[section_title title=Closer Look – Packaging]
Closer Look – Packaging
Starting with the box of the Prodigy, the first thing that strikes me is the size. As it stands, this is the smallest box, and case for that matter, to have graced my desk. Sat next to some of the other cases here, mainly the BitFenix Shinobi XL, you could fit 3 or 4 of the Prodigy’s in the same box. Many of the boxes we see nowadays come heavily illustrated with the chassis which is housed within or detailed photographs. BitFenix have decided to go down a different route with this case. As you can see below. The box is a standard brown box, which has been embossed in the top right corner with the Bitfenix logo and branding. We can see another one of these logos on the left side of the box as well as the model name of the chassis, on the right hand side and some BitFenix branding guiding you to their website on the bottom left.
On the opposite side of the box we can see that BitFenix have decided to give us a few detailed images of the chassis. These images mainly include the internals of the chassis with the view after one of the side panels had been removed. The information for this illustration is mainly there to show BitFenix’s patented Flexcage hard disk rack and well as their implemented tool free design. Another of the illustrations gives us a general overview of the exterior of the chassis. BitFenix have decided to pick out three areas on the exterior of the case. The first of these being the inclusion of two USB 3.0 ports on the I/O of the case which is a nice addition on such a small case and ensure that are super speed ports easily accessible to anyone wishing to use them. The second feature is what BitFenix like to call their ‘FyberFlex’ composite handles. These are what give the Prodigy its Mac-like appearance and act as both feet and carry handles for the chassis. They appear to be rigid in construction, but applying a little pressure to them shows that there is indeed some flex to them and they feel strong enough to support carrying a whole system. Lastly, we have one of my favourite features of current BitFenix chassis, the SoftTouch surface treatment. Why do I like this? It is simple really; it just feels a lot better than touching painted steel or plastic. I feel that the SoftTouch treatment is something unique to BitFenix and just adds a little more class and polish to their chassis.
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Taking a brief look at this side of the box, we can see that BitFenix have not really utilised it at all. There is some branding in the form of the BitFenix logo and their website address being in the black banner at the bottom. The one thing I will point out is that we get our first sneak peak of what they have used to package the Prodigy in. Just beyond the carry handle, we can see that BitFenix have used quite thick foam to protect the chassis which is quite nice to see. Also of note is the sticker on the side of the case. The BFC code that you can see refers to the colour of the case. So for example, this case is the Atomic Orange variant. The codes for some of the colours can be found in the specification page.
This side of the box is much the same as the above image. the only two differences are that BitFenix have included a small illustration of what the front of the prodigy will look like, as well as the specifications list. As this list is quite small we have also included it on the previous page if you would like to read through it.
Upon opening the box we are greeted with our first glimpse at this chassis. As mentioned previously, the case is held in place by a thick, dense, white foam which is shaped to fit the contours of the chassis, thus holding it firmly and securely in place. The chassis is also wrapped in a polythene bag to prevent it getting dust and protecting the overall finish of the chassis. We can also see that BitFenix have included a quick installation guide within the box. This is defiantly one of the better guides that I have seen from a manufacturer. I am not going to bore you with photos of every page, but it has some helpful illustrations in it as well as clear instructions in an easy to read font and format.
We have also been given a matching orange window side panel for this Prodigy. Here is a picture of the box it comes in, as it is an optional extra and will set you back roughly £10. I believe that this is worth the cost, more so if you are going to go to the trouble of water cooling your components. The box in relatively plain in regards to descriptions. All that we can tell is that it is a window panel for the Prodigy chassis. On the back it tells us the dimensions of the window panel. I find this a bit strange as it will be custom built to fit the Prodigy.
