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As
boxes go Connect3D's is one of the smallest, and one of
the most basic. The design looks dated and the card used
isn't too rigid. I'd be a touch worries if this was being
shipped any great distance as there are no internal partitions
to hold components in place and they're all free to move
around inside
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Box
- Front
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The
back of the box features all the must-know info to help
the more technically minded decide if it's the right card
for them, though if they're that technically minded I'm
sure they checked the main specs before leaving for the
store.
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Box
- Rear
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The
bundle covers the absolute basics and little more. There
is an extra S-video/composite VIVO cable included in addition
to the regular S-Video cable, pass-thru Molex power cable,
DVI to VGA dongle and HDTV out cable. Of course there's
also a driver CD and a quick-start guide plus warrantee
documentation.
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The
Bundle
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The
lack of a DVD player title is a cut too far in my view,
and while many of us may have old copies lying around all
over the house, those who upgrade less regularly no doubt
haven't.
I
really would like to see someone bundle at least a few of
the tech demos too.
To
be fair, unless it's something really spectacular, we rarely
remember what came bundled with our graphics card once the
excitement wears off. And large, fancy aluminium boxes are
great for your image but ultimately just bump up the asking
price and serve little real purpose once the card comes
out. That said, a cheap box like this one with so little
care taken with holding the contents securely does give
a misleading impression about the company whose name is
on the front.
It's a bit like restaurant toilets. If they're dirty it
doesn't mean the food will taste bad, but it does make you
wonder about the kind of people who are running the joint!
Luckily
I happen to know the guys that run the joint at Connect3D
and wouldn't hesitate in backing them, but I'm in a slightly
privileged position compared to many. I honestly feel it's
time for them to raise the bar a little and create an image
that matches their enthusiasm and expertise.
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