portable case recommendation

[EvilBob]

I'm looking for an easily portable case to build a mid-range computer (no fancy cooling needed, not overclocking, etc) for a relative. I need one that is easily portable (ie has a handle on it) and isn't too pricey. Y'all have any recommendations?

TIA --EB

 

[Zepper]

The Ultra MicroFly immediately comes to mind, unfortunately it has been discontinued so you'll have to scramble to find one. It is about the same as the Apevia X-Qpack 2, but you could get it w/o the PSU while with the Apevia you have to take the less than desirable Apevia PSU which appears to be made by Deer/LCT (bottom feeding PSU Co.) and is old-style with a lot of power on the 5V rail and not so much on the 12V where it is needed today (looks like there may be a new PSU in it that is a modern design with more on the 12V, but still by a 4th tier mfr. Then XOxide has a compact mid-tower made by Chenming of aluminum (unf. they have only the diarrhetic calf yellow one left). It's the same as the original Antec LanBoy (as Chenming was the OEM on that one) - super buy right now for an aluminum case and had free ship last I checked. You could use the same carrying strap on it as the LanBoy or a generic one. Then there are the Aerocool M40 and the NZKT Rogue. I don't think they have a handle like the MicroFly/X-QPack. The M40 is steel while the Rogue is Aluminum - both are available at better than Newegg's prices (check your fave price search engine(s)). The Rogue comes with a carrying strap. A generic strap would probably work on the M40. You may still be able to find the Antec Super LanBoy out there (it has been discontinued) - bigger than the original, but still aluminum and light - comes with a carry strap.

Obviously, any microATX or more compact ATX like the Rosewill RZS series can be made portable with a strap or adding your own handle (may have to use a baking plate if the chassis metal is weak.

.bh.

 

[EvilBob]

Thanks for the tips, Zepper - I appreciate it. I am faced with a relative that was thinking of buying a laptop for the portability, but stated that he would then plug an external keyboard and monitor into it, anyway, because he hates the laptop keyboard and monitor!! I'm trying to point out to him that he can get much more computer for less cost with just a small, easily portable desktop! (Heck, I'd even ask his wife to break out the sewing machine and stitch together a carry case like the one with the NZST Rogue if it would keep him from wasting his cash on a notebook that he wouldn't use as such!)
Thanks again, --EB

 

[Zepper]

There are pancake cases for mATX mobos that would fit into something like a catalog case along with an LCD monitor, normal kbd/mse, etc. Here's a link to some at Newegg: slim mATX cases

Others are available elsewhere and probably also at the Egg as their descriptions aren't consistent at all (you know, those things that searches depend on to work :roll: )... Most of the ones at that link will take only low profile add on cards. There are even slimmer ones which take only one or two add-on cards by means of a card riser which would be at right angle to the mobo (the card or card(s) would then be parallel to the mobo). Plus there are compact pre-pack systems like the AOpen mini (looks like one of the Apple Macs) which aren't much bigger than a standard DVD drive, but a little thicker - they also have the Acer Veriton line now. Depends on what you're willing to give up when you start getting REALLY small... I tried to get my step-sister to consider this idea as she really wouldn't use her laptop as a laptop either - just back and forth between the winter and summer homes a couple times a year, but she wanted the "security" of a name-brand laptop. You can get larger screens on the laptops these days, but you'll pay more of course. Compucase, Enlight and InWin both offer some slim cases. They often come bundled with a PSU, so you have to determine whether that is suitable for your mobo, CPU etc. And MSI has some compact barebones. Probably lots of other stuff out there, but what's here should give a start. The microATX desktop choice under Computer Cases on the Egg will bring up more options.

Directron.com also has a good selection of the low-pro mATX cases and smaller compact systems and cases. Provantage.com carries Acer and AOpen and a few other case lines.

The nice thing about the notebooks is that they are designed for portability. Things like memory, etc. won't pop out of sockets, etc. But you can ruggedize most systems with a little thought, zip ties and hot glue.

.bh.