In reading about the 690, absolutely looks great, perfect... right price, looks to have good airflow, doesn't look like an alien dropped it off at my house (and I have to hide it in living room)
 
It's all good...EXCEPT, the placement of the power/reset buttons looks horrible.  My PC does (and will when I get the 690) site on a desk, with the side that has the bottom of the motherboard up against the wall.  It's the side with that tiny vent for under the CPU.  It's not touching the wall, it's got a 1-1/2 inch gap... so what this means, is that by looking at the pics of this case, the buttons will almost be totally hidden! Looks like they're around the side of the case practically!  
 
It's not like I can switch it around and have the other side against the wall, then the side 120mm fan and vent will be blocked.  Grrrr!
 
Anyone else have this problem?  Is the angle of the buttons on that side that bad, or is it just the pics?
 
Further more, modding the case to move the buttons looks to be a PAIN, I saw this in another forum once but can't find the how-to anymore.  Anyone else with some experience here?
 
Many thanks... I'm all bummed, my perfect case is not so perfect anymore it seems.  I can't spend any more $$ on a case either, $80 is my limit just about.  Most other decent cases with this kind of fan placement are over $100..
 
**Edit**
 
Ugh..!  Now I'm looking at the Antec P182, dang it looks sweet! And found it for a little over a $100.  
 
I'm just nervous about not getting enough intake through front with just the side vents, and no side grills.. I'm used to side grills/vents.. lol
 
Now I need to decide to stick with the CM 690, or up my budget a HAIR and get the Antec P182. DOH!

if the buttons are a problem, go to radio shack and buy a couple of push buttons, or just 1 for power of any style.  on the label it will say what size hole you need.  drill that hole anywhere you DO want the switch, make it, and run a wire down to the pins on the mobo.  Switches are probably the easiest mod around, i wouldnt let them prevent you from getting a case you really want.

I have the CM 690.  I really like the quality, look, inside space, and layout.  The air flow is great.  It came with 3 fans and has the ability to handle seven. The fans are slow and quite. I bought another fan (too high speed and too much noise.).  I then found a 500 rpm 14dB 120mm fan that works great.  I doesn't need more, it is just addictive to buy and install fans.
 
There are two items i don't like for my setup.  The are 1) the top mounted usb/firewire/eSATA, and headphone ports 2) the corner mounted switches.
 
The top mounted ports would be better in the front for me since I wanted it under my desk.  I have now decided it must stay on top of my side desk.  Ok, just not the original plan.
 
The corner mounted on switch is actually fine if I leave the computer on my desk.  As I enter the room and can turn it on as I sit down at my desk.  If I came in the room other way, it would be hard to find by touch alone.  I'd have to look at it or place a piece of tape on the front to guide me to the right spot.
 
Again, great case if you can live with top ports and corner switch.
 
Clarkz

i have this case and i also find the power/reset button annoying. the computer sits my right side, so i have to reach all around the case just to turn on my comp. pretty annoying, but i've got a couple of solutions which made it easier. first of all i try to turn on/off my comp as little as possible. i do mosty renderings and cad work, so leaving my compuer days on end is not a big problem. the airflow is very good, but the case fans could make a little less noise for my taste. second thing i've done is pushed the case out of the desk just  a couple of inches. now this is great since the case is long too and barely fits in the desk anyway. other than that i've no problems with the case. i've had it for 5 months now and not a single complaint.  
 
now if you can handle opening the front panel on the antec p182 case, i envy you. nothing more i hate than opening a panel just to turn on the comp. i just can't handle it.

Thanks guys!  I think I may actually go out on a limb and mod the case a little; add small power and reset button somewhere on the other side of the case that will be facing me.  I can already envision my wife yelling at me "I can't turn this thing on" or my 7 year old calling "Daddeeee, can you turn the computer on for me..."  lol
 
I like the P182 too, but I'm already over my budget a little with the 8800GT instead of the $160 like I initially told myself I'd spend on that part of the build  

Most motherboards give the option to power up by mouse\keyboard in the bios.

I have the CM690 and LOVE IT! The buttons actually kinda tilt forward towards the case when pressed as opposed to being pushed in, not a big deal at all.
 
I have a gift for you; it's a CM690 (refurb) for only $32 + shipping. That's where I got mine and it looks brand new. http://cmusashop.coolermaster-usa. [...] fa797125b9

$32? Nice!  How long did it take to arrive from when you ordered it? I'm trying to find one locally to save on shipping and stuff.. but sounds like a good deal at $32.  With saved money, can toss in a few extra fans.

Took about a week. $12 shipping for me. I ordered the 2nd day the site went up.
 
When I ordered it didn't say refurbished, until after I paid. Also, it said my order was being processed for about 3 days. I called and the rep. said they were still working out bugs, but my order was on it's way. Got there 2 days later.
 
Fry's has them locally for $90 + tax.

I've got the 690. I think the buttons are fine, you push them towards the left side of the case (they tilt a bit). You can kind of 'pull' them on if you press the front of the case. Hard to explain, but I don't find them difficult. If you're bothered, get some new buttons like you said. Because, overall, it's a great case.