Slashdot Mirror


Cool Cases: the Rust-Box

Obscura writes "Tired of reading about everyone else's cool case designs, I spent the weekend making the Rust-Box. I coated my case with a paint made of iron filings and then soaked it with a special solution that causes it to rust instantly. (yes, its sealed so your hands don't turn orange when you touch it)" Allright, thats pretty cool.

157 comments

  1. Re:Deliciously Appropriate? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    I enjoyed your delicious troll.

    Would you suggest a cardboard box and some scotch tape as an optimum Windows case?

  2. Re:Finally! by treke · · Score: 1

    Hey! I like the beige box. Maybe once these fancy boxes become popular my plain box will make me stand out from the crowd :)

  3. Here's what you do by grappler · · Score: 4

    In the submissions section, include a checkbox that says, "This is my personal site. I give Slashdot permission to create a temporary mirror to handle the load should it be linked to in a featured article."

    --
    Vidi, Vici, Veni
  4. Re:What's next? by Gid1 · · Score: 1

    Found an old version in my mailbox. Will replace it with the newer version if/when I find it:

    http://www.litebase.com/witm.el

    Comments/enhancements welcomed.

  5. A snippet to do it by Sesse · · Score: 1

    OK, this whole discussion is _very_ offtopic, but here's the line you need (in bash):

    ( while [ true ]; do snarf http://some.site.com/ && exit ; sleep 1h; done )

    Note: The () is required, or it will log you out after getting the page! (snarf is of course required -- guess you could use wget or anything else instead.)

    Another side of it all is the ethics of it, of course (I think it's a big egoistic -- by doing automated, periodic checks, you're actually _contributing_ to the Slashdot effect, thereby locking everybody out...).

    And if you're actually using it, KEEP IT at 1 hour. At least nothing less. Thank you, you just made the Internet a slightly better place :-)

    /* Steinar */

    --
    (This comment is of course GPLed.)
  6. Re:next up... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    all e asked is wether anyone knew when the movies were coming out, not your opinion of Star Wars

  7. Re:NEC Z-1 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Raygun gothic, you call it? So did William Gibson in `The Gernsback Continuum' (1981).

  8. Re:Would you rust your car? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If your car costs as much as a $20 PC case, by all means, rust the bugger up!

  9. Re:Who Cares? by Howie · · Score: 1

    Intel do a 2U rackmount with dual CPU board, network management, SCSI onboard, Ethernet onboard, optionally redhat pre-installed and *supported*. I was told 'about £1400' ($2000) configured, which seems reasonable for a built, pre-loaded, brandname machine.

    --
    "don't fall into the fallacy of believing that Perl can solve social problems. Maybe Perl 6 can, but that's a ways off"
  10. Re:Potty Comp by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It looks like Intel already beat you to it...

  11. colorcase.com - Has nice Translucent cases by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Checkout colorcase.com they have nice translucent cases. They also have some other odd cases.

  12. Re:20th Anniversary Mac by Xel · · Score: 1

    true. Steve Case coming to my house for dinner still wouldnt have justified paying that much fora Mac about as powerful as a Brother word processor. BUT... Bruce Wayne had one!

    --
    "Eagles may soar, but weasels dont get sucked into jet engines."
  13. Re:Opposite of Rust = Gold Leaf? by Obscura · · Score: 1

    The hobby store where I got the rust stuff had a Gold Leaf kit. Hmmmm....

  14. Re:Cool Case Designs by Shux · · Score: 1

    You mention that you have painted a case before. I was just wondering, what kind of painting equipment and supplies would one need to give a case and other computer hardware a decent looking finish that won't flake or peel off?

  15. Nice toy by Vadergar · · Score: 1

    It would be a nice feature to have a page where you typed in the site you wanted to look at and it would check it every 20-30 minutes until it got the page. If it got it, It would show it to you, if it didn't, it would try again in 20-30 minutes... use a meta-refresh that query's a cgi with the web address you want. The cgi will go get the page and forward it to your browser (If /. did it, put your ad or whatever on top) if it times out, put a message such as Sorry Page still unresponsive trying again in 10 minutes and the header has a meta-refresh to query itself in 10 minutes or whatever... just an idea.. I would love to see some of these /.ed sites sometime.

    1. Re:Nice toy by michaela · · Score: 1

      A little Perl and LWP::UserAgent ought to do the trick nicely for someone so inclined.

      --
      That is all.
    2. Re:Nice toy by Vadergar · · Score: 1

      Unfortunately between:
      Abstract Algebra
      Differential Equations
      Linear Algebra
      & Real analsys

      I don't get to play around with perl & linux as much as I want too....

    3. Re:Nice toy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      It would be a nice toy if Slashdot could make a copy of every webpage it links to (incl images) before the slashdot effect occurs.

      So that we could have a backup cache in case of the site being slashdotted.

      But, I guess there might be some god damn copyright difficulties...

  16. Re:Slashdot Mirror Service! by Hobbex · · Score: 2


    There is something almost morbid about the way that site owners go out of their way to do cool stuff so the sites can end up on Slashdot - and in effect be killed right away.

    It's sort of like a sacrifice society really, the highest honor we can attain is to be stomped to death by the masses.

    Come to think of it, that is what our whole fame thing is about, both on and offline I guess.

    -
    /. is like a steer's horns, a point here, a point there and a lot of bull in between.

  17. Re:my computer doesn't *HAVE* a case ;-) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I did that once with the family machine while we were in the middle of several concurrent upgrades, and there weren't enough cases to go around. The processor was an old 486/33 without a fan, so the thing got very hot and kept crashing. So I propped a small fan against it, elevated with one of those kiddy colored wood blocks. I should have taken a picture I guess. :) Tybstar

  18. A few questions by ForceOfWill · · Score: 1

    - Does having the case off like that interfere with your monitor/radio/TV reception?
    - How do you keep the cards from wobbling in their slots and/or snapping at the connectors?
    - The drives seem far from your chair. Do you have to get up to change disks?
    - Is the thing under the floppy drive a CD-ROM drive or what?

    --

    --
    Seeing is believing; You wouldn't have seen it if you didn't believe it.
    1. Re:A few questions by Macphisto · · Score: 1

      - Does having the case off like that interfere with your monitor/radio/TV reception?

      Hmm.. nope. I have a Sun3/50 in the basement that causes a lot more trouble with that. Wanna see a pic (I got snap-happy with a digicam last week.. ;-)

      - How do you keep the cards from wobbling in their slots and/or snapping at the connectors?

      Hmm.. they just don't. ISA and VL-BUS.

      - The drives seem far from your chair. Do you have to get up to change disks?

      Yeh. Bummer. I don't use floppies, tho. The drive just boots the computer, the floppy holds Etherboot. (no EPROM yet, I wouldn't have the floppy there otherwise)

      - Is the thing under the floppy drive a CD-ROM drive or what?

      That is a 1994 vintage NEC 3x SCSI cd-rom. To the lower left is a cheesy Star Trek sticker. Identify the rest of the Trek geek material in the pic for bonus points ;-)

      On top of the floppy, hidden by the SCSI, is of course my caseless power supply, my main source of concern in the first few hours of operation. No fires yet!

