SilverStone FP34 Front Panel Reader

Silverstone FP34
The FP34 looked like a great deal, various USB, ieee 1394, CF/SD/MS/SM readers and ports.  It lookslooks great in my Centurion 5, and the powdered black metal finish gives it a svelte feel.  Out of the box, it was promising.  It fit into my case with a little struggle, but that's okay.  The connectors were easy to plug in and were labeled clearly.

However, this is one of the more disappointing computer products I have ever purchased.  First off, it lacks any type of read/write indicator; that means you're left guessing if this thing is performing I/O operations.  It isn't too bad with USB and ieee 1394 drives, but with flash cards, that is a glaring omission.  I'm guessing that it was an aesthetic choice to minimize any distracting flashing LEDs, but seriously, it is a serious problem.  Next, the ports themselves leave me scratching my head.  You get 2 standard-female USB ports, 1 6-pin ieee 1394, and audio in/out ('phones and mic); now here is where it gets weird.  You also get 1 mini-female USB port, and 1 4-pin ieee 1394 port.  The latter I can understand, but the mini-USB?  I really cannot think of any devices that would terminate computer side in a mini-USB port.  Even bay-LCD panels terminate in full USB.  And finally, you get the clincher in this horrible design; the Intel HD Audio connector isn't up to the HD Audio spec.  I said before that everything was labeled clearly, but that means jack and shit when things are labeled wrong.  That mean unless you're willing to physically rewire your connector, you're gonna have audio problems.  For me, my rear audio ports don't work regardless of driver reinstalls and the like.  Apparently the AC'97 connector is fine, but the fact that they cannot even get the pin-puts correct is worrisome.
It seems easy enough to make the switch, but it's an unnecessary step and a problem only because of a poor design.  Minor annoyances include the fact that it eats up every single USB and ieee1394 headder on my MoBo.  I know the H3N-HT is gimped by the ASUS Express Gate USB add-on, but still, is it necessary to eat up every single header?  Also, the sheer number of cables commin' out of this thing makes cable routing them a nightmare.

Although Silverstone designs are highly praised, I personally would hesitate before buying another Silverstone product.

Software Highlights: Input Director

 This seems like a great program that allows 1 keyboard and mouse to control any number of independent workstations/computers.  If you have more than 1 rig on your desk, this seems like an ideal solution.  Unless, of course, you have customized keyboards for each specialized rig (video editing, gaming, etc.) using Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator.

Input Director website