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Grogster

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Joined: 31/12/2012
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 9643

Posted: 12:17am 25 Nov 2015

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I must admit to being an EEVblog subscriber, and although Dave gets a little carried away with his criticisms on this video(rants a bit), he still makes good points - it's pretty bad!

World's Worst Tablet

All I can say is I am glad I don't build like this. Hell, I would not even build like that for my own use - you're asking for faults that you have to try to trace later.

Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops!

CircuitGizmos

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Joined: 08/09/2011
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Posted: 06:17am 25 Nov 2015

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I think that the power supply was soldered over a camp fire.

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Grogster

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Posted: 02:37pm 25 Nov 2015

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Yeah, I have to agree with Dave when he says just use an off-the-shelf power brick.
Those 12v to ATX adaptors are not that expensive.

I have a feeling I know what is going on here, and it is as simple as PROFIT.

In order to maximize profit, make the thing absolutely as cheap as possible - that includes hacking a PSU at home rather then buying a ready-made module(saves a few cents), soldered battery packs(another buck or saved over using holders), etc, etc etc....

The thing that blows my mind, is the USB connection for the touch - as Dave says - why not just use a ready made USB cable? Hacking the cable and soldering it on would surely take longer and cost more in the long run to do, then to just plug in a ready-made cable!

Amazing.....

Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops!

Justplayin

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Joined: 31/01/2014
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Posted: 03:04pm 25 Nov 2015

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I don't see what Dave is complaining about. Every project I ever put together uses those very same assembly techniques. It all fit inside the case AND powered on! What else could you possibly ask for.

--Curt

I am not a Mad Scientist... It makes me happy inventing new ways to take over the world!!

Gizmo

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Posted: 03:36pm 25 Nov 2015

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Chances are the contract went to the lowest bidder.

I tend to agree with Curt, if it worked, and was reliable, then is doesn't really matter how horrible it looks on the inside. When your competing for a contract, you need to keeps costs down, and internal cosmetic appearance is not important.

Glenn

The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now.
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Grogster

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Posted: 03:50pm 25 Nov 2015

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Dave does not like rough assembly though, does he?(rhetorical)

Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops!

Justplayin

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Posted: 03:52pm 25 Nov 2015

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Joking aside... I've assembled custom designed show control systems for Disney, Sea World and other entertainment companies and one thing I was proud of was how neat and organized they were inside. I spent a lot of time figuring out the best ways to run the wires or hide them.

The inside of that tablet made me cringe.

--Curtis Edited by Justplayin 2015-11-27

I am not a Mad Scientist... It makes me happy inventing new ways to take over the world!!

bigmik

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Joined: 20/06/2011
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Posted: 08:58pm 25 Nov 2015

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Thanks for posting that one Grogs,

I don't feel so bad now about some of my prototypes...

I often don't agree with Dave and feel he is too critical but I think in this case I would agree that is DODGY.

Honestly a cheap PSU board and lithium battery pack would have been readily available for no more than they probably paid for the ones in that unit..

I could, almost, forgive the `hot snot' VReg on the cover but I think a screw mounting with a nice smooth round head would have been easy and more professional.

I do really like the CPU board though, I wish I found some in a `dumpster dive'

Regards,

Mick

Mick's uMite Stuff can be found >>> HERE (Kindly hosted by Dontronics) <<<

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