Antec and NEC look to high-end niche products

Antec's Skeleton PC case and NEC's 3D screen prove that system builders are finding new markets

Antec has developed a case for PCs

Two upcoming PC component inventions look set to usher in the next generation of high-end PCs.

Though the level of sophistication between Antec’s skeleton PC case and NEC’s three dimensional screens is incomparable, they both illustrate how system builders can continue to find new niches.

Case builder Antec has launched the new Skeleton PC case, which it has claimed is the world’s first open air case. The open design allows the free flow of air throughout the system, gives system builders easy access to components, and allows easy upgrade of different form factors, said Antec country manager Dan Reeves.

The Skeleton was originally a concept designed to be a conversation piece at last January’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. However, the design was such a hit with attendees that Antec decided to put it into production.

The Skeleton case has an open frame with specially designed layered trays that allow for efficient cable routing, preventing wires from impeding airflow. A dedicated 92mm fan cools the hard drives.

The enclosure is sized to fit Mini ITX, MicroATX and Standard ATX motherboards. This allows enthusiasts to swap boards and other components, making the case more environmentally friendly, claimed Reeves. The layered tray design and quick release drive bays make this an ideal framework for an enthusiast, such as a serious gamer or high end user, said Iain

Gillogaley, channel manager at distributor Entatech.
“It looks stunning and is the sort of thing that a gamer would want to take to a LAN party,” he said. “People like to let everyone know what they have got under the bonnet.”

Meanwhile, NEC has developed a 12.1in liquid crystal display (LCD) that will allow viewers to see 3D images without having to wear special glasses. Mass production will begin at the start of 2009.

It was developed by subsidiary NEC LCD Technologies. The high-resolution screen will display two image streams simultaneously, one seen by the left eye and the other by the right, producing a 3D effect.