LIX Systems LX8100-AM2BB-M2NPV HTPC

Due to arrangements we had made with LIX Systems it had taken us about two weeks from the time we determined the hardware configuration to the point when the computer finally arrived. However, LIX Systems has told us that the turn around time for its customers is generally about 48-72 hours. The barebone systems ship much faster; last week LIX Systems introduced a same-day shipping option. LIX Systems' defaults to FedEx Ground for their courier, and they charge a flat rate of $29.05 USD to ship the unit most anywhere in the world.

Receiving the 18.0 lb package, the LX8100-AM2BB-M2NPV and its accessories were amid a great deal of packing peanuts and foam. In total, there were three large sheets of foam while packing peanuts consumed the remainder of the box. Along with the LX8100-AM2BB-M2NPV was a great deal of accessories. The included media was for an HTPC optimized version of Fedora Core 5, LIX Systems Lx8100 DVD, KWorld Global TV 7131 driver CD, and ASUS M2NPV-VM driver CD. The documentation consisted of the TV tuner manual and the motherboard user guide. At this time, LIX Systems does not produce any documentation to cover any details of the HTPC, the custom chassis itself, or anything else. Other components include the ASUS motherboard contents (e.g. SATA cables and Firewire expansion header), two remote controls, and US power cable. For its customers, LIX Systems also includes a variety of extra faceplates for the Lx8100 chassis. The faceplates we received were red, black, brushed metal, and silver. LIX Systems also sells these faceplates in a variety of colors on Linux Tech Toys for under $20. The customer also has the possibility of designing their own front panel, which we will discuss in the next section. All of the contents were well packaged and we had no complaints in this area.

When we had received our system, however, we did hear a faint rattling noise inside of the Lx8100. Dismantling the unit we had found a rivet stem loose inside of the chassis. Luckily we had spotted this prior to powering up the system, and it had caused no damage. The most likely way that this rivet stem ended up in the system was the oil used likely stuck the stem to the metal case. LIX Systems has stated they will take action to decrease the likelihood of such a situation occuring again. LIX Systems will be switching to a water-based soluble oil, which is way less sticky and should greatly reduce the possibility of a rivet stem sticking to the chassis or plastic bag.