21 Mar
2010
21 Mar
'10
12:18 p.m.
I suppose it may be a question of definition; on my
(admittedly modern)
PC here I can flip pages in a PDF as fast as I can click the mouse (and
they're readable just as fast) even for something as large as the 11/40
engineering drawings. I do agree that I prefer to have physical copies
of documents where available, but for two different reasons: 1) somehow,
skimming a physical document for something is just easier, and 2) I hate
zooming in to see detail. Still, I don't stand a chance at getting
I think, actually, we're in agreement here. We both think that a physical
paper document is easier to skim, and it's easier to examine closely
(without having to select and zoom). I would also argue it's easier to
handle a paper document on the bench or stacked on top of the minicomputer
you're repairing.
I certainly agree that having the information electroncially is better
than not having the information at all. Of course it is. As I've said
repeatedly, data sheet archive sites and achives of old manuals
(bitsavers, Australian HP museum -- add the ones for your favourite
machines), are very, very, useful. I have got a lot of useful information
from them (and indirectly contributed to at least one).
But I still wich I could buy modern IC databooks...
-tony