  19. Re:Really good paint by webslacker · · Score: 2

    The paint I've been using for my Blackintosh is the Pacta Racing Finish by Testors. It's got an incredibly professional looking finish to it and it's rock solid once it dries. I painted my G3 from the inside of the translucent panels so that the outside would'nt have that icky painted feel, but I found that the paint was good enough to paint the apple logos on the outside. Their website seems to be having problems with ordering though. My last order hasn't come through, and it's been a couple weeks...

  20. Hoth case! Re:Other neat case designs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    id pay $150 for that. more if it had LEDs running all over it. lots more if the LEDs actually monitored something.

  21. That case rocks by Lamont · · Score: 1

    I have one of these cases, and they kick ass. I too have the black one, the thing is a dream to work with. Cards and mobo on one side, drives on the other. Thirteen drivebays, spots for 3 fans, cool cubelike shape.

    Highly recommended.

  22. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 1

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  23. Re:woah! by Obscura · · Score: 1

    I had no idea the effect would be so swift and devistating. (long lasting too) Where do I get the "I've been slashdotted" Tee-Shirt? -Obscura

  24. Re:woah! by Atomix8 · · Score: 1

    It's Incredible aint it??? Just try to get on that site with the Star Trek News!

  25. Re:20th Anniversary Mac by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    I (the original responder) am not anti-Mac, though I am mighty annoyed by their dumping of the YellowBox runtime for Windows.

    I simply don't think the 20th Ann. Mac was terribly innovative. As I said, it's a knockoff of a B&O stereo. It was underpowered. And frankly at the price it definitely was *not* a 'computer for the rest of us'.

    IMHO, they should have produced a special Mac, and produced a limited quantity, but sold it at a normal price or lower. Then they could let demand drive the price *up*, rather than starting with an artificial and unsupportable high price.

    I do agree about the NeXT cases. I have a NeXTStation and NeXT Laser Printer in the middle of my living space, and they look *good*. I doubt any other computer/printer combo could manage that.

    I occasionally think about firing up my old Cube, too.

  26. I'd love to see it... by billybob · · Score: 0

    Be sure to tell us when your site isn't slashdotted anymore :)

    --
    Joseph?
    1. Re:I'd love to see it... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So that everyone can just slashdotted it again....anyway that is what would most likely happen. Just check back often, and you will discover yourself when it is not slashdotted anymore. (And this will also get /. more ad impressions, and that will make rob happy....hey wait a minute....maybe that is just the ploy they expect :) Just a thought...happy slashdotting to all.... :>>--

  27. Re:What's next? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why not wait until the Light Emitting Polymers get good enough to use? Then you could have you actual moving characters on your case...

  28. Conspiracy Theory by mrwiz · · Score: 3

    Yeah, I can see through this ploy. CmdrTaco bought some stock in a company that produces this "insta rust" stuff, then comes on /.and posts about how 'cool' it looks. After a good /. effect and a nice IPO, he's got millions in stock! mwa ha ha!

    Serioulsy... what the heck else would you use "insta rust" for? ::chuckles:: Man, I guess you can buy just about anything if you look hard enough...

    -Wiz

    1. Re:Conspiracy Theory by humungusfungus · · Score: 1

      >Serioulsy... what the heck else would you use "insta rust" for? ::chuckles:: Man, I guess you can buy just about anything if you look hard enough...

      ********warning****digression****warning******** *
      Actually, back in my messenger days I knew a guy who got himself a beautiful track-bike frame and applied a similar "instant rust" finish.
      Ultimately it allowed him the luxury of having a unique looking ride, along with the comforting thought that only a discriminating bike thief (if such an animal exists) would look twice at his "cloaked" bike. As far as I know he still has it....

      --
      No sig.
  29. Re:invisible box by cloudmaster · · Score: 1
    how about a chameleon box

    That'd be cool - use some of that neat-o fabric with the fiber optics that directs light from behind the object to the front, so it looks like it's not there? The invisible computer (except for a power LED and a mild distortion) would kick arse...

  30. Finally! by FooBarSmith · · Score: 1

    Is this a sign that the beige box is finally on its way out? I really hope so.

    --
    stty erase ^H
    1. Re:Finally! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't mind beige. It's one of those colours that goes with everything. You could always spray paint the case to any color you like. Go for the "graffiti" look!

  31. Re:Potty Comp by Roofio · · Score: 1

    Though he didn't say exactly, I'm pretty sure he meant an empty toilet that wasn't currently in use. At least, that's what I had assumed...

    --
    Hey, have a nice one, guy.
  32. Cool Case Designs by bilestoad2 · · Score: 2

    This brings up an excellent point. Why can't I get a cool looking case for my Wintel machine? I bought a tower case, painted it black, and marblized it, and did the same for my monitor. (Now that's a little tricky..) But how come I can't buy a funky case? Unless I buy an Apple of course.

    1. Re:Cool Case Designs by Sulac0 · · Score: 1

      I suppose it would be much like painting any kind of metal, a car for instance. Strip it down to the metal, prime it, paint it, admire it. An air brush would be good, or, a paint roller may give some interesting results. Hmmm, wallpaper?

    2. Re:Cool Case Designs by doomicon · · Score: 1

      Fleck Stone paint works well, with a flat sealant
      coat over top. I've used a flat black base coat,
      then a Granite light Fleck Stone coat, and top
      it off with a Flat sealant. It works great.
      Make you Monitor look like an SGI Monitor:)

      Really cool is doing a flat black base, using
      painters tape and fashioning a logo for the side
      of the case. Next put a heavy fleck stone layer.
      Now peal off the tape, and walla. You have a
      case that looks like it's made outta Granite, with
      a custom logo etched into the side:)

      (btw, these are ideas we used for Subwoofer boxes
      in car stereo:)

      Using the Marble works too, I think the fleck
      stone looks better though.

      --

      Awesome!
    3. Re:Cool Case Designs by kaniff · · Score: 1

      I think the plain beige box is good so I dont get $100 added to the price for some extra plastic, paint and time. Wintel boxes usually focus on what's inside and putting good stuff in there. I think it would be a nice idea, but I'd rather spend that extra $50 on making it go vroom, and then making a creative design on it myself.

      My two cents.


      kaniff -- Ralph Hart Jr

    4. Re:Cool Case Designs by linuxonceleron · · Score: 1

      I'm going to replace the left side of my case with a sheet of plexiglass and put in some colored(blue and green) flourescent lights in it hooked up to a photodiode so they only come on at night/darkness. Then i'll rig up a pair of laser diodes to the hdd active and power lights. Any Comments, Mail Me.

      --

      Shine on, you crazy diamond.
    5. Re:Cool Case Designs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Take a look at www.computersdivine.com

  33. Re:double woah! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    man talk about fast!

  34. Re:Would you rust your car? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    hehe. If it costs that little, the rust will likely be included %100 FREE.

  35. Mirror of rust box by ars · · Score: 1
    The main rust-box site is utterly slash dotted, so I made a mirror - it took 3 hours to mirror it!! (All of 41K - sheesh.)

