Why are aluminum, plastic and beige steel the prefered case materials? and why do they have to be so ugly?

[Bentrold]

I have often wondered why u only see the above mentioned materials? And why are most of the aluminum cases just square boxes?
Why not some organic shape?
I think a case in walnut w/ finish like the interior of a Bentley or a Jag would be really cool or maybe a case in partly oxidized copper would be cool in more in at least two ways!!!
Stainless steel is heavier than aluminum, but does not scratch as easy.

Anybody have any experience with alternative materials ( except cardboard boxes)? Anybody know of any funky looking cases that are not made of plastic??

Bentrold

 

[Ryan]

I think they they look alright I like Gateway's computer cases - tooless

 

[iamwiz82]

the new dell cases are nice too. My PC at home has a nice Q500 in canary yellow

 

[dullard]

I've seen tons of alternative cases. The main reason is cost. A simple beige case can be found easily for $50. The alternative cases often can cost $1000+. The vast majority of computer users don't want to pay more for a case than for the whole rest of the computer! A simple case does what it is supposed to: protect the expensive parts from the environment.

To me, you are asking why shopping carts in supermarkets don't come with racing stripes. (No one needs it and it costs a whole lot more, even if it does look a tad bit better to some people).

Sure some people value the looks of a box, but I sure don't.

 

[Ameesh]

heat transfer is better for aluminun compared to wood

 

[Antoneo]

<< Why not some organic shape? >>

Oh, so you want want it to be an "apple"?

 

[iamwiz82]

<<

<< Why not some organic shape? >>

Oh, so you want want it to be an "apple"? >>



or a mound of elephant poo??

 

[Bentrold]

<< To me, you are asking why shopping carts in supermarkets don't come with racing stripes >>


Well who would like to have a shopping cart in their living room or any other room!!
and I think it is so impratical to open a cabinet every time i have to access my ugly computer!!

Bentrold

 

[Amused]

1. Form following function. PC cases are boxy, because that's the best way to fit everything inside. Any curves must be tacked onto the outside, making access and working on the case more of a pain. People needing pretty face plates makes access hard enough as it is when changing drives and fan filters.

2. Beige or white are good because they don't clash, and they don't show dust. In the 80s, black furniture was in style, for a very short time. Then people realized what a pain they were to keep clean and dust free.

3. I wouldn't want a good wood on my case. I'm always in it, and it would get scratched up.

 

[HappyFace]

<< I've seen tons of alternative cases. The main reason is cost. A simple beige case can be found easily for $50. The alternative cases often can cost $1000+. >>

One thousand plus dollars for a case? I mean, I've seen some fairly expensive cases, but nothing above $1000. Are you refering to rack-mounts?

 

[gopunk]

i have an aluminum case. 2 words: heat transfer.

screw how it looks, i don't get off on computers.

 

[Bentrold]

<< Oh, so you want want it to be an "apple"? >>



Well that would be nice, if I could mod the inside like on a PC!!



<< or a mound of elephant poo?? >>



That would be cool to but I think it is to heavy, an elephant produce about 220 lb/day!! And I am sure that my wife hate the scent of it, but my boys would definetly find it very cool and exciting!!

Bentrold

 

[Bentrold]

<< i have an aluminum case. 2 words: heat transfer >>



gopunk: I have a word for you: Copper=better heat transfer

 

[Magicthyse]

Aaaaaand the challenge is on?
We've already seen a beautifully executed wooden trunk case, why not a beaten copper case?

The reason why most aftermarket PC boxes are crappy looking can be mainly attributed to two things: 1. Cost, and 2. More importantly perhaps, just one look at a Taiwanese motherboard box - or most Taiwanese websites - should be enough to convince you that Taiwanese designers have the design sense of an accountant on crack.

 

[Ornery]

What kind of swishy SOB even cares what a PC case looks like?