PRE-ORDER: Antec Lanboy Air Modular Gaming Case

I like the AirMounts system and even though it's getting a bit of a panning the aesthetic design was always going to be 'love-it or hate-it'. For what it's worth I think it's better looking that the DF-85, though perhaps that's not saying much.

Panel vibration and dust are going to be obvious issues, as well as the sturdiness of the carry handles. I also wonder if restricted expansion card length will be an issue when so many mid-tower cases are pushing the envelope to allow extended-length GFX cards such as the 5970, though looking at the exploded view here removing HDD mounts could both allow for greater length and double as mounting points for GFX card weight support.

One question though... if this is a LAN case will there be a means of locking the panels so no-one can nick either them or your components? Getting into the case and swapping panels seem extremely easy and obviously aids in the utilising the modular design, but that same design strength could be exploited by those with nefarious intent.
 
Stripes said:
I like the AirMounts system and even though it's getting a bit of a panning the aesthetic design was always going to be 'love-it or hate-it'. For what it's worth I think it's better looking that the DF-85, though perhaps that's not saying much.

Panel vibration and dust are going to be obvious issues, as well as the sturdiness of the carry handles. I also wonder if restricted expansion card length will be an issue when so many mid-tower cases are pushing the envelope to allow extended-length GFX cards such as the 5970, though looking at the exploded view here removing HDD mounts could both allow for greater length and double as mounting points for GFX card weight support.

One question though... if this is a LAN case will there be a means of locking the panels so no-one can nick either them or your components? Getting into the case and swapping panels seem extremely easy and obviously aids in the utilising the modular design, but that same design strength could be exploited by those with nefarious intent.
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While the doors to the case are easy to remove, they are held in place using thumb screws. This isn't a lock, but if someone was trying to remove your gear, they'd have to go through thumbscrews to get the doors open. Hopefully @ a LAN party, someone would see someone fiddling around and ask questions.

As far as space for expansion cards goes - the case can accommodate cards 12 inches in length or up to 15 inches if the HDD area is vacant.
 
Question for the Antec people. When is this case going to be available in the US? And will the red or black be available? I am only seeing yellow and blue from all the vendors offering preorders.
 
Antec Rep said:
I don't think we have ever released a case that went straight in as a best seller, it usually takes time for the reviews and word to get out about them. Usually from people who have bought them and had great results from their build and overclock. If you look at our best 3 selling cases, the Nine-Hundred, Sonata and Three-Hundred they peaked when they were about 20 months old. When we launched the Nine-Hundred it hardly sold any at first and it took a fair few months to get going....and now it's one of the best selling cases of all time from any manufacturer.
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Which country or continent has the biggest % of sales ?
 
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Antec Rep said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl6zJUQdy2M
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From that video, I think the idea is great, but I don't like the external design. If there was a version where every panel was solid black brushed aluminium and there was a fixed rear fan only (on the modular motherboard tray) and all other fans added with optional replacement mesh panels it would look much nicer IMO.
 
There is no doubt in saying that this is a good concept by Antec, but in reality I don't really see many people wanting to put their gear in it. Personally, I would love to see Antec improving on their Antec 300/900 designs, rotating the drive bays, bigger window (doesn't look right with the plain bit towards the front) and a touch of modifying. Maybe even a red and black two tone? Other than that I would like to see more of their Performance series as they are just pure quality! Maybe take Fractal Design's cases and make them more expandable.

Here is a challenge- create a case along the lines of a P183 with a window while maintaining it's high quality and sophisticated looks. Make it full tower with plenty of rad spaces and there your are- a watercooler's dream!
 
The concept is great and while it is good to see a company innovate or try too the fact is that the case is only one part of a great system and if the case doesn't make people feel happy about the other kit they are putting in it then the concept is flawed from the off. For me and i do not claim to represent anyone but me main points when i consider a case are functionality, cooling potential and not just air and shallow it maybe but sadly how the case looks on my desk when i am working with it day in and day out. I could have the most innovative case in the world sitting next to me with the greatest air cooling performance ever done but if every time i look at the thing i cringe all the other good points are by the by.

These cases are interesting even peaking my curiosity but the idea of buying one is not one i have had so far and i am still in the market for a good case at this point but the lanboy air is not even on the list let alone near the top of it. Like it or not enthusiasts as well like to have a good solid looking case on their desk housing their other components and for the money this costs there are many other cases way ahead of it for that reason alone.
 
RizlaKing said:
These cases are interesting even peaking my curiosity but the idea of buying one is not one i have had so far and i am still in the market for a good case at this point but the lanboy air is not even on the list let alone near the top of it. Like it or not enthusiasts as well like to have a good solid looking case on their desk housing their other components and for the money this costs there are many other cases way ahead of it for that reason alone.
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I think you summed it up well there. It is an innovative design, but is flawed because the only real market for this is high-end enthusiasts looking for great cooling. But enthusiasts do not like very flashy design, which is why they go for cases like the 800D. So, either put your amazing build quality into making a solid enthusiast case (would love to see a 1mm think chassis made from aluminium or steel, ideal for modders too) or put your unique design into building an interesting, but not ugly, design in the mid-range market. I think Antec are targeting a niche that doesn't exist.

Once again, its great innovation but in practicality- it fails.
 
max000000 said:
Question for the Antec people. When is this case going to be available in the US? And will the red or black be available? I am only seeing yellow and blue from all the vendors offering preorders.
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You'll start seeing the LanBoy Air hit store shelves within the first couple weeks of October. It will be initially be available in yellow and blue only. This isn't to say that red won't make it here at some point, but yellow and blue will be our initial offering.
 
The blue one's looks are really growing on me. Sadly, it looks out of my price range. £30 cheaper and I may have been tempted.

Just seen that these weigh 20kg. :eek:
 
fozzybear said:
Ah right, I was just reading a preview elsewhere and it said it weighed 20kg! Thought it sounded heavy! :)

From elsewhere:-
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Maybe they attached 2 cases together? :p

Can this be done? Would be pretty awesome if you could attach multiple cases together, either side to side, top to bottom, or front to back :D
 
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