At 11:27 AM 11/2/2005, you wrote:
> > "Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 feet (3000 m)"
>
>The iPod's hard disc is the reason for the elevation limit.
>
>The read/write heads of any hard disc fly over the surface of the
>rotating disc, supported on a cushion of air called an air bearing.
>Under normal operating conditions, the heads float only a few
>nanometers above the surface of the spinning disc.
>
>Hard discs used in iPods (and almost all computers) are not sealed.
>The air pressure and humidity inside the disc is the same as the
>outside air. Since air density decreases with altitude, the higher
>you go, the more likely the air bearing will not be able to keep the
>head at the proper distance from the disc surface. In the extreme
>case, the head will "crash" against the surface of the rotating disc,
>destroying the disc.
>
>Does this mean the iPod won't work above 3000 meters? No, it just
>means the manufacturer is warning you that the machine is likely to
>fail above that elevation. You can help your iPod survive if you
>operate it while standing still (to minimize shock).
>
>Flash memory, on the other hand, has no rotating parts, can be used at
>any altitude, and is considerably more tolerant of shock, dirt and
>high humidity than hard discs are.
>
>--oryoki
True, true, but that means ALL laptop devices should be cautiously used
above 15,00 ft or so, and, in general, they are not so pre-cautioned.
-- best regards, Marty Michener
MIST Software Assoc. Inc., P. O. Box 269, Hollis, NH 03049
http://www.enjoybirds.com/
Don't blame me, I vote in New Hampshire!
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