Modding on the rise

(Issued by Frontier Electronics, Johannesburg, 7 July 2004)

If you find that your computer case is a bit on the dull side, liven it up with Frontier Electronics' selection of dazzling gear.

It is fun. It looks good. It can also be affordable. Do you need still more arguments to persuade you to go the 3G (gadgets, gizmos and gimmicks) way?

They may not always be strictly speaking utilitarian. You must steel yourself to withstand the pointed glances and even outright criticism. There will be people who dismiss the whole idea as waste of time and money.

Still, they do fulfil one of our most basic needs: the need to change our environment to our liking, to leave our personal imprint on the world around us. After all, all the human cultures that we know of decorate things, instead of just leaving them alone!

There's even a new word to describe what you do when you apply your artistic flair and put in all that extra (apparently non-functional) energy to decorating your computer case: modding (short for modifying).

In the bad old days, all the hapless modder was confined to was a lick of paint here, a hole drilled there. Things are different now. New companies are being born on the wave of the computer modification craze. New Web sites are sprouting, full of glitz and glamour. There are numerous message boards where modders, from novice to the professional, discuss projects. Beginners can easily get information on how to start this wonderful hobby.

In short, a whole net of activities is already in place to help you and to uphold your quest for the original, the personal, the creative in the discipline called modding.

Frontier Electronics is right there in the middle of the happenings, rising to the challenge of satisfying the still fledgling, but growing local demand.

If you are a modder or would like to become one, you will embrace Frontier's range of 3G goodies with singular enthusiasm.

The first thing you notice about them is that they are carefully packed, so as to withstand the knocks likely to occur in transit. When you open the box, you are immediately taken by the overall workmanship. The manufacturers obviously take pride in their products. All the items have been well thought out and professionally executed.

And when you install them, they look good and perform well.

First, let us list a few simple and no-mess mods. Modest as they are, they constitute the first step towards greatness!

Cables with a difference

Inserting braided round IDE cables is a modification fit for a beginner, being extremely uncomplicated. Yet it is rewarding enough for any old hand to embark on.

The cables are braided with light-giving wire for fun, and they are rounded for a purpose that transcends pure fun.

Besides being much more visually appealing than the standard flat cables, rounded cables have a practical side to them too. They increase airflow within the case; they take up less room; they are highly flexible and offer better protection of wires from sharp objects. As a matter of fact, round cables are recommended for maximum performance of ATA133 IDE drives.

Grilled for fun

Fan grills simply screw on to add a little personality, making this modification practically infallible. They measure 80 millimetres and come in different styles and patterns, all with the aim of giving the rear of your case what it usually lacks: an attractive aspect. The most difficult part is choosing among different models and different patterns within each model. Shiny fan grills are made of steel. They are custom cut on a laser and have mirrored chrome finish on the outside. 3D fan grills are basically the same as the shiny ones - but the patterns are executed in relief, thus creating unique effects.

The installation of cold cathode ultra-violet fan grills is a bit more involved. They give off marvellously bright light. Plus, they last long and have low power consumption.

Let it be light

Some of the neon lights available from Frontier.
Photo: Frontier Electronics
Some of the neon lights available from Frontier.
Our fascination with everything bright and luminous makes us do impractical things, like gaze at the stars. Or put lights in, on and around our computer case.

The first time you lay your eyes on Frontier's case light devices, you can see that they are something special. There are many cold cathode kits out there, but very few of them have the quality and brightness at an affordable price that you are looking for. Over the testing period we ran into zero problems - and so will you. In fact, the biggest problem is deciding exactly where to mount them in the case!

Frontier case light kits are made with exemplary attention to detail. For example, they come with generous lengths of wire, making sure that you do not despair even if you own a particularly long case. The tubes feel sturdy and solid. They have thick acrylic shielding and the ends are protected (hence no annoying rattling sounds). Being cold cathode, none of Frontier's lights will give off heat and make your case run a fever!

These lights are made to give very bright light for a very long time. They are also easy to install. There are the single tube cold cathode kit and the dual tube cold cathode kit (hooray - twice the amount of light!). Then there are the flashing meteor lights and the funky spiral lights. There is also the laser LED whose humble size belies its impressive three-pointed light.

Frontier Electronics' assortment of gadgets and accessories also includes fan controllers, cold drinks and cigarette holders, as well as a USB coffee warmer - which will keep your hot drink at the steady 40 degrees, sip after sip.

To see them in action, visit Frontier's premises. The second best is an online inspection of Frontier Electronics' Web site. In either case, you will be hooked - so include modding expenses in your budget! 

Author: Lana Stevic

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Modding and Gadgets