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The Sapphire Edge HD3 is supplied in a very stylish red and black box, featuring the product in the center highlighted under a spotlight, in a very ‘cinema' style pose. There are a list of key focus points along the bottom of the box.
The bundle is impressive, with a power cable and adapter. A thin user guide, and an HDMI cable with HDMI to DVI video converter cable. Sapphire also include a driver/software disc with full support for Windows XP, Vista and 7.
The Sapphire EDGE HD3 is an attractively designed product, less than half a litre in volume. The surface is rubberised to help reduce the mess of fingerprints. We are actually glad Sapphire didn't opt for piano black as it is a nightmare to keep clean.
Upon first view, it is hard to see the power button, but that is intentional. Sapphire have built it alongside an HDD light on the side of the chassis, almost camouflaged into the panel.
On the front of the Edge HD3 is a little cover, which can be pulled away from the main panel. Underneath are two USB 3.0 ports for high speed devices, such as an external storage drive, or USB pen drive. We appreciate how small this cover is, so it was smart of Sapphire to build in a holding clip on one side so it can't get misplaced.
The rear panel features a VGA port, HDMI port, two USB 2.0 ports, GB lan connector and the power adapter header. There are also a headphone and microphone jack at one edge. With the supplied HDMI to DVI adapter the Edge HD3 can connect to almost any monitor or television on the market. There is also a Kensington lock to prevent unauthorised removal of the device.
The supplied stand is heavy duty metal and it screws into the bottom side of the main EDGE HD3. The image above right shows the top section of the stand is curved to match the shape of the main chassis.
Above, some images of the product taken from various angles. I really do like the appearance, the slim curved shape is both stylish and practical, as it can fit behind a monitor or television without taking up any room. It is barely any larger than an external USB powered optical drive as the image above, bottom right shows.
Its a lovely looking little computer, the price is competitive, but I dont think id be happy with a 5,400 rpm 2.5 inch drive, they are painful. my Lenovo laptop had one and I had to replace it as it was slowing everything down.
I dont think the hard drive is that important, but I suppose it would depend on what you are using it for. I still have the first edge and I use it in a bedroom hooked into a television. with a remote controller. It has been flawless now for a long time. I might get this as an upgrade. I do think they should sell one with a 128GB SSD at extra cost, a lot of people would jump on it.
when is this released, cant find it anywhere.
wow this is some piece of kit. two USB 3 ports as well, very nice.
the power drain alone is really worth it. I bought a power meter recently to measure my systems and my media pc takes around 200 watts !
Shame they dont bundle one with an OS preinstalled, for a little extra. A lot of people aren’t comfortable with setting up a system and t hen the drivers etc.
Ideal for a living room. my wife doesnt like a huge pc in the corner. and i have to deal with whinging regularly from her. I could hide this behind the tv.
Only problem is, if she saw the credit card bill she would bitch too, so I cant win either way.
It’s worth mentioning that free software exists out there to run this device as a dedicated HD media centre PC that avoids having to purchase a copy of windows. The free software “XMBC” can be easily installed from a USB drive and has a great interface for browsing and playing your media. It’s compatible with the Media Player remote controls out there and there are also apps to remote control it via your tablet PC.