I feel I have to chime in on this one. I own 3 of the portable cases
all of which have the 8HP panel power module. I chose the internal PC
panel because the external one on the portables was in the completely
wrong place for the way I play them, on a slanted table or on their
backs. The external mounted IEC connector and power strip restricts
where and how the unit is placed in a studio, It forces the box to be
a few inches away from anything on the face it is mounted (for the
power cable) not to mention the access needed to reach the switch to
turn it on of off. These cases will add about 336HP to any system it
is used with - for me giving up 8HP for the ease of access and the
added robustness make up for it's lost panel space. The exposed IEC
and power switch in the other option are easier to damage - these are
meant to be portable cases after all. In fact a added feature would
be to add a female IEC socket to the panel (it is big enough) and
then it could also switch the power for whatever is stacked onto it.
The power switch might need to be beefed up a little to handle the
extra current draw though.
-James

On Apr 2, 2008, at 12:25 PM, jalmari3 wrote:
> I would not like to sacrifice 8HP for front panel mains inlet and
> power
> switch. I would propably also prefer the handle at the lid and just be
> careful.
>
> Jari Jokinen
>
>