From: Penzance - NetFinity (penzance_at_gate.net)
Date: Sun Dec 22 2002 - 12:25:00 EST
a few months ago, i received a sample of a new and different
trackpoint cap made from a much softer/higher friction
material..
a cap with a muchroom cross section top..
these are billed as longer lasting and easier to use..
the sample was very tight when trying to fit it over the
post.. it protruded above the surface of the keytops further
than the regular caps..
the square hole was tight and stepped inside which made it
more difficult to install..
when i DID finally install it, it was less than and more
than i expected..
but it did not last..
it rocked back and forth when using it and worked its way up
and off the post..
maybe this was user abuse or customer error, but the end
result is that i did not buy any of these nor do i use the
one sample i still have sitting here..
OH!, the last thing is they are about $5+ each, retail with
little discount even when buying massive quantities..
when i sell 4 of the more normal cats tounge caps for $10 i
am NOT making a huge profit..
(please forgive me, i know that the word "profit" is not
usually allowed when talking about merchants of computer
goods)
in fact, when i pack up the 4 caps in an envelope with
padding, address the envelope, put a stamp on it, trot it
down to the mail box, answer an average of three to four
emails, do the accounting and pay the tax, there IS no
profit.. only a time consuming service to my customers...
oh, don't forget that SOME want to pay with a credit card..
to make $$ one must have a highly efficient procedure which
i do not..
so, when others charge $2 to $5 per cap, it is NOT what i
would call a highly profitable endevour.. :-)
the ONLY real hope is that these caps will bring a few
thinkpad buyers back to http://thinkpads.com in the future..
thus.... the paucity of cap vendors..
Happy holidays guys n'dolls..
lets all raise a glass to those who have watered our
american tree of liberty and who are prepared to do so
again..
*******************
Cordially,
Bill Morrow
(from NetFinity Server)
web page: http://www.thinkpads.com
bill_at_thinkpads.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Ross" <ross_at_math.hawaii.edu>
To: <thinkpad_at_stderr.org>
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2002 6:53 AM
Subject: Re: [Thinkpad] replacement nipples?
> > You sure? Like David, I've only got a bunch of smooth
one around,
>
> Those smooth-top caps are a bit like Venezuelan currency
these days.
>
> I remember when people on this list used to debate which
were better, smooth tops or cat's tongue. I guess the final
verdict is in!
>
> - David R.
>
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