Xref: utzoo comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc:8402 comp.misc:12035 Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!csn!seri!wind55!marshall From: marshall@wind55.seri.gov (Marshall L. Buhl) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc,comp.misc Subject: Re: Tower vs. Desktop Message-ID: Date: 8 Apr 91 17:57:16 GMT References: <1991Apr2.180531.10930@hubcap.clemson.edu> Sender: news@seri.gov (news) Distribution: na Organization: Solar Energy Research Institute Lines: 38 chrisb@hubcap.clemson.edu (Chris Behrens) writes: >Given the choice, which would you prefer and why ??? >1) Desktop case ON the desktop (under monitor or beside it) I prefer a desktop PC sitting on my desk next to my monitor. I use the top to store floppies, pencils, etc. at home or keep my scanner on it at work. >2) Desktop case on its side (on the floor, shelf, etc.) IMO, this is a BAD idea for two reasons. First, the ventilation was not made to work that way. The cards are not oriented vertically like they should be either. My secretary once insisted on keeping her's on it side and after a year of use, one of her long cards was badly warped. It was even supported on the front, but warped in the middle. See below for second reason. For the same reason, I dislike slimlines. Boards should be vertical. >3) Tower on the floor (Where else would a tower go ?) I don't like this either. I have a Dell 433TE running Unix and a Dell 433E on my desk in my office. The 433E is MUCH easier to work on the the 433TE (tower). It takes force to insert boards and on a tower it tends to tip the machine. I HATE working on the floor. I'd much rather stand. You have a greater chance of damaging a floor-standing machine. More dust too. At least with the 433TE, the cards hang from the top, so gravity doesn't tend to warp the boards. Removing the case tends to rip off nails - it's a bitch. Floppy and tape drives are not as convienent either. Only get a tower if you need more than five drive bays. -- Marshall L. Buhl, Jr. EMAIL: marshall@seri.gov Senior Computer Engineer VOICE: (303)231-1014 Wind Program 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, CO 80401-3393 Solar Energy Research Institute Solar - safe energy for a healthy future