On Wed, Feb 24, 2010 at 10:10 PM, Olin Lathrop
<olin_piclist@embedinc.com> wrote:

>> The cost adder of USB-Prog 2 compared to USB-Prog is US$45
>> and IMHO it deserves a better looking casing.
>
> You still haven't said what constitutes "better looking" other than not so
> tall. =A0I'd like it flatter too, but couldn't find a suitable box off the
> shelf.

Maybe "Off The Shelf" is the key phrase here. To be of lower
cost, you have to use off-the-shelf mechanical parts, then
you have to live with the limitations. I think you have already
done a reasonable good job.

I do not like the following. I have said that I am a bit particular in
this case. It is just a personal taste sometimes.

1) The size: it is bigger than necessary

2) Just the color and the grossy looking sidewalls put me
a bit off. It is not too bad but it certainly is not good. This
one you can not solve easily.

3) The shape of the housing somewhat makes me think
the casing is like a super-sized cheap telephone
extension Jack. Sorry but this is my first impression.

4) You have already mentioned that: the LED sticking out

5) The printing itself is not bad. But to compensate the
looking of the housing plastics, maybe some labels
would help. Or more printing would help.

I totally understand your situation, molding cost is a
significant problem for many people, especially for
low running rate product. In fact, it is significant cost
for us as well.

I do not know the solution. Russell mentions to go
China, that is a possible solution. But it is not as
easy as you might think, especially in a corporate
setup.

-- =

Xiaofan http://mcuee.blogspot.com

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