[net.micro.mac] Fans and 0db

gus@Shasta.ARPA (01/26/86)

> Just remember that the definition of 0 (zero) db is that it is
> the level of sound at which a person with normal hearing can
> just begin to detect a sound.  This means that for a fan to be
> totaly inaudable to a normal ear it must make less than zero db.
> 
> This is a tall order.  (Some of us don't work in the kitchen near
> the fridge and don't have forced air heat and don't live near a
> freeway and don't ... quiet is below zero.)
> -- 
> E. Michael Smith  ...!{hplabs,ihnp4,amd,nsc}!amdahl!ems
> 
> This is the obligatory disclaimer of everything.

Note that in a quiet room, even a fanless mac makes some noise - the 60 hz
hum coming from the analog section, not that this really bothers me.
Actually, a bit more does. I'm one of those hackers that keys onto every
little noise that the computer makes. I often have to turn off the air
conditioner in the middle of summer and turn off another large printer with
a loud fan just so that I can hear what is going on inside.