    Anyway the mirror is at http://www.ziplink.net/~ars/slash/rust- box/

    --
    -Ariel
  36. What's next? by Beli · · Score: 2

    I wonder what will be next. I'm waiting for an R2-D2-like case, or at least something that looks like The Matrix.

    1. Re:What's next? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'd like to get my hands on some of that digital paper that Xerox (with 3M?) have developed that uses a whole bunch of tiny spheres that are half white half black and is suspended in oil. Electrostatic charge then flips the little spheres between the the black and white sides.

    2. Re:What's next? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      have you seen the xscreensaver based on TheMatrix's "code" thing? its very very cool. Also, their is wmMatrix wich does the same effect in a little applet.

    3. Re:What's next? by doomicon · · Score: 1

      Could you post a URL please, that sounds hella cool.

      --

      Awesome!
    4. Re:What's next? by Gid1 · · Score: 1

      Somewhere round here I've got "matrix-mode" for Emacs. Couldn't quite get the kanji characters working though.

      It's on my desktop somewhere.. =)

    5. Re:What's next? by {R00T} · · Score: 1

      I would love a case that is painted with the Matrix Code. I would probly pay some one to paint that for me, then again im a total Matrix freak. I have the Matrix Code backround on my desktop, and all colors match the backround. Off topic but, does any one know anything about the next two Matrix moves that are comming out? And if they will be sequle and prequle or what?

  37. Grisham case by mvw · · Score: 1
    Ever seen one of those Grisham movies that feature luxurous law firms?

    I wonder if they sell mahogany cases? :)

    1. Re:Grisham case by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It is called the original apple.

    2. Re:Grisham case by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes they do sell them. I do not know the URL off the top of my head, but this was on /. in the past, so maybe you could search the archives if you are that interested. :>>--

    3. Re:Grisham case by mvw · · Score: 1
      Well beige looks stupid, and I don't want a i-Mac clone either
      No idea if tapestry or wallpaper would improve the situation.. or hiring some arts student. :)

      Take the market for mobile phones. Ever seen what a bunch of upper shells they sell for ridicoulous prices today?

  38. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 1

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  39. Jealousy by MindStalker · · Score: 0

    Is it just me, or is it really annoying to everyone else when something deserving of a quicky gets a full writeup, while your submission doesn't even get a quicky :)

  40. Re:Wood computer cases by clifyt · · Score: 1

    The best custom case I've been able to build for a computer out of wood was from a '50s RCA Victor Record / Radio case. $30 for the Case at an antiques dealership, $70 for the dremmel and several other attachments (ie., yer gonna need the router bit to make things look professional). Be prepared to take several days (weeks) to get this right...least thats how long it took me with no woodworking skills :(

    The speaker still worked and was able to hook it up to the builtin sound board on my MB. The only problem I've had so far was having to drill the case of my powersupply (to hold the damn thing inplace) I got metal shards all over and wiped out the supply in bout half a minute (doh!) Make sure ya clean all surfaces well before hooking up any electricity.

    Now if I could only get a laptop display to work with a standard VGA connection, I'd hook up my monochrome inside the case where the record player once opened up...

    clif

  41. Re:Wood computer cases by fishbowl · · Score: 1

    I envision an oak or mahogany credenza stereo,
    but keep the harmon-kardon tube amp and the phat
    speakers (86 the rest of the system, as well as
    cutting out the leg area where the radio was)
    Maybe raise it up to desk height...

    --
    -fb Everything not expressly forbidden is now mandatory.
  42. Interesting by L-ViS · · Score: 2

    This sounds like a really great idea, but as the site seems to have been slashdotted into unavailability, I can't read about it.

    I made some silly 'cases' some time ago when putting together some scrapped 486's for friends.

    1. A lego box. Yup, I stole the idea from Slashdot, but I didn't have the patience, nor the skill to build it from scratch - I simply glued the pieces onto the existing case. Looks great though, especially the sides that come from the Space station lego (grey lego that looks like the surface of the moon).

    2. A Wooden box. I rescued a scrapped, non working 70'iesTV set and took the sides from it and glued onto the case. The front of the case (a midi tower one) is covered by the black plastic panel from the TV. Looks great and the computer is so silent you can't tell it's on.

    3. A case made of used plastic ice cream boxes and a plastic washing tub. Not a great idea. My friend's girlfriend didn't recognize it as a computer, so she almost threw it away - she thought it was trash ("An old washing tub filles with cables").

    Anyway, customizing your computer is FUN. :-)

    Kids, do try this at home!

    L-ViS

    1. Re:Interesting by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      With the power consumption on recent computers being what it is, what about a case with liquid-crystal temperature sensitive panels? Edmund scientific sells a 1'x1' piece for about $20.

      I also think they make ones that are sensitive to magnetic fields, but since everything is shielded, that might not be as interesting (this might look interesting on unshielded speakers though...)

  43. Rust Box paint=Essence of VW Beetle??? by mtnbkr · · Score: 1

    They found a way to bottle "essence of VW Beetle"? And someone is willing to spray it on their computer?? I've never had a car that could rust as fast as my Beetle. Stiil, I miss that car, *sniff*

    Hey, do you clean up excess with Bondo and primer?? :)

    Chris

    1. Re:Rust Box paint=Essence of VW Beetle??? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Nothing rusted faster than the mid-80's Datsun trucks. I think they came off the showroom floor with rust on them.

  44. The Best Case in the World by T3kno · · Score: 3

    Is the Yeoung Yang Cube Server in the balck color, just got mine and it is now known as the Borg. Big, beautiful, black, lots of room, and it makes an excellent foot rest. More pictures at www.caseoutlet.com

    --
    (B) + (D) + (B) + (D) = (K) + (&)
    1. Re:The Best Case in the World by gmezero · · Score: 1

      Actually I've had one of those cases before. I did a server install for someone with it, and was really please with it's design.

    2. Re:The Best Case in the World by Koffe · · Score: 1

      How about the noise? If it's quiet i might get one.

    3. Re:The Best Case in the World by Dragonmaster+Lou · · Score: 1

      I agree about the case... I just got mine and I love it... Too bad I'm still waiting for my Athlon motherboard to come in for the sucker. :P

    4. Re:The Best Case in the World by leiz · · Score: 1

      Interesting, I like the fact that it has the device bays on one side and the motherboard / addon cards on the other. Plus it has several fan mountings on the hard drive side. Now you can put in a few 10,000 RPM hard drives without worrying about overheating. The $154 price (without power supply) aint bad either.




      _______________________________________________
      There is no statute of limitation on stupidity.

    5. Re:The Best Case in the World by T3kno · · Score: 1

      It's very quiet, I've got 2 7200 RPM IDE drives along with a 10,000 RPM U2W SCSI drive, 3 CDROM drives, and two case cooling fans and it's still very quiet. The thing that I hear the most is the external exhaust of the power supply, and the 40x cdrom spinup.

