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Bgears b-Envi
Testing:
The b-Envi from Bgears is a quality, feature-filled compact case design. The materials used are at a good midway point between being durable and being light-weight. Its compact design makes it easy to transport and won't obstruct your view if placed on your desk, which would not be a bad idea, especially if you get the model with the windows (and get some UV lamps, as well as fill the case with UV-reactant parts and accessories). Contrary to natural concerns about whether this "compact" case is upgradable, there is actually plenty of room to expand your system. There are two 5.25" drive bays (both initially empty) as well as two hard drive bays. Additionally, sufficient room is supplied to make full use of all PCI-like connectors. Unfortunately, the compact design does create one problem when trying to build/upgrade a system. When making the attachments within the case, it becomes apparent that attaching all of the cables together, particularly with the power supply cables in the way, will make you feel like a mechanic trying to find just the right angle to work on a specific part of the system. The unique design helps in this regard by allowing you to pull the bottom plate out on which to attach the motherboard, but since most cables that need to be attached won't reach that distance, you have to somehow manage to make the connections after sliding the plate back in. However, this won't scare you away from buying this case, being that once your system is set up you'll have a very attractive and functional case to show off to your friends.
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Front (w/ 2.5" hdd adapter) |
Angle (w/ close-up of |
Aerial (motherboard and drives not included) |
Next we are going to discuss the two included features with the b-Envi: a 58-in-1 media reader and a 2.5" hard drive adapter. The media reader drive will accept almost all forms of SD-like memory, and includes three front USB 2.0 ports as well as headphone/microphone receptacles. The 2.5" hard drive adapter is a very interesting feature on the case. An enclosure is provided in which to insert an IDE laptop hard drive and easily use it to transport a great amount of data. The unique part is that the enclosure and drive bay converts the communication to USB 2.0, which allows for the drive to be hot-swappable. Do you wish to use a 2.5" SATA drive? No problem! There is an optional card to replace the enclosure and use a SATA laptop hard drive with the very same drive bay (picture below), of which was included in the package sent to us by Bgears.
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Optional SATA adapter |
Front (showing LED buttons) |
Finally, we get to the buttons (on/off, reset, etc). These aren't actually "buttons", but are rather touch-sensitive spots on the case that are highlighted by LEDs. If no power is provided to light the LED, the button is completely invisible, unless it undergoes great visual scrutiny. The touch-sensitive buttons work very well; there were no false "presses" experienced, nor was there difficulty in getting a response. However, do be careful when reaching for the front faceplate of the case to avoid accidentally restarting or shutting down the computer.
Conclusion:
At $120 for the b-Envi (via case-mod.com), or $110 for the b-Envi-nw (same case minus the windows), this is a quality case marketed to the gaming community. It is both feature-filled and flashy. If you have relatively large hands you'll struggle to set up your system, but your effort will be rewarded. As a sidenote, there is no apparent way to order the optional SATA card (sold separately) online, so it is unfortunately apparent that it would need to be ordered via the phone, being that distributors do not list it as an accessory, and the box clearly states that the SATA adapter card is sold separately.