Ask HN: When did people stop being told not to eat or drink around computers?

Re:Ask HN: When did people stop being told not to eat or dri... by pkrotich on Sunday August 28, 2022 @05:30PM (#32632246)

I remember how expensive computers were back in late 90s and early 00s - I think that was primarily the source of the warning especially if one could afford a laptop. In college I worked in computer lab and drinks without lids were banned although the only potential damage was just to the keyboard and perhaps monitor - with the PC ducked away under the desk.

That said, a couple of years ago one of my employees accidentally spilled a cup of sweet tea on a brand new costly MacBook Pro and fried it. (Here is a fun fact - Apple limited warranty does not cover liquid damage and AppleCare+ only covers up to 2 incidents!)

I almost added a policy but quickly realized it wasn’t going to work especially when coffee is almost a requirement for many of us - so instead, I decided to add AppleCare+ and also cover equipments via general liability insurance and hope for the best.

This reminds me that the last decade or so, we all collectively had panic about smartphones & driving - some states even have laws against it. But everyone now drives entirely clued to their phone - it’s scary to observe but I guess we’ve evolved to have a third eye or something in addition to collision avoidance tech in modern cars!

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: When did people stop being told not to eat or dri... by GekkePrutser on Sunday August 28, 2022 @07:40PM (#32633281)

> But everyone now drives entirely clued to their phone - it’s scary to observe but I guess we’ve evolved to have a third eye or something in addition to collision avoidance tech in modern cars!

Uhh wut? I'm surprised to hear that. In the Netherlands it's the total opposite. In the late 90s I used to call and text like crazy. I could even blind type SMS. I also had a 2-way radio for chitchat during driving. It was normal. And legal.

Now nobody does it anymore because the penalties are so high. I don't live there anymore but the last time I drove, in Ireland, the fine was €1500 + a third of a licence worth of penalty points.

I'm pretty sure must of Europe has this kind of law and it's pretty effective. Traffic has become a lot busier too so it's kinda necessary. Navigating with the phone in a holder is still allowed.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: When did people stop being told not to eat or dri... by elzbardico on Monday August 29, 2022 @08:33AM (#32637377)

Driving in Northern Europe or Germany is a completely different experience than in almost anywhere else in the world or specially in the Americas. People actually follow the laws for the most part, they drive defensively, which usually boils down to breaking instead of honking in anger to avoid accidents. In general, compared to the US and South America you get the impression that people are actually paying attention to what they are doing behind the wheels. Of course, as a tourist maybe I looked at things with rose-tinted glasses, YMMV

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: When did people stop being told not to eat or dri... by pkrotich on Monday August 29, 2022 @12:18AM (#32634759)

My observation is fairly limited, not sure how the rest of the country fair, but in Louisiana I literely see people texting or swipping on the phone while driving everyday! I know we do have laws in the books but they're not enforced at all! Last time I heard of someone getting a ticket was back in 2015 or so.

[ Parent | on HN ]