      The dual sidedness of the case makes it very nice for cooling, I used to have problems with my processors overheating in my old mid-tower case, (dual P-II's and a TNT2 Ultra) but with this new case the processors stay at about 42C, and I havent had one overheating problem since. Plus I can cool the drives with a seperate fan, that helps a lot. Tons of room to work on stuff too (no PS or drive bays blocking the mboard)

      --
      (B) + (D) + (B) + (D) = (K) + (&)
    6. Re:The Best Case in the World by BooRadley · · Score: 1

      Careful... I burned up a few cheetah's in a case like this. The drive bays have no airflow unless you create it by wasting a few slots with a fan. I got rid of mine, went to a full tower with sidefans, and have no regrets.

      --

      -- lk t lv ll th vwls t f wrds. T svs lts f tm t wrt bt ts pn n th ss t rd nd mks m lk lk cmplt dpsht.

  45. Instant Rust by Phase+Shifter · · Score: 1

    Of course, I seem to recall that iron filings or steel wool (not stainless) will generate lots of rust almost instantly when submerged in hydrogen peroxide. You probably don't want the foam to run all over your carpet because H2O2 might bleach the carpet, but the reaction products are water, rust, & oxygen.

    Then just get some adhesive and clear-coat to finish the job.

  46. Plexiglass by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    Was wondering what kinda EMF shielding plexiglass would do... I was looking at building this clear case. Most people have prolly seen the pics, its the clear one with neon lights. Anyway, I couldn't decide if just plexiglass would shield it enough. Also thought the case could be customized more if a sliding tray was added. The size is nice, cuz if you need bigger, you could just get more plexiglass. I am due for an upgrade, thought I'd see if anyone knew if it would generate too much EMF.

    --Paltivar (paltivar@apexREMOVETHISmail.com

  47. Re:20th Anniversary Mac by HerrNewton · · Score: 1

    In their day, they had plenty of kick and the built in Bose system justified at least $500 of the price. AND they can run Linux. Ooooh... Linux.

    --

    ----
    Am I the only one who thinks Microsoft is a misnomer? Perhaps Macrosoft would be a better fit?
  48. Re:Slashdot Mirror Service! by Slur · · Score: 1

    You're quite right, of course. OTOH Why not do it anyways and see what happens? :)
    Yeah, I'm a Mac programmer. You got a problem with that?

    --
    -- thinkyhead software and media
  49. Re:Slashdot Mirror Service! by Drake42 · · Score: 2

    Is it a copyright violation to put a SQUID server?

    Effectively it's a mirror, but since it's all in some strange program's cache, who could say anything?



  50. Re:woah! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Only a small fraction of Slashdot readers are posters.

  51. Re:B0RING, Commander... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Today is Labor Day in the US so it is a slow news day.

  52. Painted cases and colored plastics. Bah. by znu · · Score: 1

    I'm waiting for a case covered with flatscreens. Change the look every day :-)

    --

    --
    This space unintentionally left unblank.
  53. Re:Avoiding being Slashdotted by McKing · · Score: 1

    If you needed a web farm of ten quad Alphas, then you would definitely already have way more bandwidth than a 128K connection!

    To answer your question "is it the server or the connection that gets overloaded during a Slashdotting?", I would suspect that it could be either one, depending on the site. If the pipe is smaller than the server, then you would see a lot of timeouts and super slow response (like this particular slashdotting). The pipe itself could overload and go down (the routers could bounce from the overload) or the ISP/Corporate/University admins could notice and block traffic to that server until the load goes down (sending nasty email along the way).

    If the pipe is big enough, but the server itself cannot handle all of the connections, then everyone else would get server errors back from the server, or the server itself could buckle (and possibly bounce (reboot)).

    --
    If only "common" sense was actually that common...
  54. Cool... by Pope+Slackman · · Score: 1

    I really dig that driftwood-effect aircraft panel...
    Wish it wasn't so expensive tho.
    Anyone know how to get a similiar effect, cheaply?


    --Kevin


    =-=-=-=-=-=

  55. User VesaFB by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    If you use VesaFB it will work fine with your TV out.

  56. Re:my computer doesn't *HAVE* a case ;-) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hmmm... "boots diskless" -- you mean no hard drive? Is this a home-network based machine or something then? And just how do you get *that* sort of thing to work? ((My experience of nets so far is very limited... mainly just the utterly broken one at school... can you set it up to boot via the card or something?)) I would *lurve* a silent system. Get it with no fans, no disks, and a flat LCD panel for the screen! (I have hyper-sensitive ears, I pick up monitor-scan-whistle really easily and it annoys the hell outta me). Yes! Going back to the days of my old Atari ST... similar thing. Even the floppy disk was quiet on that, but the cheap TV was a right banshee.

    [BTW Isn't that kind of dangerous, having your PSU unsheilded like that? I once had a bad flash-bang-zap experience (accident? :) with a PSU that actually did have a case on it but had become dusty... have you ever seen a computer backfire before? :D]

    I've also had a computer sort-of like this before for a few days (except on a much smaller scale... try as I might, I can never seem to find cables longer than about 1ft - 2ft) when in a state of extreme experimentation trying to get the frigger to WORK... and also a machine with TWO cases! Needed to connect a 3.5" floppy disk into an old AT I'd found rusting in a cupboard to see if it could be gotten to run useful software, but it only had suitable power cables for 5.25". Got my 486, opened up the tops of two of them, and sorta balanced the floppy inbetween, power from one case and data cable from the other!
    (Eventually got it running windows 3.1 with reasonable speed and usefulness, although it didn't quite have enough kilobytes to handle ms works... this was a long time ago!).

    Right now my cyrix-6x86 system i'm browsing with has a case, but no cover --- sometime in the next month i'm upgrading the internals, and I cant be bothered to recover it until then. I may repaint the cover and the fascia before I put it all back together... There doesn't seem to be an interference problem with anything, but the extra cooling doesn't seem to enhance the performance either. Oh well.

    Back to the drawing board. Best of luck with your shelf-based concoction. Could well do with such a desk-saving thing but as I said, all my leads are far too short!

    EddyH

  57. A suggestion. by Inoshiro · · Score: 2

    I shared your picture with a friend.
    His responce:
    "what a useless place for the cd-rom. it should clearly be taped to the monitor"

    :-)

    ROTFL, but then I have several "caseless" computers around ;-)

    --
    --
    Internet Explorer (n): Another bug -- that is, a feature that can't be turned off -- in Windows.
    1. Re:A suggestion. by Macphisto · · Score: 1

      Heh.. that's an idea. Or maybe I should put my monitor in a custom enclosure and hang the board inside a la Sparc SLC/ELC. I can't actually extend the CD drive very far because that's an *internal* drive with a two foot cable. I'll probably just tape it to the bottom of my shelf so I can get some shelf space back. The drive was a late addition stolen from my server which I was hesitant to add, fearing the power dissipation might push my uncooled power supply over the edge. Nope, it just buzzes a lot when I'm playing MP3s from the drive. An audibal CPU monitor, neat trick huh ;-)

  58. Translucent Green/Purple by andyf · · Score: 1

    I bought two cases for the computers in my dorm from hardwarepro.com. One is translucent bright green. The other case is translucent purple. They have a milky-white area in the front so that the drives (sorta) match. Look at them at http://www.hardwarepro.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/So ftCart/store1/cas es.shtml?L+mystore1+aorg6180+936686872 or just go to hardwarepro.com and click on Cases.

