First off, I would like to apologize to the people at CrazyPC for the delay in getting this review out. In order to properly display the device we needed a windowed case and there were unforeseen shipping problems that required some creative solutions. That said let’s continue with the review. I am always uncomfortable when I have something bad to say so let’s just say it...I was very doubtful when I first opened the box. I was expecting something more...impressive. However I am glad to be proven wrong by the facts of the review. Here is the product:

Yes, yes...I know the picture sucks but you try to take a picture without glare, blurriness and whatnot...it’s difficult (I will get a better camera when my raise comes through)

The packaging claims are as follows:

-Low heat output
-200,000 hour lamp life
-Waterproof
-Shockproof
-12-14v D.C. operation
-26ma/12v power requirement

Impressive claims indeed! Most cold cathodes draw considerable power and while they do not generate much heat the power converter does. I am unaware of the lifespan of the CC but I am sure it’s not the equivalent of 22years...I do know that LED’s are extremely long lived and 22yrs / 200,000hrs MTBF is not unbelievable. If I am wrong let me know! I did not test the waterproof / shockproof since I don’t want to dunk the review sample while powered up and my friend ManInBlack can break ANYTHING! OK...first impressions ...this thing is small...I mean really small, hence unimpressive looking...see here compared to a ruler:

It is only about 1 ¾... x 5/8... x 3/8.... In retrospect this is a good thing allowing for extreme flexibility in mounting locations. Mounting a CC is a pain in the butt...requiring some thinking about converter placement, CC tube mounting and available power outlet. This baby can fit anywhere with a little imagination.

Now for a nit...the instructions aren’t very good because there really aren’t any. It is pretty self explanatory but not everyone is used to improvising, heck, my mom can’t even set her watch...I gotta do it twice a year for daylight savings time! And there is no mounting hardware...not that’s it’s really needed but a little double sticky tape or some Velcro would be nice...but most PC geeks have that stuff lying around by the buckets. There are two through holes...what for I can’t imagine, but it may be possible to use a screw to mount the device. I personally used my favorite stuff - Hot Glue and a lighter!

How does it work? Easy one...there are a series of three high intensity LED’s mounted in the casing each facing a certain direction. The sides are angled outward for spread and the center straight down. It takes its power for a single Molex connector. A through connector would’ve been nice since you lose a power connection here but you can’t have everything. There also appears to be resistors beneath heatshrink wrap on the power leads, necessary since the power requirements are very low. All you have to do is plug it in and Voila’ you have light...Do Not be looking at the lamps when you do this unless you want to be blind for awhile though...don’t ask me how I know this... Let’s get a look at the lamps:

You can plainly see the LED’s, in-line resistor and the standard Molex connector. This is about life sized here (assuming my editor hasn’t fuddled with the picture!) After plugging them in (and regaining my sight) I let them sit on my desktop for 20min. and true to the packaging they did not get hot, nor did the resistors. Let’s mount that Puppy! I placed it below the cold cathode in the SETI MONSTER using hot glue and plugged it in...simple as that. The CC install wasn’t nearly that easy!

Here is what it looks like:

Seldom have I had an easier installation! Not much else to say but let’s see what it looks like with the lights off and the case closed up:

No matter how many pictures I tried I could not capture a truly clear picture of the full, bright green light the LED’s emit and I took a dozen or so...my 2.1 Mega-Pixel digital camera does not seem to like the color green! But you get the idea, those three itty-bitty LED’s have not only lit up the cases interior but the whole room! If you need a compact, low draw, easy to install lighting mod and do not want the complexity or delicateness of a cold cathode then I heartily recommend the Lazer LED from Crazy PC.

BTW I call my personal box the "Borg Cube" and when I put the LazerLED behind the front grill it emits this eerie green light just like the Borg equipment does that’s even visible in full daylight! If CrazyPC wants their LED’s back they are gonna havta come to my house and get ‘em. This review piece isn’t ending up on the "pile" of junk I have stacked in a corner! (Editor's note; Aha I have been referring to the large pile of computer crap that's slowly taking over my home like the creep of the Zerg side in Starcraft, nice to see its contagious. < evil grin>)