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@ 2007/01/01Zalman is no stranger to the home theater game. Their HD160 has been on the market for almost a year now, and even before that they catered to the HTPC market by including a remote control and Media Center software with their fanless TNN systems. Zalman's background in low-noise cooling has given them an edge too; both cases are worthy offerings.
We therefore approached the HD135 with some lofty expectations, and our first look did not disappoint. Zalman has done a good job of hiding them, but the HD135 has more vents than almost any other home theater case we've seen. That's tremendously important; with the cramped surroundings of most A/V units, a case the breathes well is essential — and such cases are not easy to find.
The target market for the HD135 is a little unclear. Zalman already sells the HD160 and, aside from the styling, there doesn't seem to be a lot to set the HD135 apart. Then again, using style to differentiate a product isn't such a bad strategy in the home theater market, especially considering that Zalman has managed to shave 2.5cm off the height of the HD135, which makes for a sleeker, less boxy appearance.
We therefore approached the HD135 with some lofty expectations, and our first look did not disappoint. Zalman has done a good job of hiding them, but the HD135 has more vents than almost any other home theater case we've seen. That's tremendously important; with the cramped surroundings of most A/V units, a case the breathes well is essential — and such cases are not easy to find.
The target market for the HD135 is a little unclear. Zalman already sells the HD160 and, aside from the styling, there doesn't seem to be a lot to set the HD135 apart. Then again, using style to differentiate a product isn't such a bad strategy in the home theater market, especially considering that Zalman has managed to shave 2.5cm off the height of the HD135, which makes for a sleeker, less boxy appearance.
