A few months ago electronics accessory maker Case-Mate created a clever iPhone case fit for the recession. Made of cardboard, the recession case is just $00.99, with a “bail-out bundle” 10-pack going for $8.00. Created with a sense of humor, the case’s FAQ answers questions like “Is this case flammable?” with “If you light it on fire it is.”

Today, Case-Mate announced that they are holding a contest to see who can decorate their recession cases with the most flair. People wishing to enter the contest need only send in photos of their decorated cases, or download a template from the site to create a case. The winner of the contest will get a great prize–a Suzuki Moped from the ’80s.

The winning photo will be chosen by viewer votes, and the contest ends November 30^th, so start decorating those cases! We’ve already chosen our design.

Ed note: Did someone say moped? NSFW.

The NZXT M59 case

NZXT is a relatively new kid on the block as far as computer cases are concerned. Founded in 2004, they’re not as widely known as some case manufacturers, but they make quality products that can stand up on stage with the venerable old names in the narrow world of computer enclosures.

In the past, we’ve taken a look at their Tempest, Panzerbox, and Guardian 921 cases. Today, we’ll be looking at an entry from their “Classic” line, the M59.

The M59 is one of the more unique-looking enclosures from NZXT’s product lineup. While the trend seems to be leaning towards flowing lines and curved surfaces, the M59 is all hard lines, sharp angles, and corners. As with any case, aesthetics will be a matter of personal preference. The M59 represents enough of a departure from NZXT’s other products that they can say “we have something for everyone.”

Here are the specs from the NZXT website:

• 5 fan capability (side 120mm LED and rear 120mm exhaust included)
• Included 9-fin rifle bearing NZXT fans rated at 42CFM and 23db
• An ambient light sits over the 5.25″ drives to give visibility in dark rooms or at LAN parties
• Smoked clear window and a black interior gives the best combination of black on black
• Meshed front panel allows for more airflow
• 5.25″ stealth bay to keep a clean look
• NZXT solid state bracket allows for two SSD drives to be installed
• Motherboard punched holes allows for quick CPU bracket removable and optimal wire routing, turned HDD also helps with managing cables
• Pre-drilled water cooling holes on the back plate
• Front mounted USB, audio, and eSATA ports
• Support for external dual radiator at the top of the chassis
• High end graphics card support, the M59 features space that is especially designed to fit longer 10″ cards

It all sounds well and good, but how did it work out in the real world, once we got the box open? (more…)

Ginormous side and top fans inside

Computer cases have become much more than a beige box designed to hold the guts of a vanilla PC. To the enthusiast, a case is as important as the components inside; it can be a reflection of its owner’s personality and dedication to their craft.  Today we take a look at one of Thermaltake’s offerings to demonstrate such dedication: the V9 Black Edition.  The V9 Black Edition is an all steel mid-tower case with an MSRP of $94.99 ($74.99 after $20 MIR).

Specs:

• Model: V9 Black Edition
• Case Type: Mid Tower
• Case Material: Steel
• Front Panel Material: Plastic
• Expansion Bays: 4 x External 5.25”, 2 x External 3.5”, 5 x Internal 3.5”
• Expansion Slots: 7
• Cooling: 1 x Red LED 120mm fan (front), 1 x 120mm fan (back), 1 x 230mm fan (top), 1 x 230mm fan (side)
• Dimensions(HxWxD): 18.19” x 8.19” x 19.1”
• Weight: 14.9 lbs (more…)

The NZXT Beta EVO adds additional cooling and a bottom-mounted PSU to the popular Beta design.

The Cooler Master Sileo 500 mid tower is packed with acoustic foam for silent operations and costs $55! Sounds like a deal.

This was actually Harudath's computer. Tsk Tsk.

If you have a crappy, dusty, loud old case, an old ball mouse with fingerstains on it, and no bling to speak of, read on:

Everybody wants to bling out their computer at some point, but sometimes you get lazy, or you’re broke, or you’re just plain clueless about style and aesthetics. Icrontic and NZXT are here to help.

The good folks at NZXT have assembled an awesome prize package, and we’re gonna give it away. All you have to do is provide pictures of your current case and mouse and tell us why you need new NZXT bling. Make it funny, stylish, and unique; we’ll pick the best of the bunch and award the poor needy soul the following:

• NZXT Beta case
• NZXT Avatar gaming mouse
• NZXT Sentry LX fan controller

The stuff!

Contest runs until 8pm EST July 31st, and a winner will be announced August 1st, 2009 at 5pm EST. The contest is open to all residents of North America.

Again: Entrants must post a picture of their mouse and a picture of their case. We’ll choose the most pathetic and/or hilarious sob story, so make it good! Post your pictures and sob stories in the comments.

If you want second opinions on the NZXT Beta case after reading Icrontic’s review, look no further than Tweak Town, RB Mods and HWC.

Photo courtesy NZXT.

Lets face it: Most people don’t need expensive computer cases. But they sell because they’re status items loaded with neat gadgets, bells, whistles, in a box of exotic materials and strange shapes. The majority of folks don’t need anything as fancy as what we often regard as the de facto standards in cases. Then again, nobody likes a beige box either. The market’s shunning has finally made case makers take note, and the ugly beige boxes are no longer sold.

NZXT must have seen the writing on the wall. People want a solid basic case, but don’t want to spend a fortune. NZXT’s recent introduction of the Beta case is proof.

The Beta is all-steel mid-tower sold as part of NZXT’s “Classic Series” line of cases with a $49.99 MSRP ($39.99 after MIR).
(more…)

Top marks for the Silverstone LC10B-E HTPC case. This one hits all the right spots.

The NZXT Beta case is making the rounds.

Antec’s open-air Skeleton chassis will soon have a little sister primed to receive a mini-ITX system.

The new Mini Skeleton-90 has a 190mm x 210mm x 230mm (LxWxH) footprint and enough room to rock a mini-ITX motherboard, a half-height expansion card, one 5.25″ bay, two 2.5″ bays and two 3.5″ bays. The boys at Antec also include a 90w adapter that can be used to power the system.

Unfortunately the fat farm was an expensive event, and the newer, lighter, smaller version is only $20 less at $119 MSRP.

Image courtesy Antec, Inc.

The Ikonik Ra X10 case has two radiators, a buttload of fans, and plenty of space for your rig.