    --

    Photos of bits of the past hiding in the present: afiler.com
  59. My Lego Case by andyf · · Score: 2

    I built a case out of legos too. But I built the whole case, so it's "custom-fit" to the size of the components. Actually, a friend and I built it for him to save money. We spent about $20 on legos, so we saved a couple of bucks and ended up with a far cooler case. Click on the link in my header or go to http://www.newfolden.k12.mn.us/legopc

    --

    Photos of bits of the past hiding in the present: afiler.com
    1. Re:My Lego Case by andyf · · Score: 1

      I wouldn't really call it easy. It took about 6-10 hours, with a lot of hot gluing. At first, the "Engineering" took a bit of time, until we came up with the motherboard-on-the-top design. The other problem was getting a base to put the whole computer on. We couldn't find a big enough Lego base in K-Mart the night we bought the legos, so we bought a plastic serving tray. We cut the tray out in about the shape of the motherboard, then stuck the drives and motherboard on top of the tray. We glued the motherboard to the drives, so it's going to be a bit hard to get it apart if something breaks. And it's very quiet. But the power supply is in a separate Lego box, so that helps too.

      --

      Photos of bits of the past hiding in the present: afiler.com
    2. Re:My Lego Case by scumdamn · · Score: 1

      I haven't had the balls to do anything like this yet. Is it easy? Does the computer operate louder or quieter than if it were in a standard case?

    3. Re:My Lego Case by scumdamn · · Score: 1

      It looks really cool, but I think I'll just stick with the loud, unwieldy, it-would-be-beige-but-the-cover-is-under-my-desk, look.
      Don't have the man/lego hours to put into that project.

  60. FleckStone is overpriced by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1
    Don't buy FleckStone.

    If you want that effect, just use a toothbrush. Dip the bristles in gray, white, or black paint.

    Hold the brush about 5" away from the surface, and flick the bristles at the surface.

    1. Re:FleckStone is overpriced by doomicon · · Score: 1

      Hahahaha.. sounds messy. There are actually some
      inexpensive Fleckstone knockoff's, however their
      respective names escape me.

      But I do agree, the Price of Fleckstone has gone
      up considerably, expecially considering doing a
      heavy coat on a midtower takes Three cans.

      --

      Awesome!
  61. Raw cases by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I still prefer to buy one of these cheap and ugly "made in china" cases (I know, they must be done by children there) and remove everthing from it (the plastic front and the metalic "U" cover) to use only the cassis.

  62. Other neat case designs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If I wasn't so lazy I would make buy up a few hundred regular white cases and hire someone to paint them up, either in solid colors or maybe landscapes or well anything really. A basic 50$ case painted up could sell for 100-100$ easily. Not a bad profit margin and once you were buying lots of units you'd get good discounts. It would be neat to use popular TV shows/movies too for the designs. Just think of a case that has the snow covered mountains of Hoth with 2 or 3 walkers firing at a snow speeder.

  63. Re:Potty Comp by __aahyzr9271 · · Score: 1

    One problem you will have is the fact that water conducts electicty. Your going to have to find some way to seal the componets that dosen't interfere with providing cooling, or your going to find yourself dealing with fried system at best, or a possibily leathal electrocution hazard at worst.

    Another problem is water dissapation. There needs to be a certain amount of water in the tank for the toilet to flush properly, or you going to end up with a toilet that clogs frequently, and gives you all sorts of other problems. Older toilets may have enought room, but, unless your system is really small (think embedded system), the newer low-flow toilets do not.

    If you're going to do this, please be careful. If you're going to power it from the AC (not recomended unless you really know what you're doing), make sure that the line is isolatted, and is protected by a GFCI. Don't count on the power supply to provide isolattion, a liner PS might if it uses a transformor (no ganunaties), but a switching PS won't, and most computer PS'es are switching PS'es. A better idea may be to power the system from batteries, instead.

  64. Coolest ever to /ship/? by HerrNewton · · Score: 1
    Okay, this is a bit off-topic and flamebaitish, but anyways: Outside of Apple's latest boxes and the iBook, what are everyones' favorite OEM cases? I've gotta vote for anything NeXT made and Apple's 20th Anniversary Macintosh.
    --

    ----
    Am I the only one who thinks Microsoft is a misnomer? Perhaps Macrosoft would be a better fit?
  65. Re:Slashdot Mirror Service! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "That is not What the internet is about!!" --me

  66. [offtopic]Re:my computer doesn't *HAVE* a case ;-) by mountain · · Score: 1
    my computer


    lol. Reminds me of the last (good (there's still one running..)) multi-line BBS down here in Auckland, New Zealand. I went over to check it out (read: piss up), and the guy opens up his hot water cupboard...and there it is, in all it's glory 6 assorted motherboards (and associated peripherals), 4 modems, etc.... All caseless.. Ahh...memories.

    Hey.. Just noticed this Post Anon check box...what's this all about...hmm.

    --
    --- "If a man speaks in a forest, and no woman hears him, is he still wrong?"
  67. Cool Paint How-To by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2
    If you're interested in painting your PC, there are books out which tell you how to do all kinds of neat things. Simulated stone, woodgrain, metal; textures; layered colors; crackle effects; etc.

    The books are primarily aimed at home decoration, but they touch on painting various surfaces: metal, plastic, etc. As such, the books should be applicable to computer case painting.

    I have one here, Paint Recipes by Liz Wagstaff. ISBN 0-8118-1173-5. Listed at Amazon.

  68. Computer Painting HOWTO by Peale · · Score: 1

    Several months ago someone posted an excellent way to paint a computer case. This post took on it's own life and someone turned it into a howto. It should be in the archives. Can't remember where, tho. Never needed it, my cases came out just fine, after painting them! (8

    I'm sorry. What I meant to say was 'please excuse me.'
    what came out of my mouth was 'Move or I'll kill you!'

  69. Re:20th Anniversary Mac by HerrNewton · · Score: 1

    Exactly... but the TAM was awfully expensive in its day, but a very sexy looking machine, nonetheless.

    --

    ----
    Am I the only one who thinks Microsoft is a misnomer? Perhaps Macrosoft would be a better fit?
  70. Odd cases.. by technos · · Score: 2

    I did a rust case a while back, albeit accedentally. Phosphoric acid solution on the plate next to the computer case hyperboiled and sprayed the case.. Looked even cooler after a week, when the incorrectly neutralized acid ate holes in the case.. Another good one I've done is the wall-mounted Beowolf. Twelve wall-mounted P100s.. Used nylon bearings as spacers and screwed the bugger up with drywall screws.. I currently have one system that consists of a Baby-AT and a dinky power supply mounted inside a Mead Data Systems 300 baud modem.. People look at me queerly when they see it on the desk next to the Olivetti Xenix box I have.. However the best one I've ever seen was made out of a discarded 8-track player.. The fellow fit an ATX MB inside while managing to keep the 8-track functional..

    --
    .sig: Now legally binding!
  71. Re:Motherboard above the drives by andyf · · Score: 1

    Hehe, I suppose I could apply for a patent. But I'd have to make it an Open Patent(tm). Actually, it would be more fun to shoot down some company's patent for something like this with my prior art! :)

    --

    Photos of bits of the past hiding in the present: afiler.com
  72. Fake wood finish coating by Raetsel · · Score: 1
    It's called 'Zar'

    Supposedly a stain that'll stick to the exterior in addition to soaking in like most stains / varnishes.

