Wang 300 Calc

[Tony Duell]

> 
> 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.

And then have me moaning (both at the time and 10 years on) that I can't 
get the connectors, and in the latter case I can't even buy the complete 
cables any more. No thanks, I'll stick to stnadard connectors that I can 
buy almost anywhere.

-tony



> 
> 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
> 
>