functions and navigation
via an integrated thumb pad. The top portion is dedicated to controlling TV Tuner functions as well as additional macro style buttons
for use with HTPC application programs like Microsoft Media Center Edition 2005. The bottom portion is dedicated to menu navigation,
media control keys and DVD applications.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Out of the box, my first impressions of the Zalman HD135 Aluminum HTPC Case were extremely positive. Zalman has taken the basic design
fundamentals introduced into its more full featured enclosure the HD160. The first and most striking feature of this unit is the slim and low
profile design which makes this unit perfect for any audio rack. While a few manufacturers currently on the market offer aluminum style
bezels combined with steel chassis, Zalman has gone one step further by making the entire composition of the HD135 out of light weight
aluminum. Home Theater purists will love the simple yet aesthetic appearance of the HD135 since the unit resembles traditional stereo
audio components found in the living room. The Zalman HD135 Aluminum HTPC Case uses a very small footprint and measures approximately
435mm (L) x 425mm (W) x 135mm (H) with a weight of 5.2kg (11.5 lbs). On the left hand side of the unit is the location of an oversized
Power button and Power LED. Absent from the unit is a Reset switch as well has a HD activity LED which is a little bit of a disappointment.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The center portion of the Zalman HD135 Aluminum HTPC Case is the location for a single 5.25" drive bay. The external 5.25" drive bay is
designed exclusively for the use of an optical drive. The way that the configuration works is that an optical drive is mounted normally
in the drive bay and sits directly behind the front bezel. The correct positioning of the optical drive allows consumers to open and
close the optical drive by pressing the eject button on the front bezel. Zalman has included an ODD aluminum bezel which allows consumers
to match any colour optical drive to the same theme of the HD135. Users of slot loading optical drives unfortunately will not be able
to benefit from this feature.
Underneath the external 5.25" is an integrated VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) and sits behind a piece of dark coloured acrylic.
The acrylic is dark enough to allow perfect illumination from the VFD and at the same time is reflective of objects a few feet away.
Along with the VFD is a stealth panel that shields the location for the front mounted multimedia ports. Once this panel is flipped
into the downward position, consumers have access to front port extensions for dual USB, IEEE1394 Firewire, Audio and Microphone.
The ports are attached to a series of extender cables which must be connected to the proper headers on a motherboard prior to use.
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