ste!!a gassaway: unpredictable thoughts

I read an article this morning at AppleInsider about Apple developing a mini disk adapter. I see the need for saving money. I actually see the reason for skipping using a CD at all. The story goes around in a circle and never really answers any questions. If you are going to ship an adapter with every disk; why not just send the bigger disk? The real question that needs to be answered is : How do you make an adapter available that you don’t have to send with each disc?

Sounds like Apple needs some design help here. What is your idea?

Here’s some excerpts from this silly mess.

“In such situations it would be advantageous to use a reduced diameter (lower storage capacity) disc,” Fadell explained. “Such advantages include reduced shipping costs, reduced production costs, etc.”

The iPod chief pointed out that one currently available solution to using reduced diameter discs in slot drives is that of a rigid adapter that when used in conjunction with the reduced diameter disc enables a disc player to accept and play the reduced diameter disc.

“However, this solution does nothing to reduce shipping costs since the rigid adapter (with its larger footprint) must be shipped with the reduced diameter disc and therefore a standard sized shipping container must be used to accommodate both the rigid adapter and reduced diameter disc,” he wrote. “What is needes is a cost effective method and apparatus for shipping reduced diameter discs that assures the end user will be able to use the reduced diameter disc in a slot drive designed exclusively for a standard diameter disc.”

Therefore, Fadell’s invention calls for a “compactable memory disc adapter” that can be shipped in a compact form and expanded by the customer once extracted from the retail packaging. It could then be fitted around the edges of a 8cm mini-disc, effectively allowing for the reduced diameter disc to play in a slot interface designed exclusively for standard 12cm diameter discs.

AppleInsider | Apple developing mini-disc adapter for slot-loading drives

Blogged with Flock

Tags: apple, cd, adapter, design, green, sustainable, technology