HTPC cases

I hope some of you out there share my interest in setting up a HTPC. I have been looking for an appropriate case for a pc to install in my living room -- hook up to a flat screen and store my media.

I have looked at "HTPC" cases and I think, well, they're a stupid concept. some of these cases are huge (almost as big as midtower on its side). what's the point anyway? To save a couple of inches of "precious" space, you need to deal with (expensive) limited selection of components and practically get PhDs in Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics., and Acoustic Dynamics.

I will probably get a mid tower - some have black shiny "piano" finish or mirror finish. They are easier to setup. I don't have to worry about HD space, cooling, & noise. Having a large case and slececting components carefully (AMD 45w processors & 780g integrated graphics MB, etc.. ) I can probably get away with passive cooling (fanless) system.

Any thoughts?