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On-unit screen or PC…which is better? - (Mar/09/2010 )

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What does everyone think about a thermocycler (not real-time) without a screen/keypad on the unit? It’s controlled by a PC instead…what are the pros/cons? Does it matter…do you prefer one or the other?

The PC takes up more bench space, but it would be easier to read the screen. On the other hand, it would be convenient to have the screen on the unit… thoughts?

-Ljw6-

All lab instruments should plug into the network, either wireless or with ethernet. They should have browser servers which you can connect to for control and data retrieval. Lab bench PCs and built in controls are both very outdated ideas. PCs are worse, in general, with poor software, large PCs, outdated operating system requirements, and failures such as Microsoft deciding that your OS needs to be updated at 3AM in the middle of a crucial experiment. This has happened to me twice in the last month. Bill Gates, improving your productivity every day.

-phage434-

Not to mention, PCs have components that can be stolen. Happened to our lab 2 months ago...the night cleaning person locked the door, but didn't make sure it closed when they left.

-lab rat-

phage434 on Mar 9 2010, 08:36 PM said:

...such as Microsoft deciding that your OS needs to be updated at 3AM in the middle of a crucial experiment. This has happened to me twice in the last month. Bill Gates, improving your productivity every day.



Actually, you decided to allow your OS to be updated at 3 AM. If you properly configure automatic updates (see here), this won't happen.

-HomeBrew-

I see, it is really my problem. Just like all of the viruses. If only I spent full time baby-sitting my PC, everything would be great.

-phage434-

I understand what you're saying, but it takes about 15 seconds to properly configure automatic updates, and it only needs to be done once. This, to me, hardly qualifies as "full time baby-sitting"...

-HomeBrew-

Thanks for the replies! So you all think on-unit is the way to go, since it's one less thing to manage.

Some units have touch screens and some have keypads...any experience with the different types to share?

-Ljw6-

I like keypads, but that's a personal preference. I hate oily smudges on any screen or monitor.

-lab rat-

lab rat on Mar 10 2010, 03:37 PM said:

I like keypads, but that's a personal preference. I hate oily smudges on any screen or monitor.


Yeah I know what you mean...but with gloves on it probably would be ok. Although, do the touch screen ones work with gloves on or do you have to take gloves off? That would be inconvenient.

-Ljw6-

They work with gloves on. Which brands are you looking at?

-lab rat-
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