Home Theater PCs are becoming a feature of many living rooms these days, as the purveyors of all the assorted items use the word convergence as a mantra.

    For those who want to have the outside of the machine look as impressive as the guts, it is imperative that some serious thought is given to the case chosen.

    One of the most impressive cases to date is made by Ahanix. Model MCE701 looks much like an older receiver from the 80s, with its 7 inch display screen. What is more 21st century about it is that it is a touch screen.

Though shown here in black, silver finish is also available.

    Another view at the back reveals that, unlike many of the other offerings for HTPC use, this case will allow the use of a full ATX size motherboard, which means your choices are not nearly as limited. For those who wish to combine the HTPC with the general use PC, this is ideal.

    Although more roomy than many other cases, much of the installation is difficult, however, the end results are well worth it.   

 The case is expensive, at a list price of $349, but discounts are available for those who shop wisely, and besides - no one ever complained about paying for the best.

[tags] HTPC, case, touch screen LCD, Ahanix [/tags]