I could do without computer screens altogether – except maybe diagnostics when the car’s sitting in the driveway.
My mother had a mid-80s Buick Regal at one time. I recall the main dashboard looking similar to the pictures in that article, but it definitely didn’t have the touchscreen. She probably didn’t have the upper trim level for that. If I recall correctly, the dashboard was lit by a single bulb, and when it failed it required almost complete disassembly to replace.
I’ve long been fascinated with this vehicle just because it’s such a weird relic of the time with that archaic touchscreen.
Here’s a neat video walkthrough:
Another fascinating relic is the Aston Martin Lagonda with its fancy digital dashboard with its multiple CRTs.
(Starts at about 19:00)
The 80s were weird.
I’m currently using a Mac laptop and getting increasingly frustrated with how hard it it to middle- or right-click with a 1-button trackpad.
I used to be fine with that.
I’m looking for a newer laptop, and I think buttons below the trackpad, and nav keys in the keyboard, would be very helpful.
So I look online, and types which used to have these buttons, have lost them in the past several years, and very few have nav keys.
So how are people supposed to use them? Gestures? Guessing which area has which effects?
FWIW, I use a Macbook for work, and years ago I replaced the peripherals with a third-party USB keyboard (with full editing keys) and regular third-party USB mouse. Also an external monitor. Ergonomics is key, and a Macbook (or most any laptop) just doesn’t even try to do that.
I want something which is easier to carry around, and easier to set up. I have a lap desk, but I don’t have a proper desk for the desktop computer.
Oh man do I miss the old serial bus!
Look at all this great equipment. I love it, but probably not ideal for operating the world’s largest subway system.
Here are some pictures if you don’t want to give the Daily News a click.
