Wang 300 Calc

On 11 Sep 2007 at 2:02, Liam Proven wrote: Symbols and labels on connectors on consumer devices have always smelled like a hack to me. It would seem that the optimal solution is to design the connectors so that it's IMPOSSIBLE to mate them up improperly. Why have a mouse that can plug into the same mini-DIN connector into which a keyboard can plug? Why not devise each connector with a uniquely-shaped and sized receptacle and plug (a simple receptacle collar and molded cable head would do) so that installation becomes a matter of plugging the triangular shaped plug into the like-shaped receptacle? I've never heard of anyone trying to plug an RJ-45 network connector into a DB-25 printer socket. For an extreme example of the wrong-headedness of thoughtless design, consider the lowly "wall wart" power supply. As an exercise, take all of the warts from all of the devices in your house and place them in a pile in the middle of a room. Draw the curtains and turn off the lights and try to match warts up with devices without toasting any. How the seeing-impaired manage in this world is beyond comprehension. Cheers, Chuck