Part 2 ------- These ex-Powerlist posts for the curious------- On the subject of metal casings, I'm not taking any credit per below discussions, but I'm really glad Apple was listening... (Just don't expect swoopy curves out of metal--it presents too many technical problems which I won't get into here). Now back into the shadows for extended lurking.... From: Sidney Ho <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thu, 18 May 2000 15:29:16 +0100 To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, PowerList <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: No More Sub-Compacts From Apple? (Petition?) This is a comment to a discussion raging on the Duolist so I thought I'd post it to Powerlist too. The ongoing Powerlist survey also seems to strongly favor lighter/smaller too (although 15" screens are a strong 2nd). The Sony VAIO pcgc1xs with its 1024 x 480 fast acting virtual screen for instant 1024 x 768), jog dial and built in digicam at 2 lbs is a real dream with slick battery life, biometrics, and paper cues to the digicam for automated presentations. Slim. Elegant. Light. Fits in between papers. Begging to go everywhere. Wow! I've said before, Apple should get Sony to design/build them a Mac version. For serious computing, a subnotebook is much more useful than a PDA. (A certain J. O'Grady has also been known to like the Sony mini-Viao). A large capacity 32mb thin factor HD (aftermarket, and capacity will only get bigger) allows all the CD/DVDs disk imaged that one might need to obviate lugging a CD/DVD add-on. I'm tempted with Mac OS emulation on this PC for reading certain files. The biggest drawback is troubleshooting Windows and maintaining a clean running system--a daunting task even for those who do it regularly. From: Sidney Ho <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 29 May 2000 00:56:18 +0100 To: PowerList <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Subnotebook or nothing-"Mag" Frames With reference to the subnotebooks and VAIO magnesium alloy construction topic, some listers have mentioned some Powerbooks and Duos as having internal frames "made of magnesium alloy". Lest we be too smug about the "superior" quality of our Powerbooks, inside ALL of the Powerbooks I've seen, where the internal frames appear to be magnesium, most are actually a faux oxidized mottled matte metallic coating over plastic! It looks pretty good but it's not really magnesium (possibly the coating material contains some). It's ALL plastic underneath the plating. (Including the 2400c which also uses a cast aluminum subframe to carry the hinging of the screen). I just thought I'd let the innocent and naive in on this fact. I would be interested to know which models have real magnesium alloy frames. It is possible other computer manufacturers also follow this illusory practice. Needless to say, this keeps weight/bulk/ flex/squeaks all much higher/more than they need be. OK, this keeps costs down, and fools most of the people most of the time, but...Apple, just keep "under 3 lbs" a mantra. BTW if Apple doesn't build another subnotebook, remember, the 2400c never really could be popular in the USA because by the time it was introduced (after first being released in Japan), it was underpowered and overpriced. Sound familiar for that era? When the USA market told Apple, street prices dropped from near $4000 to $1600 and even $1200 in just a few months. The blowout made it a commercial and marketing disaster from start to finish. From: Sidney Ho <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 23 May 2000 01:22:30 +0100 To: PowerList <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: For me: subnotebook or nothing I use a PB2400-G3/320-112mb-18.2gb and a spare 2400/G3-240 (the 2400 is a temperamental computer!). I never take my overweight bulky G3-3500 Kanga anywhere. One never has enough power and it is never light/compact enough for increasingly weight/bulk restricted international travel. There is something reassuring/necessary about having instant access to all your files, especially for international work where online downloads may be impractical. Also, some airlines are tightly restricting the international norm of 20 kg total check-in luggage and one 5 kg cabin bag with controlled dimensions. I've been forced to dismantle my hand luggage when failing to fit in the test frame used even in North American airlines. I don't use padded computer bags, preferring a bag within a bag approach which provides its own padding and increases versatility in different situations. The stiffness and ruggedness necessary to support a 2 lb Sony VAIO pcgc1xs or the 2.2 lb of a VAIO 505 is much less than a 4.5 lb 2400 or a 6 lb Pismo, never mind an 8 lb Wallstreet. To get the weight/bulk down Sony has used much thinner metal cases than Apple's bulkier and cheaper injection molded plastic cases. Sony is a master at miniaturization. This allows a VIAO even to slide into a sleeve of a briefcase divider instead of requiring its own case. Miniaturization and weight reduction objectives are very different from rugged construction. If a designer is rigorous, weight is shaved everywhere. The feel may seem flimsy but most people don't drop or otherwise abuse their computers. Apart from an Apple OS, why put up with 4.5 lbs and 1.75" thickness when 2-2.2 lbs and 0.75" thickness are possible in subnotebooks. If Apple gets down to this form factor, they preempt a PDA and differentiate sufficiently from Pismo. If Wallstreet had been Pismo I would not have bought a 2400. The difference between 4.5 lbs plus extra accessories and batteries at 1.5 hrs is not enough to justify today a PB2400 w/10.4" 800 x 600 screen over a 6 lb Pismo with 5-6 hours of battery life and a 14" 1024 x 768 screen, DVD in. I don't care if Sony, IBM or whoever builds the next Apple subnotebook. I only want it at the minimum weight and bulk, and less bulk even if it weighs relatively more. After all, the 2400 is a 1997 computer and I doubt if Apple will ever make another CPU upgradable Powerbook. ---------- Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net! A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables. FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml> Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Need help from a real person? Try. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ---------- Dr. Bott | Great Duo & 2400 stuff including 10/100 Ethernet for 2400s! 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