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How to Burn a Magnesium NeXT Cube

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the to-much-spare-time dept.

Saint Aardvark the Carpeted writes "How do you set a magnesium NeXT cube case on fire? It took this guy two years, *two* cases and the cooperation of Lawrence Livermore Lab's burn cell." A seriously bizarre tale, but worth a read if you're curious. And I have one of those cubes in my office... all sorts of fiendish ideas start.

6 of 182 comments (clear)

  1. parent not troll by 2ms · · Score: 2, Insightful

    How the hell is that a troll? So anyone who can appreciate a beautiful machine, and doesn't react positively to hearing about how a real life Beavis thinks its cool to burn one, is trolling?

  2. Kind of Cool, But Kind of Stupid by Lethyos · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I know NeXT boxen are relics from the past, for all intensive purposes, useless. However, they are antiques from a company that no longer exists. They were, in reality, a milestone in computing technology. Superior to everything else around them, NeXT boxes a testiment to innovation (unlike most of what we see today).

    There's a finite number of this machines left in the world, and it's a shame to see such a silly waste. Instead of burning these classic machines, try donating them to people who appreciate them. You wouldn't burn down Abe Lincoln's cabin would you?

    --
    Why bother.
    1. Re:Kind of Cool, But Kind of Stupid by mlc · · Score: 3, Insightful

      If you were to actually read the linked article, you'd notice that they didn't burn a computer but actually two empty cases: one obtained especially for the purpose directly from NeXT, and one taken from an otherwise non-working machine.

  3. FOR GODS SAKE READ THE WHOLE THING ! by locutus126 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    They didnt just grab a cube yesterday and set it on fiere, the burning was done right after next cubes were discontinued, and the cubes were provided by next. In the future, think, wait, and then speak.

  4. Why? by david_nelson · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Why would someone try to do this? Perhaps it's explained on the page, but I can't get through to it right now. Anyway, I would love to have one of these, and I'd much rather see it given to someone who wants it than have it destroyed.

  5. Destroying Art by mr100percent · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The NeXT cube is ART. The circuit boards are wired in an arrangement so perfect it's beautiful technology art.

    God, I sound like Steve Jobs.

    I can think of better things to burn that cost >$6000US. Seen how much they go for on EBay?