The Basics (continued):
One other button that has not yet been discussed is the Copy button found on the top edge of the screen. This is a great feature of the FP-01, as it allows for a quick and easy copy of all contents of any multimedia card to the system's desktop. For example, insert a CompactFlash card into the appropriate slot, press the Copy button, and in the time it takes to copy the files you will now have a folder on your desktop labeled "CF" (indicating the source) with all contents of the card inside.
Two features missing from the Aerocool FP-01 are positives in my book, too. There are no audio ports and there isn't a Firewire port. I would have to say that most cases have front panel audio connectors these days, so having an extra set in a bay device is just a waste. You most likely only have one connector on your motherboard / sound card anyway, so if the headphone and microphone jacks on the front of the case are already in use, those on the bay device are useless. While extra Firewire ports may be useful to some, I feel the same way about this as I do about the audio connectors. There may be numerous USB headers on your motherboard, but generally there is just one Firewire header, and if your case happens to have a front panel Firewire port it is already in use.
Accessories:
The Aerocool FP-01 55-in-1 Multifunction Panel with Card Reader includes the accessories shown below. There is a fold-out manual with brief instructions in a variety of languages, a bundle of all the necessary cables, and a mini CD with drivers to enable to Copy button, as well as a file manager type utility.
The below left image shows the three fan power leads and the main power connector which can connect to a typical 4-pin drive lead on your power supply. The fan lead not only connects the fan to the FP-01, but it also connects to the motherboard header to allow the speed signal to go to any software monitors. The below right image shows six thermal probes; three with long sensors and three with short sensors. I am unsure what the difference is other than the length of the golden tabbed sensor, or why you get twice as many as you need, but there they are.
The below left image shows the remainder of the cables included. You have a hard drive activity lead, a SATA cable, and USB lead. Of all the cables included with the kit, the only one I did not use was the hard drive activity lead. Considering the test system (and most cases) already have a front panel connector for this, one has to go to waste. Perhaps this is something that should have had a Y-adapter in order to share the signal, like on the fan leads. The below right image shows some labels for identifying what your fan and thermal leads are connected to, so adhesive strips for securing the thermal probes, and a set of screws for securing the FP-01 to your case.
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