[aus.mac] Carting Rodimes around---a tip for owners

ben@tasis.utas.oz.au@munnari.oz (Ben Lian) (09/04/89)

I commute quite frequently between home and university with my Rodime
external, and devised a way make sure that the HD does not suffer undue
physical `stress'. You might like to try it too.

(1)  Carefully rip the ends off the foam packing which the Rodime came in.
     Store the ends for re-use; you need only the bits with the big oblong
     holes.
(2)  Put the drive into something slick. I use a supermarket carry
     bag, and knot the handles together.
(3)  Insert the ends of the drive into the foam so that it is nicely
     cradled. (Step 2 prevents the drive's rubber feet from chewing
     up the foam.)
(4)  Place the drive/foam assembly into a Mac Plus tote bag so that it
     (the assembly) stands on the foam. You will find that there is
     only one sensible way to do this.
(5)  Put all the necessary cabling into the bag's pockets, zip up, and
     away you go.

The packing procedure in steps 2 to 5 takes no more than 5 minutes tops.
Unpacking is equally fast. Note that only the Mac Plus bag (or similar)
is tall enough to accomdate the drive/foam assembly. I realise this is
overkill, but it sure beats carrying the drive around in one's arms or
in a briefcase. Protecting the drive from physical damage is protecting
the data stored on it.

If the drive has to be repacked into its original carting for shipping,
the ends that were ripped off can be easily glued back with polyurethane
glue.

And don't forget to make backups before going anywhere.


Ben Lian