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Author Topic: Howz Come?  (Read 1843 times)

Pilgrim

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Howz Come?
« on: April 29, 2010, 02:54:51 PM »
Howz come that when I connect a USB device to my computer with a 50/50 chance of getting the contacts to line up, I get it wrong 95% of the time and have to turn the device or cable 180 degrees?

Do computers emit a magnetiwockle field that suspends the laws of probability?

Next week: we tackle the probability of the buttered side of bread landing down when dropped.
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OldManC

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Re: Howz Come?
« Reply #1 on: April 29, 2010, 03:36:39 PM »
http://www.cockeyed.com/science/toast/toast1.html

I've often wondered about those USB cables myself...
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Dave W

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Re: Howz Come?
« Reply #2 on: April 29, 2010, 06:07:59 PM »
Haven't you heard about the Buttered Cat Paradox?

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Freuds_Cat

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Re: Howz Come?
« Reply #3 on: April 29, 2010, 07:45:24 PM »
Have you considered buttering your USB connectors?
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uwe

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Re: Howz Come?
« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2010, 02:27:04 AM »
Quote from: Dave W on April 29, 2010, 06:07:59 PM
Haven't you heard about the Buttered Cat Paradox?



Only here. True science. Confirmed and approved.  :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
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gweimer

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Re: Howz Come?
« Reply #5 on: April 30, 2010, 04:09:19 AM »
You do realize that the top of the plug is marked, right?
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uwe

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Re: Howz Come?
« Reply #6 on: April 30, 2010, 05:23:03 AM »
(innocently) On the subject of plugs and nothing but plugs I'm expecting some, let's phrase this thoughtfully ...,  input from Mark. Applied science.
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Chris P.

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Re: Howz Come?
« Reply #7 on: April 30, 2010, 06:55:43 AM »
 ;D

I'm now trying to catch Booker T. & Curtis. Bread and butter's ready!
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Pilgrim

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Re: Howz Come?
« Reply #8 on: April 30, 2010, 10:35:56 AM »
Quote from: gweimer on April 30, 2010, 04:09:19 AM
You do realize that the top of the plug is marked, right?

Oh.


DAMN.


No kiddin?


Crap.  I looked and it's true.


I could pretend that I never read this message.....but then I wouldn't get to ask: what about the vertical ones on the back of the computer?  Which side is "up"?
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gweimer

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Re: Howz Come?
« Reply #9 on: April 30, 2010, 11:16:00 AM »
Quote from: Pilgrim on April 30, 2010, 10:35:56 AM
Oh.


DAMN.


No kiddin?


Crap.  I looked and it's true.


I could pretend that I never read this message.....but then I wouldn't get to ask: what about the vertical ones on the back of the computer?  Which side is "up"?

Well, pardner, yer on yer own for that one.  However, I *think* that the right side as you look towards the slot would be considered the top.  We may need an official ruling from Mark on that.   :mrgreen:
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TBird1958

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Re: Howz Come?
« Reply #10 on: April 30, 2010, 12:50:40 PM »
Quote from: uwe on April 30, 2010, 05:23:03 AM
(innocently) On the subject of plugs and nothing but plugs I'm expecting some, let's phrase this thoughtfully ...,  input from Mark. Applied science.


 How do I phrase this and not offend the innocent here...............  :o

The devices of which we refer to are..........Errrmmmm............shaped in such a way as to make insertion error obvious to the user   ;) 
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Pilgrim

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Re: Howz Come?
« Reply #11 on: April 30, 2010, 02:54:05 PM »
In a vain attempt to return to decorum.....

I found that "top" on most cables appears to be marked, but many thumb drives are not.  But - a Sharpie can label most of those.

I suppose all "right-thinking" types would vote for "right = up". 
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the mojo hobo

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Re: Howz Come?
« Reply #12 on: April 30, 2010, 03:01:58 PM »
If you look at the end of any USB cable or device, the metal sheild is formed from one flat peice of metal and the seam is always on the bottom.

I have noticed though some computers have the jacks up-dide-down, especially those Dells with the front jacks at a weird downward angle.(8000 series?)
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Highlander

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Re: Howz Come?
« Reply #13 on: May 01, 2010, 01:25:20 PM »
did anyone see a squirrel pass through here...?
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Freuds_Cat

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Re: Howz Come?
« Reply #14 on: May 02, 2010, 04:32:52 AM »
I approach insertion with the attitude that the full process of pushing it and finding resistance then flipping it over and finding it sail smoothly in is the normal and standard course of action. This way I'm never disappointed when it doesn't penetrate on the first go.  :mrgreen:
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