Okay Everyone,
I know its been a long time since I've posted here. I have some good information to digest with all of you and I hope we can get things rolling soon. There have been quite a few similar computer cases that have released, since I started this feedback thread for this case, that indirectly compete with this project, however there are still a lot of good attributes to this design that I feel differentiate in a good way. With that said, I need to consult with you about business model structure as it will directly affect how and when you will be able to order these, and at what price. Please let me know what you think on the following two Business Models:
--Artisan Style--
-Cost: $300-400 USD
-Timeline: fast production start, must be pre-ordered, delivery within 1-2 months.
Pros:
-Can place order immediately start of business date.
-Supports low order quantities.
-Support for 1 on 1 computer build feedback guidance.
-Supports more customizable features; e.g. custom CNC grill patterns in aluminum caps or panels for additional air flow or build design (small time charge), custom anodization colors (applicable charge).
-Customer can more easily choose between glass panels and/or aluminum panels.
-Overall an interesting brand story, feels more special.
-Inspection more emotionally invested.
-Both AQ and AIR sizes will be on sale at the same time.
Cons:
-Maintains a static order-to-delivery timeline.
-Costs more for product.
-limited quantities, favors those who have been following and keeping updated through a sign-up and wait-list.
-International shipping may be limited or increase cost more dramatically.
--Mass Production Style--
-Cost: $275-300 USD
-Timeline: slow production start (3-6 months), initial pre-orders then ordered from inventory, delivery 4-6 months at start of business then 1-2 weeks delivery based on inventory.
Pros:
-Maintains the traditional production shipment style.
-All components are manufactured and produced in the same factory.
-Once the business and inventory is established people can order and product will ship (after pre-order phase).
-Certain parts, e.g. power cables and riser cables, are more easily maintained to proper length and overmolded end geometry (not that much of a plus TBH).
-Lower product cost.
Cons:
-Less options.
-Different sizes, AQ vs AIR, would have separate phases meaning that some that want the smaller footprint would have to wait longer for it to be released.
-More influenced by shipping delays and complications from international trade politics and logistics.
-Requires larger minimum quantity and larger initial cost for tooling, in other words, needs more people in pre-order phase which increases risk.
*(please note that these are based on estimates from the information I've gathered with factories and research I've done doing domestic production and are subject to change a little).
*(also, prices may or may not decrease based on the supply line of materials in our current economic state).
--Some Design Updates--
-Fixed some clearance issues with the power cable and routing.
-Small adjustments to the rail system geometry to ensure strong lock.
-Made a size profile adjustment, more wide, to the front and rear I/O components to allow more room for passthrough cables, (like if someone wants to use 2 or 3 monitors it is now easier, or an ethernet cable), and possible more USB ports on rear I/O. This also integrates better for those who choose to turn the case 90 degrees no a non-tower case placement by allowing the user to mount the rear I/O to the aluminum cap so cables stay nice and cleanly routed.
-Also I'm working on some interesting concept content that I think you all will like, involves a build made with high strength frosted clear epoxy for the aluminum parts. Going to make some renders at some point so you guys can see what I'm thinking.
I hope all of you are doing well, especially with all the crazy going on in the world. Please let me know what you think as it will directly affect how we going about getting this computer case to production. We need to made a decision in the coming weeks. Hopefully by mid April or before.
Best,
Taylor Hill
www.theverge.com