    Never used it, can't vouch for it. If you want the look of wood, use real wood. I know it's a lot more work, but the end result (done correctly) will be so much more attractive.

    --

    "...America's great minds of today, teaching America's great minds of tomorrow. Poor bastards." -- A Beautiful Min
  73. 20th Anniversary Mac by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    Nah. The 20th Ann. Mac was just a half-assed, overpriced, under-powered knockoff of a Bang & Olufsen stereo.

    Heck, for the original price of the 20th Ann. Mac, today you could get a G4 *With* the 22" screen. Sure, you don't get the leather details, and you don't get some lackey to come out and set it up.

    1. Re:20th Anniversary Mac by HeghmoH · · Score: 1

      This place is just sooo anti-Apple, it's amazing. He didn't ask what people's favorite computers were, he asked what people's favorite cases were. Price or power is irrelevant here.

      --
      Mod down posts with a "Free Mac Mini/iPod" sig, they're spam!
  74. Potty Comp by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    (testing out this "Post Anonymously" Button)

    I've always had a dream to make my next system a toilet. Then i could literally claim my system had gone down the crapper. Anyone know if it would work or not? i was thinking about taking some netting or something and just sliding the motherbord into that in the tank. I'd figured the porcelin would help keep it cool. Anyone know any concerns i might have with this?

    ey rob, i think i've found something you might wanna include with the "Post Anon" button... it should strip your sig ^_~ (see below)

    1. Re:Potty Comp by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      whoop, your sig shows up in preview but not final, sorry =P

    2. Re:Potty Comp by ECR · · Score: 1

      Damnit! i am actually in the process of building one as i type, i also have another "custom" case in the works, but not nearly as nifty as the "throne". oh well, i think that everytime someone has a good idea, there are others having that same idea simultaneously, it just depends on who acts first... i am skipping out on having water in the tank :), but i don't plan on having to buy a chair... :) ~Roach~

  75. Re:Conspiracy Theory (good use) by Enry · · Score: 1

    Actually, I remember a story about New York having trouble with the bridge girders (and guard rails) rusting, so they covered said metal items with something that would rust quickly. Once it rusted, it created an air-and-water-proof shield for the metal underneath. Plus they didn't have to paint it.

    Anyone else hear this, or did I have too much to drink that night?

  76. What's that red box on the right? by Sloppy · · Score: 1

    Hey Macphisto, what's that red box? It looks like it has a combination lock (?) on it.


    ---
    Have a Sloppy day!
    --
    As copyright owner of this comment, I authorize everyone to defeat any technological measure which limits access to it.
    1. Re:What's that red box on the right? by Macphisto · · Score: 1
      It's an old toy safe box. The combination lock opens with one turn, i.e. get the number right and you're in. Needless to say, the important stuff is stored and encrypted with the far more secure device to the left of the box.

      The Nutcracker is used for the spiritual Kernel Compile Dance (it lasts a long time on this box, let me tell you).

  77. Re:Conspiracy Theory (good use) by Klaruz · · Score: 1

    A bridge near where I grew up had this, not a fancy brige, but all it's metal was always rusted. One day I asked some people about it and found out the rust was supposed to be there. Kind of odd, but it does seem like a sound idea.

  78. Re:Who Cares? by alhaz · · Score: 2

    Well, yaknow, I'd pretty much consider myself a "true geek", and honestly most of my cases don't have screws in them. Actually, half of them are partially disassembled.

    But, you know what, last time i went to build a computer from scratch, I looked around the lab, and i realized i had 4 full tower cases that were uniformly big, uniformly unweildy when i needed to carry them around, and generally louder than i needed them to be.

    More research needs to be done on what models of muffin fans make acceptable low-noise replacements for different heating loads. I'm not the least bit convinced that PC Power & Cooling deserves any of my hard earned money for putting what's probably a $10 fan in a $30 power supply and charging $90.

    But looks i can do something about.

    I wouldn't say the case i settled on would win any awards. it's merely short, chubby, and has pleasing curves. the first reaction i got was "That's not a computer, that's a pet"

    That's more or less what I wanted. I embedded a temperature readout in the front, stuck one of those penguin stickers in the badge area, and was done with it. I really like it.

    The case cost me all of $28. I'd provide a url but i can't find the thing online. The side panels slide off, the motherboard plate is removable, the drive cage and power supply snap in and out. the metal is pretty thin, but the edges are rolled so there's no cuts on my hands from messing with it.

    There's a lot to be said for brute force technology. I'll leave that at work, in the rack, where it belongs. Some times you just want to have something that works and stays put.

    I'm currently looking for what i might be able to put together to be good looking, durable, and portable. A computer that doesn't look like a computer, that i can carry under my arm comfortably.

    For that matter, I'd also kill for a 2-unit-high rack mount case for under $300 that doesn't look like crap. NLX formfactor would be perfect. I've found a supplier, but the cases are one-offs and cost $700+ each. No way I'm going there. And don't send me links to penguin computing either, their markup on that 2ru system is amazing, and i think they get the cases from the same guy.


    --
    This is just like television, only you can see much further.
  79. Cardboard cases... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Ah so you've seen our old print server then have you? (HAHAHAHHAHAHAHA...) And yes it was running Windows. But now it's this beefy Slackware box. Heh heh. ;-)

  80. Re:Conspiracy Theory (good use) by kaphka · · Score: 1

    Huh. Isn't that actually what stainless steel is? Or maybe aluminum? Some rust-free metal.

    Whatever metal I'm thinking of, it has a couple of molecules oxidized on the surface, which protects the ones underneath.

    I thought that was pretty cool.

    --

    MSK

  81. Re:my computer doesn't *HAVE* a case ;-) by Macphisto · · Score: 1
    It's completely dependent on the network. The only reason the floppy is there is to load up a ROM image of the Etherboot image. Check out SLUG's Etherboot site for an explanation of how this works. My motivation for this was the noise my computer used to make, which I've relegated to the basement server. Now it's almost completely quiet, except when the CD or floppy is going, or when the monitor is on, or that stupid power supply buzz which is probably a bad sign but I don't feel like investigating.

    The power supply is on a shielded surface (well, kinda) and is behaving itself for the time being. My dad came over and *touched* the heatsinks to see if they were hot. This freaked me out until he explained that there was no current path, i.e. birds on a wire, but still, damn... anyway it's worth it. If it wasn't for that damn buzz it'd be completely quiet. If you really want a quiet system, go for an NCD X-term and sleep more easily too (oh did I mention, I'm not liable if your cat Fluffy likes to poke around power supplies and finds out just what curiousity did to the.. well, you know)

    Thanks for the comments, it's good to know that not everyone thinks I'm a loony ;-) ("I want it quiet! REALLY quiet!" "oookay...")

  82. Thermite! by Doviende · · Score: 1
    Thermite, of course! Thermite is fun stuff that can turn sand into glass and melt rocks and stuff.

