30 Sep
2010
30 Sep
'10
12:54 p.m.
On 30 September 2010 20:21, Tony Duell <ard at p850ug1.demon.co.uk> wrote:
Overall, I'd agree. For mass-market consumer kit, I think it might be
good. Cheaper, faster computers are a good thing. Also, for the random
punter, *simpler* computers are a good thing.
Well, one idea I am surprised I have not seen exploited in PCs, that I
have already seen in hifi, is large external passive heatsinks,
outside the case. I presume they're connected by heatpipes or
something. Gets the heat outside the box, in the open air, where the
user can easily clean the fins with a duster, and where it will be
carried away by open-air circulation.
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But more
generally, I think I am seeing an interesting trend which I
find positive: the gradual removal of mechanical, moving parts from
PCs (and Macs). Spinning HDDs are gradually being replaced by SSDs.
Hmm... I see this often as a negative trend in that I can fix the
mechanical bits (other than HDDs) and can't fix custom silicon. It may
be cheaper to replace, but when you have a deadline looming, the ability
ot get the machine workign again is very useful... The last
hold-out is the cooling fan and they are a real point of
weakness, as they clog up with dust and cause the system to fail. I
hope to see some improved, solid-state cooling mechanisms come along
How are these supposed to work (without violating the 2nd law)?