Chapter 32. Cases

The case is your computer. It's what you kick when it won't behave. It's the big, bulky box that makes too much noise and takes up too much space—except if you have a notebook computer. It's the thing that gets in the way, the thing you pay too much for. It's all the things that you hate about your computer.

The case is the most visible part of your computer. It's the most physical. But don't be misled. The physical side of your computer's case is almost trivial. It's almost all style. Although the substance of it is vital for holding your computer together, that's all blacksmith technology. The case is no mere shell. It is a sophisticated piece of engineering. In addition to its mechanical function, it also serves to keep your computer cool, thereby extending the life of its circuits. In addition, the case is a protective shield that looks after you as well as the delicate circuits inside. It even protects the world from the high-frequency (and low) signals inside.