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dthomsen8 · 12-29-2005, 04:35 PM

Yes, I understand that packaging for computer gadgets has to deter theft, but do they really have to be so tough to get into, even with a box knife?

I finally got my Memorex MiniTravelDrive out of the box, along with the instructions, but it was a struggle. The travel strap is still in the package.

ktinkel · 12-29-2005, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dthomsen8

I finally got my Memorex MiniTravelDrive out of the box, along with the instructions, but it was a struggle. The travel strap is still in the package.

It’s not just computer stuff — pill bottles, CD wrappings, even cereal boxes (“to open, slide finger under flap” — yeah, right; the whole thing rips off!).

Richard Waller · 12-30-2005, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ktinkel

It’s not just computer stuff

Our local grocer delivers to old folk around the village and while unpacking the stuff, loosens the tops of things that the customer is going to have difficulty with. Me? I give it to the dog who tears the wrapping apart with his teeth.

ktinkel · 12-30-2005, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Waller

Our local grocer delivers to old folk around the village and while unpacking the stuff, loosens the tops of things that the customer is going to have difficulty with. Me? I give it to the dog who tears the wrapping apart with his teeth.

Not sure which solution has fewer potential problems, but both sound interesting.

Does your dog always stop with the wrapping? Very well-trained dog!

Franca · 12-30-2005, 01:44 PM

Indeed, I regularly complain about packaging these days. However, the worst is that completely sealed, molded hard plastic that computer-related things come in. The only way to get into it is with a dangerously sharp implement. Inevitably I cut it on two or three sides expecting to be able to bend or tear it away to get at the "prize" but the stuff does not bend, and has an edge even more dangerous than the implement used to cut into it. So then I have to cut all the way around the gadget and hope that I can pull the plastic apart without shedding any blood. If somebody knows a better way to get into this type of packaging, please let me know!

annc · 12-30-2005, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franca

Indeed, I regularly complain about packaging these days. However, the worst is that completely sealed, molded hard plastic that computer-related things come in. The only way to get into it is with a dangerously sharp implement. Inevitably I cut it on two or three sides expecting to be able to bend or tear it away to get at the "prize" but the stuff does not bend, and has an edge even more dangerous than the implement used to cut into it. So then I have to cut all the way around the gadget and hope that I can pull the plastic apart without shedding any blood. If somebody knows a better way to get into this type of packaging, please let me know!

I use the kitchen scissors on the plastic itself, but agree about the dangers imposed by the plastic edges afterwards.

And then, if the gadget isn't the right bit at the end of all the effort, you are stuck with it.

dthomsen8 · 12-30-2005, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franca

However, the worst is that completely sealed, molded hard plastic that computer-related things come in.

Franca! Right on! That stuff is the problem that made me start this thread.

ktinkel · 12-31-2005, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franca

Indeed, I regularly complain about packaging these days. However, the worst is that completely sealed, molded hard plastic that computer-related things come in.

Not quite as bad but equally annoying is the way cryovac meat products are packaged. The seal runs right against the food, so I always end up cutting off the edge of the beef or salami or whatever in order to get the thing to open. Then once it is cut, it curls up leaving grease and ooze everywhere. Makes me very cross.

As far as ordinary stuff is concerned, I keep a single-edge razor blade next to my every working area so I can slit tape and slice stuff that gets in my way. (Including the protective seal on medicine bottles — the only way I know how to get past that is to cut a big criss-cross across and pick off the pieces.)

Franca · 12-31-2005, 11:53 AM

Medicine bottle seals ... I finally determined that the best way to deal with those is to take the "wrong" end of a toothbrush (or other common bathroom implement) and simply punch through them. Same effect as making your cross with the razor blade but so much more gratifying.

Robin Springall · 12-29-2005, 06:33 PM

LOL! Yes, I quite agree - in my case it was a USB card reader. The packaging was totally wrecked by the time I managed to get the damn thing out, so when I found that it didn't take the XD card that my Mum's camera uses, I couldn't even return it!

Actually, do be careful of this with card readers if you use an XD card: it has the same connector as the SD variety, the same width, but half the length. So you push the thing right into the reader, then try and get it back out!...

12-29-2005, 04:35 PM	#1
dthomsen8 Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Philadelphia, PA 19130 Posts: 2,158	Packaging!!! Yes, I understand that packaging for computer gadgets has to deter theft, but do they really have to be so tough to get into, even with a box knife? I finally got my Memorex MiniTravelDrive out of the box, along with the instructions, but it was a struggle. The travel strap is still in the package.

12-30-2005, 01:44 PM	#5
Franca Staff Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Monterey Bay area, CA Posts: 2,226	Indeed, I regularly complain about packaging these days. However, the worst is that completely sealed, molded hard plastic that computer-related things come in. The only way to get into it is with a dangerously sharp implement. Inevitably I cut it on two or three sides expecting to be able to bend or tear it away to get at the "prize" but the stuff does not bend, and has an edge even more dangerous than the implement used to cut into it. So then I have to cut all the way around the gadget and hope that I can pull the plastic apart without shedding any blood. If somebody knows a better way to get into this type of packaging, please let me know! __________________ .. ..Franca ..

12-31-2005, 11:53 AM	#9
Franca Staff Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Monterey Bay area, CA Posts: 2,226	Medicine bottle seals ... I finally determined that the best way to deal with those is to take the "wrong" end of a toothbrush (or other common bathroom implement) and simply punch through them. Same effect as making your cross with the razor blade but so much more gratifying. __________________ .. ..Franca ..

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12-29-2005, 06:33 PM	#10
Robin Springall Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ealing Common, London W5, where I duplicate CDs and DVDs. Posts: 1,259	LOL! Yes, I quite agree - in my case it was a USB card reader. The packaging was totally wrecked by the time I managed to get the damn thing out, so when I found that it didn't take the XD card that my Mum's camera uses, I couldn't even return it! Actually, do be careful of this with card readers if you use an XD card: it has the same connector as the SD variety, the same width, but half the length. So you push the thing right into the reader, then try and get it back out!...