> <Has anyone ever put together a list of handsomely designed computers?
> <Not great runners, not powerful, but just aesthetically pleasing? My
> <impression is that there probably are not all that many, and that the
> <first machines to exclude from such a list are the iMac grotesques.
> Hummm. Well I think form and function are related.
> My thoughts would suggest...
> NorthStar* Horizon (wood cover) as a simple but pleasing to the eye design.
> Kaypro Toteables, very functional and simple.
> DEC BA123 based machines for simple styling and good mechanical/thermal
> engineering.
> Epson PX-8 laptop. small package for its time but not industrial looking.
> TRS80, TI99, Commodore C64/C128 for evolving the wedge design to the limit.
> Others, PDP-10 (KA10), PDP12
Allison, might it be that the engeneer within took over ?
I have hard times to give one of the above an award for
>>aesthetically pleasing<< design (maybe an exeption for
the NorthStar).
In addition to Merle's list I may add
Yashica YC64 - a red and beige MSX machine (from Kyocera),
nothing special in form or function (straight
MSX keyboard box) but with these colours -
just marvelous.
The Enveloped AIM (and SYM)- A good example how different a
computer can apear when it comes to adding a
case.
Sinclair QL - Basicly Brit design is like Plumpudding or
Haggis - best reaction is to avoide contact
- but in some rare occasions there are
unexpected signs of a true genious mind, and
the QL is one of them - not only a cutting edge
Soft/Hardware combination, but also in a unique
design (Without knowing it for better, I would
bet the design is Italian - from one of the
Modena studios ...).
(BTW: The Joyce isn't that bad either :)
Z88 - Oops - again a late Sinclair ??? Strang, but
this simple and durable design even outclasses
the classical GRiD systems.
Most Olivettis - If we except the M2x PC compatible boxes (just
plain uggly), are most of the Olivetti Machines
examples of good design.
Newton 2000 - Ok, not 10YR compatible, but just the best hand
held design until now - very sensitive, it's fun
just to touch it.
For the moment I can't remember any other machine worth of the front seats.
For Second Row:
Schneider EuroPC - A new definition of the Keyboard Computer
Comodore CBM II - For taking the 'knubbel' (hugable/small/round:)
Design to a new frontier.
SIEMENS PC-D - Just perfect (and the best keyboard of all).
Second thought - cross it - just another Pizza
like design, I just love this machine...
Gruss
H.
--
Der Kopf ist auch nur ein Auswuchs wie der kleine Zeh.
H.Achternbusch
Received on Mon Jun 21 1999 - 10:44:29 BST