Re: PDF v paper

[Don Timmerman <timmerma -at- IPDLINK -dot- IPD -dot- ANL -dot- GOV>]

>On-line documentation is a far superior format. No one can argue that
>full-colour graphics, audible instructions and animated screen-shots aren't
>superior to a black and white text.



     I think the user has to determine which format is superior.  No doubt
     on-line docs may be far superior for some applications, but I can't
     see a mechanic descending into a steam pit (where the temperature is
     100 degrees F and the humidity is about 90 percent) carrying a laptop
     (which the company will never buy him anyway) so he can validate the
     position of 50 or so steam and condensate valves before he begins his
     work.  I forgot to tell you, the mechanic also has no place to lay his
     laptop except on a hot steam or condensate line (200 to 300 degrees)
     because the concrete floor is covered with water and there aren't any
     desks in a steam pit.  When he is done with his work, he climbs out of
     the steam pit and the temperature is 15 degrees F (because it's winter
     in Chicago) and all that humidity inside the laptop just condensed on
     all the internal components.

     I think the mechanic will prefer a one-page drawing to the on-line
     doc.

     Don Timmerman
     Argonne National Laboratory (near Chicago)

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