Case designs (was: New Definiton REQUIRED)

From: Tony Duell <ard_at_odin.phy.bris.ac.uk>
Date: Wed Nov 19 06:48:35 1997

> > where I'm at someone's house for dinner, and they say "Oh, BTW, my
> > computer's not working," and I didn't bring a screwdriver and they don't
> > own a #2 Phillips.
> Heh, many do not know that phillips size and I tell some techs that
> you only need 1 and 2 and most computers especially use

Eh? You _only_ need 1 and 2? I've got (and used for computer repair) 000,
00, 0, 1, 2, 3. Never needed anything bigger. Then there's pozidriv (got
0,1,2,3), JIS (subtly different from Philips, so it's best to have the
right tool), Torq (like an ofset Philips), etc. I must have over 100
different screw removal tools.

> number 2. And carry 8, 10, 15 and 20 Torx screwdrivers.

Add to that list a #6 and #9 Torx, Allen keys (including 9/64" which is
not in most sets sold in the UK), tamperproof Torx (if you want to open
monitors and PSUs), etc. Oh, a set of nutdrivers (at least the 3/16" and
1/4" sizes) will fit the screws used in the original PC family and are a
lot easier to handle than a flat-blade screwdriver.

> I love to have at least 1 or 2 screws to take cover off. Once in a
> while I have to face a midtower with 8 screws on back and few old
> computers w/ endless screws and poor design as well! UGH.

Never worked on a DECSA (a terminal server from the early 1980's), right?
That thing is crazy. Most bits come out with (at most) a couple of screws,
but if you want to remove the fan tray (needed to get the backplane out),
you have to remove a plate over it first. Said plate is held down my _28_
screws!

>
> Ok I forgot to tell one thing about ease of use in computers: the
> Rainbow series. The nice looking computer is NeXT.

The Rainbow, Pro series and DECmate 2 are very easy to pull to bits,
agreed. I once dismantled one on a train, much to the amazement of the
people sitting near me.

>
> Troll

-tony
Received on Wed Nov 19 1997 - 06:48:35 GMT