5 ms·
Most comments here focus on the name and its perceived conflict with the fact that electronics inside will get outdated at a much faster pace than the "heirloom
by ville 11y ago
Most comments here focus on the name and its perceived conflict with the fact that electronics inside will get outdated at a much faster pace than the "heirlooms" of the past.
However what I truly enjoyed when reading this article was the detailed story of the design process for a project like this. Each detail found in the final design went through numerous experiments and iterations, while balancing the requirements for aesthetics, functionality, manufacturing process and sourcing the materials and components. A fascinating read.
- joosters 11y agoI agree, I love the article for the construction details. The design and build process is fascinating to me. Best thing is just to ignore the 'heirloom' description and enjoy the laptop for what it is.
- sandworm101 11y agoI'd go the opposite way. I reads to me like yet another article about the joys of building a wooden boat. Far to much effort is put into style than design. The choice of wood isn't anything to do with design. This was always going to be wood no matter what. That decision had been made long before anything else, probably even before the idea of a laptop. Whatever this project was to be, it was to be out of wood. Just like the boats in the sheds. Imho anything that wants to stand the tests of time should start with an examination of which material is best suited to the task. Is that wood? Is that composites? I don't know. I'd like to read about the same effort and creativity focused on building the best case possible.
- Gravityloss 11y agoWood can last centuries in constant use. You have to make the wearing parts replaceable. And you need to take good care. Just look at musical instruments or sailboats or houses. Since laptops are not operated in rain, they are closest to instruments. Heat dissipation seems to be a problem that doesnt exist in many other traditional wooden objects, indeed often the opposite, insulation, is strived for.
- jordanb 11y agoWood is a joy to work. Metal is brutal and composites are toxic and require building molds. Plus wood rewards careful craftsmanship and a bright finish with unparalleled beauty. I don't think it's an affectation to choose wood for a hobbyist project: it's the best material for the job. PS: Since this guy encapsulated his wood in fiberglass it technically is a composite.
- sandworm101 11y agoI agree. It is much more fun for the builder. But this is to be an "Heirloom" object. Focus should therefore be on those who will actually have to live/work with the finished product. The desires of the craftsman are irrelevant. If they matter, then this is an article about a hobby more than product design.
- robbrown451 11y agoThe choice of wood has everything to do with design. If all he wanted was function, wouldn't it make sense to just go buy a laptop? In terms of pure function, ignoring such things as the look and feel of wood, do you really think you can improve on a mass produced laptop? You can trivialize "style" if you want, but in this case, it is what makes the difference between "everybody else's laptop" and a beautiful work of craftsmanship. (now if it was me, I would have done even more out of wood, such as the side panels)
- jameshart 11y agoTo be fair, the headline is "Electronics That Last: How I Built an Heirloom Laptop." Wrapping commodity electronic components in wood does not create 'electronics that last'.
- ank_the_elder 11y agoExactly. Before I clicked I was expecting to read about high quality / high durability capacitors and the like.