computers and solid tubs
Regarding the computer, I see it as a value neutral technology that is and will be used and misused! The internet and computers just expand on life's strange paradoxes. A big plus as noted above, is that we can find each other. The downside is the tendency of adolescent younger people to use social media to create a "virtual self" with virtual "friends" but can't look a real person in the eye and will be devastated by being "unfriended."
Another plus is the vast information on odd-ball equipment, yet if it's NOT in the computer somewhere, then that thing or thought is assumed to not exist. And worse yet, a piece of misinformation tends to propagate and never go away.
A computer as a washing machine control has always made me react with a cringe since it's been used to make a cheap replacement for an expensive mechanical timer. And computers have been used to automate simple processes like washing cloths in such a way to give me fewer choices rather than more. I tend to wash clothes in such a way that puts me in a battle with automatic controls. I guess that's why using a wringer washer is not something I find disagreeable.
But it comes down to the intent of the engineers and bean counters. Computer controls can be made bulletproof and flexible, more so than a mechanical one, but a great electronic control will cost as much to make as a great mechanical one. If the engineers decide to be patronizing and dumb down the software and lock out the desires of the user, then I blow a gasket because their attitude infects my "user experience." My inner anti-authoritarian bristles at electronic controls that won't let ME make decisions! If the bean counters decide to cheapify the controls so that they are unreliable and short lived then I'm really pissed. And if the MBA's in management decide to use future replacement of unreliable electronic controls as a revenue stream, then I'm angry enough to have the unit crushed and delivered to their front door.
But I typically don't have these problems. I won't buy in to the mindless consumerist role as a citizen. I doubt any one here does either! We really are statistical outliers which, of course, doesn't bode well for seeing a retro solid tub washer coming to market.
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Regarding the thought of an HE solid tub TL, the Apex wash-a-matic really does seem the ideal design since the whole tub creates turnover, even dry. Looking at consumer complaints about HE TL machines, the lack of turnover and ability to wet all the cloths is the biggest issue. I swear the Apex could wet clothes and turn them over without having to use one tablespoon more water than is necessary to fully saturate the clothing. It could be monitored with an excellent computer/sensor arrangement. Would more water be better? Sure. But I dare say it would be a leap ahead of current HE TL technology.
Just my 2 bits (inflation, you know).
Regarding the computer, I see it as a value neutral technology that is and will be used and misused! The internet and computers just expand on life's strange paradoxes. A big plus as noted above, is that we can find each other. The downside is the tendency of adolescent younger people to use social media to create a "virtual self" with virtual "friends" but can't look a real person in the eye and will be devastated by being "unfriended."
Another plus is the vast information on odd-ball equipment, yet if it's NOT in the computer somewhere, then that thing or thought is assumed to not exist. And worse yet, a piece of misinformation tends to propagate and never go away.
A computer as a washing machine control has always made me react with a cringe since it's been used to make a cheap replacement for an expensive mechanical timer. And computers have been used to automate simple processes like washing cloths in such a way to give me fewer choices rather than more. I tend to wash clothes in such a way that puts me in a battle with automatic controls. I guess that's why using a wringer washer is not something I find disagreeable.
But it comes down to the intent of the engineers and bean counters. Computer controls can be made bulletproof and flexible, more so than a mechanical one, but a great electronic control will cost as much to make as a great mechanical one. If the engineers decide to be patronizing and dumb down the software and lock out the desires of the user, then I blow a gasket because their attitude infects my "user experience." My inner anti-authoritarian bristles at electronic controls that won't let ME make decisions! If the bean counters decide to cheapify the controls so that they are unreliable and short lived then I'm really pissed. And if the MBA's in management decide to use future replacement of unreliable electronic controls as a revenue stream, then I'm angry enough to have the unit crushed and delivered to their front door.
But I typically don't have these problems. I won't buy in to the mindless consumerist role as a citizen. I doubt any one here does either! We really are statistical outliers which, of course, doesn't bode well for seeing a retro solid tub washer coming to market.
===
Regarding the thought of an HE solid tub TL, the Apex wash-a-matic really does seem the ideal design since the whole tub creates turnover, even dry. Looking at consumer complaints about HE TL machines, the lack of turnover and ability to wet all the cloths is the biggest issue. I swear the Apex could wet clothes and turn them over without having to use one tablespoon more water than is necessary to fully saturate the clothing. It could be monitored with an excellent computer/sensor arrangement. Would more water be better? Sure. But I dare say it would be a leap ahead of current HE TL technology.
Just my 2 bits (inflation, you know).
