I don't think you and Skarum understand or value the art of the process, from what you are saying. That's fine and dandy, luckily there are no shortage of great, functional, and beautiful SFF cases out there at many pricepoints.
That's a lot of assuming, considering you know next to nothing of my values or "understanding", but if you want to be condescending and educate the plebs, you're off to a nice start. (I'm aware it probably wasn't meant that harsh, but it comes across as quite arrogant, at least to me).
I value the process of art. The Sistine Chapel ceiling is considered one of the greatest works of art of all time [SNIP]
Hold the phone right there... Are you comparing the Sistine Chapel, to this computer case? The case is a lovely piece of craftmanship, really well thought out, really well executed, but I honestly think the comparrision is wait of wack.
This is craftmanship and while craftmanship can hold significant aesthetic value, at the end of the day it's still an item made for a specific purpose. I value craftmanship, and I have for example no problem paying a significant premium for furniture that looks beautiful, lasts a life time and holds it value, instead of going to Ikea. I do however have a problem paying what I consider to be too much, as my funds are limited and therefore I'm not as willing to pay for "artistic processes", because the maker insisted on using them for the sake of artistry instead of craftmanship. I don't need my sofa pillows stiched with gold thread, when cotton would do.
The case is not for me, and I understand that, but we can go back to my car analogy: Even if money wasn't an issue, I'd never buy a Lambo. I can appreciate the skill, the labour and the thought that have gone in to it, and admire that, but I would never willingly pay that much for what at the end of a day is still just a car. If I could, I'd buy a Picasso, but a car and a painting aren't the same thing. Art is eternal, craftmanship, sadly is not. Same goes for this. It's a computer case, it's not the Sistine Chapel.
I have made a few computer cases (much more than just the MINI lineup, for other companies). I know the processes these take, and I appreciate that this is a milled system that doesn't look like garbage. I appreciate finishing processes and I like what I see from these photos.
I've watched the system assembly video at least 4 times now. It's gourgeous. I can appreciate that, but still I think it is fair to say that this goes above and beyond what is considered premium. This is a luxury, and there's a very specific customer base for that.
Again, it is fine that you see this as apiece of metal that holds PC parts, but that is not how I see it.
Again, I'm not saying people who buy this case are stupid. I'm not saying it's a waste of money. I'm saying that's it's not for me, and if you think that makes me an uneducated simpleton and a cheapskate, then that's what I am. I'm willing to pay a premium for a premium product, I am not willing to pay for a luxury product.
Just wanted to explain my thoughts.
Actually a significant amount of my customers are first time builders. These are people who have never really been interested in PC hardware before, but appreciate quality and the aesthetic of small form factor systems. There is a crossover here that is super fun to see happening.
You could make an argument that SFF FORUM is not the place to advertise, and from the posts here, I would sadly agree with you.
Peace all, it is fun reading your opinions on things. <3
Again, if your product caters to a niche audience, there's nothing wrong with that, but don't expect to be above comment or criticism, just because you think we can't appreciate or understand it.