[11021] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Summary: Nova workstations
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (PACS-L Moderator)
Fri Jan 31 20:30:09 1997
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 18:51:34 -0600 (CST)
From: PACS-L Moderator <libpacs@UH.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
From: CASTELLUZZO JULIE <juliec@cooper.edu>
Subject: Summary: Nova workstations
Many thanks to those who replied to my query. Below is the original
question, followed by the responses. It seems like a mixed bag of
opinions - some people really like this type of desk and some hate it.
We definitely plan on trying one out before making the final decision on
the purchase.
If anyone has comments about similar types of desks (flat work
surface, monitor underneath) that are not made by Nova, please let me
know.
Julie
_____________________________
From: CASTELLUZZO JULIE <juliec@cooper.edu>
Subject: Nova 85 Series Workstation
Hello everyone!
I am interested in any comments from people who have used the Nova
85 Series workstation. It's a computer desk with the monitor mounted
underneath the top surface under tinted glass. It's supposed to
accomodate any monitor up to 16" diagonal. They also have a "CAD"(?)
model which is larger and should accomodate larger screens.
We are considering purchasing these for multiple end-user
workstations. I have contacted the manufacturer for more information, but
it would be very helpful to hear about real-life situations.
If you send responses directly to me, I will be happy to summarize
for the list. TIA for your help with this pressing matter. (Time is of
the essence.)
Julie Castelluzzo juliec@cooper.edu
Electronic Services Librarian
The Cooper Union Library http://www.cooper.edu/facilities/library.html
_____________________________
X-Sender: jlatham@pop.interaccess.com
Date: Sat, 25 Jan 1997 21:34:04 -0600
To: juliec@cooper.edu
Subject: Novas
We tried these when I was at Southern Md. Regional. I like them myself,
but others don't. I find them good for security and sensible use of
space; they are, however, difficult to work on in terms of crawling around
underneath to check on connections, etc. I believe it is one of those
type of units that people will either love or hate; I think they're OK.
Good luck.
Joyce Latham
Chicago Public Library
______________________________
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 1997 14:02:05 -0700
I'd never buy anything like that (the desk with monitor under glass). We
have a classroom set up that way. Half love it, half hate it. It has
also been made available as an option to staff here. I think all of 3 of
70 people have chosen it.
Glare is a problem in many locations, depending on local lights and their
locations.
Just be sure you try one SOMEwhere before you buy, or at least before you
buy more than one. To me this is as personal an issue as keyboard type,
keyboard height, monitor height, etc, etc.
Good luck
dan
_______________________________
I have an associate who mentioned having used a computer with the screen
in the desktop. She said it was hard on the neck and back with continued
use. This is hearsay, but worth considering.
Sincerely, M. Ostroski
_______________________________
We recently installed 20 of the 48" NOVA carrels. I'm not sure if they
are the 85 series. We do have 17" monitors in them. The MAC monitors
were a real tight fit, but the Gateway 2000 Monitors did fine. I was
concerned about glare, but they come with hoods that cut glare. I was also
concerned about working with patrons at the stations, but its easy enough
to see what they see and give them assistance.
We especially like the privacy it affords patrons and the way it has
improved visibility as we look across the library. The older carrels we
used with the PC's on top, really blocked our view of some areas of the
library.
The only negative is that it is hard to get to the back of the unit if you
need to plug something in or check a cable. Otherwise they're great.
Deb Ludwig
dludwig@johnco.cc.ks.us