    They used it during construction of railroads way back when, to melt the iron and join it together.

    It's basically aluminum and rust. When you ignite it (using something extremely hot, like burning magnesium), the oxygen seperates form the rust, and this allows the aluminum to burn. You're left with aluminum oxide and molten iron.

    The problem is, where the heck do you get enough rust? This magical stuff that the guy used is the answer to your Thermite woes :)

    Warning: do not try this at home.

    IANAFM (i am not a fire marshal).

    "The value of a man resides in what he gives,
    and not in what he is capable of receiving."

    --
    "The value of a man resides in what he gives,
    and not in what he is capable of receiving."
    --Albert Einstein
    1. Re:Thermite! by John+Campbell · · Score: 2

      Heehee... we played with thermite in Chemistry class in high school (my Chemistry teacher may not have been entirely sane). We mixed up about a quarter inch of the stuff in the bottom of a tuna can and set it off in one of the parking lots in the pouring rain. It was pretty impressive... when the magnesium burned down and the thermite went up, I could feel the wave of heat hit from fifteen feet away. Then the parking lot caught on fire and smoldered for quite a while despite the rain. What was left when it was all over was a misshapen lump of iron and ruby (yeah, that's what aluminum oxide is... if hot enough to melt iron isn't impressive, how about hot enough to melt ruby?).

    2. Re:Thermite! by Austenite · · Score: 1

      They used it during construction of railroads way back when, to melt the iron and join it together.

      They still do - around 60% of railway joins are made this way, I was told.

      By the way, never do a demonstration of this at a University open day with the lid off the crucilbe - sure it gets you in the Higher Education section of the paper, but globs of white hot metal shooting out of the crucible and landing at people's feet can't be good...



      --
      "In person, WAP'ed up and making your life a misery!" BOFH, 2003
  83. next up... by Afrosheen · · Score: 1

    Two sequels. I guarantee they'll both stomp the next two $tar Whore$ movies, if Lucas keeps it up. The sequels are in the works, Keanu is coming back for the second for sure and possibly the third. They may have to share studios in Australia where Lucas is going to film the next disastrous episode of SW. So they'll be filming around the same time. They plan on releasing the movies one-two style, like Matrix 2 in the spring and Matrix 3 in the fall/winter. Starting in 2002 possibly earlier. Now you can sleep a little better tonight. :)

  84. Grisham case by mvw · · Score: 0
    Ever seen one of those Grisham movies that feature luxurous law firms?

    I wonder if they sell mahogany cases? :)

    And: (sorry, the weird thought just occured)

    If future archæologists discover the tomb of Tut-ankh-Gates, will they find him burried along with hundreds of Intel scarabs? :)

  85. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 3

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  86. Wood computer cases by bilestoad2 · · Score: 2

    these aren't real wood cases, they're more like a veneer. Unusual looking though

    http://wood.rwebsite.com/main.html

    1. Re:Wood computer cases by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Ever seen that wood grain crap on TV? thats good stuff, well i don't know, but it seems good. its called something with 3 letters, i remember the jingle, "*** is good for more than just wood!" like zap or zag, something. It would at least be something different. Hell, I painted my PSX green. simply because it was the only color of spray paint I had. I wouldn't care if it was wood or even a glossy black.

      But what about GOLD PLATED! that would be SWEET. Unless you had a small Compaq Case and it melted, that would be bad.

      Maybe Chromed out? then you could get those Mexican window beads? And something stiff chained. like a mouse, or something.

    2. Re:Wood computer cases by mvw · · Score: 1

      Thanks!

    3. Re:Wood computer cases by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Do you you really want to have your new nifty real wood case set on fire by the newest, and hottest CPU's...... :>>--

  87. B0RING, Commander... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    Woo-hoo! Rust covered boxes! Yummy!!

    Sigh. Is this a slow news day, or are you saving a few stories like this an a camoflauge box? Even better, how about a chameleon box which tastefully matches itself to whatever perhiperals you connect it to, while carefully playing against the walls and carpet?

  88. Re:Slashdot Mirror Service! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    His problem for making a cool site, which he surely knew was going to be posted on slashdot. If the ISP runs on NT, maybe he is just showing them how unbelievably stupid that is in rather a clever way...having them slashdotted. BTW this brings up a new way to perform DOS. Just get an account with theentitty you want to attack and put up a site, which is sure to appear on slashdot, and voila you have unstoppable DOS coming from 60000 diffrent IPs. .... Just a thought. :>>--

  89. Slashdot Effect Records? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    I wonder what the largest (in terms of popularity) site Slashdot has ever taken down is.

    Windows2000test.com, maybe, but you have to take the OS into account for that one.

  90. Mac/Acer/Intel/Linux-box by _GNU_ · · Score: 1

    why use good looking cases when you can improvise any way you want? My linux server is an old Acer mb in a MacIIsi box, with the powersupply and hd sitting on top, totally screwless. works as good as my fancy b&w G3
    (way slower though :P).

  91. My idea... by leiz · · Score: 1
    Alright, instead of making a mess with paint and iron filings, how about this?

    • Measure the dimensions of your case
    • Find a design you like
    • Find a printshop where they can print really big stickers
    • Print out a sticker for each side of the case you want to cover
    • Carefully unpeel the stickers
    • Slap them onto each side of the computer
    • Tada! No more boring, beige colored computer


    Oh ya, make sure the front and back side has cutouts for drive bays/leds/ports/etc and that the side panels have cutouts where the airvents (if any) are.


    _______________________________________________
    There is no statute of limitation on stupidity.
  92. Motherboard above the drives by bafful · · Score: 1

    Interesting layout of the components there... Is this used in any commercial cases? If not, have you applied for a patent? :-)

  93. Mass Storage device by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Oh this is nice. A computer case that can double as a mass storage device. [1] [1] Some will get it. most won't.

  94. Dialup.. by Jon+Anhold · · Score: 1

    It appears this URL points to a server on some kind of dialup modem/isdn connection. no wonder it's /.'d

  95. Re:Conspiracy Theory (good use) by Detritus · · Score: 1

    It's probably made of core-ten steel. The rust is a protective coating for the underlying metal. The stuff is popular with sculptors.

    --
    Mea navis aericumbens anguillis abundat
  96. Re:Cool Case Designs - Paints to use by EvilBastard · · Score: 1

    In theory you should be able to paint your case with any paint, but you'll run into problems with the fact that the natural oils in your skin will soften some paints, mainly Enamel-based and Acrylic based paints. (some lacquers will work fine.)

    Options, from the resident paint genius here at work, (proud owner of this years Golden Daemon award for Australia)

    Automotive paint - designed for use on metal parts, and very strong (has a built in binder) and will provide the best grip. This is fine for use on both the metal and the plastic, but will only come out as a satin finish - you will need to polish it up to get a good gloss finish.

    For flats, you're out of luck - normally only something like Grey, Black, White or Brown are available. These also help level out the surface on the pitted case, but won't fill it in completly.

    If you want something weird, the next best thing to do is paint your case the way you like, and then get a Polyurethane-based clear paint, such as used in a cork tile finish, and apply a coat over the top when you are finished. Then, you can handle it without that "Icky" feeling, because the Polyurethane is more chemically resistant. Also, this will provide an extra protection against chipping, but this is only as strong as the original paint's grip, which means it comes in second to Automotive paint.

