Logisys PC Extension Station

Introduction:

     When computer users started getting in to modifying and changing the appearance of their systems, Logisys was there to help lead the way. We can all recall the vague beige color cases and the many cool ideas that we would have liked to modify on our systems. If you've ever picked up a cold cathode light, LED fan, or acrylic case, chances are it was made by Logisys. These guys have put their efforts in to changing products like the ordinary case fan in to something more than ordinary. Everything they have for the demanding computer user is anything but common place.

A few weeks ago, we were able to meet up with Logisys at CES 2007 and take a tour of their booth. To recap on what's new, among all the current lighting and cooling products, they now have more innovative Front Panel solutions and Remote operated components. Basically, with a press of a button on a key chain, your system or other components can be remotely turned on.

One of the latest Logisys products we are grateful to receive is the PC Extension Station which implements a basic useful idea with added form and function keeping with their long standing efforts to create added features. If it's anything out of the ordinary and offers something new then it will be a good thing for avid PC users. Read on and see what it has to offer.

Closer Look:

What you see when you first open the box seems pretty simple. The concept isn't a completely new idea. Chances are you've seen a similar platform underneath the console at various offices. What isn't similar is the implementation of some power switches, USB Hub, small Drive Bay, and a 5.25 Drive Bay. And the most obvious design is that the station is made out a cloudy white acrylic.

Front

Features

Opening

The Power Switches are all labeled to help keep your finger switching organized. You don't have to follow the labels, but it does help in the even you plug more than a couple things in. Attached to the wire chain, you will find a Fuse to prevent any circuit overloads. This shouldn't be a problem unless you try to daisy chain several multi-tap outlets. My only beef with this particular configuration is that the wires would look MUCH better if they were covered in white instead of black. It would blend much better if they consider this change.

Front

Back

Very Clean

The integrated USB Hub is a welcomed feature around here on this particular VH test bench since there are many a components needing a quick connect feature. The ports do operate as HUB only allowing full speed support depending on what speeds your motherboard can provide. The back of the unit has a 1.2 meter long USB wire that should reach your system. The wire is black as well and could use the very same white color option to better blend.

Power Switches

USB Hub

Utility Drawer

At first it seemed better if an actual integrated powered USB 2.0 HUB was built in as opposed a splitter of sorts. Unfortunately, some systems among many companies who would find this to be a worth while ergonomic upgrade don't support USB 2.0 which can cause some issues. It's possible that this could be implemented in future models knowing Logisys.

Back of Tray & USB

Power Hub

Underneath

The Test Drive:

The Station is plenty strong for holding up the 19" Flat Screen and will be able to handle any standard LCD that you can fit on it. It would be a very cool edition to any fancier high quality LCD whether for gaming or professional use. And professionally speaking, the Station places your monitor in a very comfortable eye level position which means less headaches for those prone to muscle tension due to repetitive actions.

Keyboard Out

Keyboard In

The PC Station that was on display at CES was actually lit by a small white CCFL (Cold Cathode) light that gave the station a different appearance. Keeping with VH's long standing belief that modifications can make something better, I picked up a 12" Blue CCFL and installed it to the back, underneath the Station. After placing my heavy CRT monitor on top, the system was powered up. It didn't take long to get some curious eyes and a good comments from a couple of my more serious PC user friends. The effects with the light really compliment the PC Extension Station.

Low Light

Lights Off

The space underneath the PC Station allows for plenty of room to slide your keyboard of choice under when not in use. It's wide enough it can house pretty much any keyboard around whether for gaming or office use. It helps clean up the desktop as well as let's the passerby really appreciate the glowing light blue station. Of course, one could use any color light of choice to fit their own ideas.

After a little researching, the PC Extension Station could be found for about $49.00 on average. The price seems just a little steep at first. But, in its defense, properly machining good quality acrylic materials to ensure it doesn't break while using using better polished screws doesn't come cheap. This Station isn't assembled using average machining methods or substandard acrylic materials. This particular Station is actually flawless and doesn't have any evidence of bad fabrication methods what so ever.

Looks Clean and Cool

VH and Logisys

Notes From The Modders:

    And now for a couple of worth while modification suggestions that you could see in a future PC Station. Typically, a 12v power source has to be used to power most PC lighting which you have to connect to your system's power supply. It would be a very cool feature to have at least one 12 volt power source built in to "Gamer Extension Station". This means that one wouldn't have to manage any wires feeding in to the computer, one could then easily use the plug on the back of the station.

The small drawer turned out to be quite useful holding my many various tools, screws, pens, pencils, and memory modules. Basically, it just depends on what you want to put in it. Another concept for that small bay would include the ability to add something like a CD or DVD ROM Drive. Essentially, one could add or modify anything from ROM Drives to external storage drives on their own, but it would be very cool to have that option by default.

Conclusion:

   The Logisys PC Extension Station does what the name says. It is actually a very useful desktop tool that lives up to its current specifications and features. The modification possibilities will be a good extra bonus for the avid PC users. As for the professional users, you can expect it to help make those long hours spent reading your monitor less physically taxing while adding an organized feel to your work space. The construction is more than enough to hold up your common PC monitors found at home or the office. The acrylic and surface areas are very well cut and polished making it a very clean addition to your desk top.