Microsoft

   This year's theme for Microsoft was "Connectivity". Basically, the ability to see what you want, hear what you want, and connect to whatever you want where ever you might be. Microsoft performed various demos from working with Windows Vista to the XBox 360. Their ambition is to make sure that Windows is fully compatible with any and every device allowing you to stay connected to whatever device you have.

Several video demos were played to show various devices which will work with Windows Vista. A small Halo 3 clip was played indicating that the XBox 360 will be around much longer than some anticipated. If the game is anywhere close to the trailer then it will be one very popular game. Hopefully, we will get to play it on PC since the console is just now getting full support for keyboards and mice.

And as far as Vista goes, some of the VH staff have their reservations about its usefulness. Originally, it appeared many of the original Longhorn features were going to be omitted, but as time has gone on Microsoft has added other features in their place. One specific function that countless Vista users are going to enjoy is the ability to roll back picture editing. Everyone has performed some function at one time that they wished they hadn't and Vista at least gives you that option. Vista is also going to have simplified connectivity with more common sensible approaches to those features. The Vista beta has had some pretty helpful responses from a broader spectrum of users than Windows XP had. This could end up being a very good thing.


Cooler Master

   The first things everyone noticed this year were the game systems built within some of their best looking cases you can find. One thing we've liked about Cooler Master is their willingness to be creative and even modify computer systems. This also makes the display booth look very cool.

Cooler Master Booth

The game systems were built neatly within CM 830 NVidia Edition Stacker, Custom Mystique 632 in red, and an iTower 930 cases. Many of these cases are liquid cool friendly and have some pretty cool features in regards to connectivity ports and drive mounting hardware. They are some favorites among enthusiasts wanting to show of their systems. The red Mystique 632 was especially hot which we wouldn't mind getting our hands on.

iTower 930

Mystique 632

CM 830 Nvidia Stacker

And if you thought that case was hot, check out their Silver 632 and a Diamond Plated Stacker with the 'Smooth Creations' case skin. Sure it's just a case skin, but can you imagine the weight and cost of shipping if it were real diamond plating? We'll take the cool looking skins over any modifications costing in to the hundreds. And besides, they look really, really good.

Front Diamond Skin	Skull Graphics	Window
Top Bezel Hinge	Right Side	Left Side

Also in the exhibit, there were various current CPU and VGA coolers tucked away in round window cubicles. The center window happened to have the Aquagate Viva series which performed really well for its size and components. The bottom unit is actually the brand new Aquagate Duo Viva and will be on the shelves very soon. The dual cooler can cool a CPU and graphics card, or two CPUs, or dual graphics cards. The shocker is that the Viva series is more than capable and very, very quiet if you need that specific feature. You won't have to pay a lot for either as they are probably the most innovative and cost effective designs we've seen.

Aquagate Viva and Viva Duo

And as the world moves to Home Theater Computers, Cooler Master had a working CM Media 280 HTPC with two 7600 GTs in SLI and sporting another new liquid cooling system. The case can double as a desktop or a tower depending on what you need which not effect the liquid cooling abilities. It sports a vastly improved chrome CPU retention plate which dresses up the unit very nicely. As for when we can expect to see the cooling system, we'll have to wait for the final word from Cooler Master.

CM Media 280	" SLI HTPC	New Cooling System
Improved CM PSUs	RS-850 Power Supply	Quad 12v Rails