The Sapphire Edge VS8 may cost a bit more than most other units, but it offers an excellent price to performance ratio. The other comparable unit would be the brand new ID83 from Zotac. It costs around 10% more and offers a dual-core CPU with Intel HD3000 graphics, which not only makes the Sapphire Edge VS8 more affordable, but also better specced - at least on paper. If you can live without IR and any remote features right out of the box - something you can easily buy separately if need be - then there is really nothing to go against the Edge VS8. Those worried about what Sapphire could install within the full system should grab the barebone unit with an SSD and their choice of memory. With such a configuration, the VS8 will not only manage to impress in3D applications and games, but also in everyday use.
Even with the surprising amount of performance in such a small form factor, the Edge VS8 stays cool and fairly quiet. There is a lot to love about the VS8 and very little critique to be voiced - well done Sapphire!