    The clear part of the Flek-stone is more or less the same thing, but in a spray can.

  97. NEC Z-1 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Has Anyone Seen This? http://www.nec-z1.com/ This has got to be one of the coolest designs to actually come form a commercial enterprise in years. The Apple 20th aniversary model is probably the only thing that comes close to being this cool. What I love about it is that it's so Gernsbackian. Like the Art Deco future that our grandfathers predicted in the thirties, but never came. Ray-Gun Gothic, I call it. Couldn't you just see this sitting on the desk of a huge office done in Mahogonay and Stainless Steel? But I digress... Rather often.

    1. Re:NEC Z-1 by _Sprocket_ · · Score: 2

      I believe /. had a blurb on this earlier. I remember noting that it looked like an old Monorail system. :)

  98. Stickers by _Sprocket_ · · Score: 1
    Heh. Without giving it much thought (path to ruin right there), this doesn't sound too impossible to do. Its been done in other industries.

    In paintball, there's a good deal of attention payed to splashy, fancy finnishes on customized paintguns. Usually it involves various forms of annodizing or powder coating. At the World Cup in Orlando one year, I saw an outfit that was using... stickers!

    Actually, what they were using was tape used to decorate offroad vehicles. It came in a varried selection of splashy colors and the vendor warentied that the finnish would last until the user wanted it stripped and another pattern put in place (a selling feature).

    I would imagine a simular thing could be done with your standard case. And it would make dealing with front panels on sensitive devices (CDROM drive) much easier.

  99. Complete Translucent Color PCs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The company where I work will be selling, starting next month (October '99), a complete line that includes the case, 17" monitor, keyboard, flat-panel speakers, and mouse in matching translucent colors.

    The colors offered will be: Aqua-Blue, Lime, Orange, Pink, Purple, and Teal.

    The site is incomplete, but you can get the basic idea. It'll be updated once all our shipments arrive and we can take better photos.

    Transnet, Inc. www.transnet-inc.com
  100. really /.ed? by TJMc · · Score: 1

    Seems 198.64.66.211 belongs to Rice University-Sesquinet.. maybe they have a firewall up and Obscura does know about it?

    then again..
    PING 198.64.66.211 (198.64.66.211): 56 data bytes
    64 bytes from 198.64.66.211: icmp_seq=0 ttl=244 time=2299.5 ms
    64 bytes from 198.64.66.211: icmp_seq=2 ttl=244 time=1850.0 ms
    64 bytes from 198.64.66.211: icmp_seq=3 ttl=244 time=2020.0 ms
    64 bytes from 198.64.66.211: icmp_seq=4 ttl=244 time=1369.9 ms
    64 bytes from 198.64.66.211: icmp_seq=5 ttl=244 time=1390.0 ms

    --- 198.64.66.211 ping statistics ---
    8 packets transmitted, 5 packets received, 37% packet loss
    round-trip min/avg/max = 1369.9/1785.8/2299.5 ms

    1. Re:really /.ed? by TJMc · · Score: 1

      err.. does not

      damn preview button...

  101. Re:Slashdot Mirror Service! by Robotech_Master · · Score: 3

    The problem is that this gets into all sorts of pesky copyright issues. Considering how heated up some people are getting over just the notion of "deep linking," actually copying someone else's site for public access opens up a whole 'nother can of legal worms.

    --
    Editor Emeritus and Senior Writer, TeleRead.org
  102. Re:woah! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    By a stroke of luck I went to slashdot just as this appeared, and there were no post yet...not even innane first post like the previous one about slashdotting, and yet the site was already out of reach...oh well... :>>--

  103. Re:Slashdot Mirror Service! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5

    That is why you do not copy, but just merely cache, which has so far stood up legal muster, since most ISP's do it in one way or another, especially AOL, so there is a precedent for such....all you need is squid running on a box, and people just go throught that proxy, and it is all legal...or as legal as it needs to be in todays environment...since cache is non-permanent, and will be discarted once out of date, or when it is no longer desired by the clients connecting to the proxy server. :>>--

  104. my computer doesn't *HAVE* a case ;-) by Macphisto · · Score: 3

    Check it out...

    1. Re:my computer doesn't *HAVE* a case ;-) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Been there, done that, so so have thousands others...it ain't nothing world changing, or that extra "cool" either.....Just a thought. :>>--

    2. Re:my computer doesn't *HAVE* a case ;-) by Macphisto · · Score: 1

      Well, the neat part is that it doesn't have a fan either. I took off the power supply case so it doesn't overheat (two weeks so far). It's an AMDK5-75 under light load so the CPU gets by without a fan too. To top it off, it boots diskless, so no annoying sound at all! (Well, the power supply buzzes in proportion to CPU activity, but... ;-)

  105. Opposite of Rust = Gold Leaf? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    How about applying a layer of gold leaf to the case and monitor? I think it would look just as FABULOUS!

  106. 2U rack-mount boxes by twixel · · Score: 1

    If you like tinkering, you can buy empty 2U rack-mount boxes for under $75 at an electronics store. Cut out a few holes in the front, (or not, if you want the Cisco look), install a PSU for NLX cases.

  107. Re:Conspiracy Theory (good use) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    That's Aluminum you're talking about - rub mecury on the surface to remove the oxide layer. Leave it on overnight and the mecury constantly removing the oxide layer will cause the aluminum foil to rust right through.

  108. Would you rust your car? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Odd thing to do to make your machine look like scrap. Bet you dont do it with your car. People must lead such exciting lives to spend so much time on a PC case..... Brad

  109. painting a case by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I've painted a computer case myself when I built my 'webtv' computer. http://webtv.slriv.com/webtv Unfortunately I couldn't get X to deal with the 'TV out' on my video card and therefore got stuck running Windows98. Anyway, after that experience, I think I'm going to paint all my 'generic' computer cases. It does make them a little more interesting!

  110. Re:Slashdot Mirror Service! by Slur · · Score: 1

    A slightly simpler idea would be to link to his site from SlashDot through a CGI script. It would only let through a certain number of SlashDotters and tell the rest to wait til the load on the victim's site has slowed. Or perhaps even better would be to put up a countdown timer, then let the SlashDotter wait until a full minute elapses before going through the "gateway interface."
    Yeah, I'm a Mac programmer. You got a problem with that?

    --
    -- thinkyhead software and media
  111. Who Cares? by flamingdog · · Score: 1

    What's the big deal about these cool cases? None of my computers don't even have a case except for this one and it doesn't even have any screws in it cuz I take it apart so much. Any true geek would never think of purchasing or making any crazy case cause they know they'll be fiddling with things inside all the time. Not only that, but wouldn't you rather purchase some hardware upgrades or books instead? If you want a cool looking case, go for a much less ugly G3 type design. The side just pops open for easy access to any parts, but that damn thing is ugly as hell. Maybe a nice design with easy inside access would catch my attention.

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    "I'm not gonna say anything inspirational, I'm just gonna fucking swear a lot"

    --

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