Journal: News & Comment

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Leaving on a jet plane

Most computers are too noisy. The generic Windows PC we have upstairs (and on which I'm typing this) has a fan with a solid, constant whine. The hard disk and CD-ROM drive add to the problem. Whenever I turn it off I'm shocked at how quiet the room becomes.

Computer noise is more than an annoyance: it can lower productivity and contribute to health problems and stress. If you've ever taken a long trip on a jet airplane, you've probably noticed that the persistent white noise can be irritating and prevent you from resting. Although jet cabin noise is around 75 dB and computers are rarely louder than 50 dB, most of us (other than pilots and cabin crew) don't spend hours a day every day in aircraft -- while we do that with computers.

Quieter computer parts aren't that expensive, but until recently noise reduction hasn't been much of a design factor for our workstations. Apple Computer changed that with their first fanless iMacs a couple of years ago, as well as the discontinued Power Mac G4 Cube. (In truth, the original Apple II and earliest Macintosh computers were even quieter -- they had no fans, and their only moving parts at all were in the floppy disk drives). Their more recent designs require fans, but the company has made an effort to use the quietest possible parts.

In time, noise levels may become a general concern with computers, as they have with cars. I'd like that. I see little evidence so far, however.

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