R.I.P. for D.I.Y.

From: James B. DiGriz <jbdigriz_at_dragonsweb.org>
Date: Thu Apr 25 17:35:07 2002

Jos Dreesen wrote:
> Allison wrote:
>
> >almost impossible for the home builder ... and only the odd few (Tony? :-)
>
>>Impossible? How?
>>
>
> Open any GSM phone and look at the components....
> There is NO WAY a hobbyist (not even Tony ( sorry chap !)) will be able to
> handle 200-300 pin BGA packages, with 0.8 or even 0.5mm pitch.
>

The idea is that we're all supposed to be so rich and prosperous as a
result of billions being thrown at dot-commers a few years ago that we
can easily afford the necessary equipment. As if.

Still, where there's a will, there's a way.


> Granted, not all equipment is build that way, but I am rather pessimistic about
> the future of electronics as a hobby.
> I also believe the rise in interest in classic computing is due to the fact that
> you can tinker with the old machines...

That's true enough, and there are still plenty of new things that can be
done with old stuff. A lot of the modern improvements are just to reduce
size, power consumption and manufacturing costs, which doesn't
necessarily stop you from useful experimenting with old tech.

jbdigriz
Received on Thu Apr 25 2002 - 17:35:07 BST