brainscat.com

Short Version: If you are considering a case for a new computer, and value customer service, I highly recommend Antec’s P180 case. Not only is the case extremely thought out, but Antec’s customer service kicks ass.

This past year, I recently built a new computer, and chose to house it in an Antec P180 case, based upon what looked to be quality construction, and a very well thought out design. Honestly, it’s the first case that I’ve actually *enjoyed* using as cable, fan, and drive management have been easy as pie.

Though, in the past few months, I’ve been feeling the crunch of space on my hard drives, and after I tried to install a new drive this past few weeks, I realized I had misplaced the HDD screws. Normally, this wouldn’t be a big problem, as I have tons and tons of hardware from old computers, but the drive bays in the p180 are special. You see, the drives rest on these silicone grommets that isolate the drive from the metal, and consequently help keep the computer ninja-silent. This means the screws have to be extra long, and normal drive screws won’t do the trick.

So, dummy old me, who can’t keep track of his screws looks all over online, and couldn’t find the screws. In desperation, I created a service request on Antec’s site asking if there is a way to buy the screws. The customer service rep asked me for my address and how many screws I needed.
Three business days later, I recieved a priority mail package with all the screws I needed, even though I was willing to pay.

So, thanks Antec. I appreciate you spending the money to make me happy, and show me I’m a valued customer, even though I’ve only purchased one item.

Phone support clocked in at two calls of approx 2.5 hours total, only to have no Level 2 support solve my problem.

Taking matters into my own hands, and after much experimentation, I discovered, apparently, my issue with the Zune software not being able to connect to my Zune device, seems to have stemmed from the fact I had Visual C# Express installed. So, if you’re having problems where you can’t get the software to connect to the device, but the device is clearly recognized by the Device Manager… try uninstalling software you don’t need.

So, I guess it’s not Vista 64’s fault, but probably the Zune software’s inability to check certain necessities of its environment upon install.

but regular 32-bit vista loves it. Wish me luck in my future phone-support hell.

Update: Wed Nov 14th 12:37 AM EST - After a lengthy support call, everything is still the same…. but the support agent told me to call back in a few hours, after they had updated the Zune software. Awesome.