Since MWeston, Notaz, and Craigix all seem to agree that the device isn't really usable with the hinge in the half-open "notebook" configuration, perhaps the lead image on OpenPandora.org should be changed?
Erm, wait what? That's pretty much exclusively how I intended to use it as it was going to sit on my desk. It's not going to be any use fully open because I'd have to be standing over it...
This seems to be an interpretive thing, as in you could interpret the data as given in two different slants/interpretations. I read them as these:
Optimisitc Interpretation:
The hinge has only 1 "lock" position, plus of course closed. That "lock" position is pretty wide open (around 160/170 degrees I think). However, the hinge is fairly firm and doesn't flop about badly until you've opened and closed the lid viciously 1000 times, so while you can't walk and play (and get run over) without risk to your fingers from snapping shut, you should be fine if you're sat still.
There are videos of incomplete Pandoras, with sticky tape (or not!) instead of screws where the lid flaps about in the wind, and there is one Pandora that Craig is under investigation for abusing right now, which Notaz cuirrently has, whose hinge is cracked and so floppy.
Pessimistic Interpretation:
The hinge has only 1 "lock" position, plus of course closed. So it can only be used in one position. Innit?
Without actually handling one, obviously I can't say which of those might be closest to the truth - I don't know just how vigorously you have to move to be able to jog the screen enough for it to close on your fingers. Craig seemed, fairly recently, to be saying the lid seemed fairly firm requiring considerable push to move, but it seemed in the video as if it took less force than the weight of the base to open up (i.e. the unit didn't need to be held down to open the lid further) so it's not really REALLY tight.
Since MWeston, Notaz, and Craigix all seem to agree that the device isn't really usable with the hinge in the half-open "notebook" configuration, perhaps the lead image on OpenPandora.org should be changed?
No, it shouldn't, because that's actually a classic, and great representation of a display, or 'on display' shot. Not practical in general use, but it works wonders for advertising (and in my eyes it screams out class). 
EDIT: Image added.
Without conceeding that the unit cannot be used in that manner - as I don't have the data to do that - I suspect Andy's comment revolves not around marketing considerations but ethical ones, possibly even legal ones. You know, like trading standards and stuff. If you advertise something a certain way, it's good morally (and sometimes legally) if it can actually do that, as the advertising could be taken as being "misleading" otherwise.
Like I say - I'm not convinced that OpenPandora have actually said that the unit can't be used this way, and I suspect they'll argue it can/could (but possibly you wouldn't want to, once you try it).
I wish that the hinge had multiple locking positions, myself, as that would be handy in its own right but also prevent anyone worrying about the issue - as it wouldn't be one.
Edited by Monk, 03 February 2010 - 08:59 PM.
