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Pull-Start Computer (lawnmower-like)

 Incorporate a pull-cord starting mechanism into your computer
  (+3, -1)
(+3, -1) 		  [vote for,
against]

Complete your new top-of-the-line high-spec "beast" computer with the ultimate accessory: a pull-cord which is used to start the computer and it's cooling fans.

The pull-cord would operate in a similar way to the starting mechanism on most lawn-mowers. Simply pull the cord repeatedly (usually many more times than supposedly required ;) until your computer starts. For maximum effect(not 100% neccessary though), the cooling fans could run on petrol to get that athentic smell :)

Imagine impressing your friends by starting your "beast" with a pull-cord!

—Achenar, Jul 10 2004

Harley Keys http://www.halfbake.../idea/Harley_20Keys
[Amos Kito, Oct 04 2004]

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       Will the Pull-Start Computer (lawnmower-like) clear my working area of unwanted bills and spirally pencil shavings?
—skinflaps, Jul 10 2004
   

       Would it be smart enough to mow the lawn?
—ldischler, Jul 10 2004
   

       I'd suggest the slight modification of "Pull-Start like a Chainsaw" or "ATV". That sounds more exciting than starting a lawnmower.
Otherwise, I'd prefer kick-start, which could be combined with Harley Keys [link].
—Amos Kito, Jul 10 2004
   

       BTW, some electric motors used to require manual starting (actually, some still will, if the starting capacitors fail)
—supercat, Jul 10 2004
   

       Pull start on an ATV? what do you drive?
—swimr, Jul 10 2004
   

       A keystart computer would be interesting.
—Detly, Jul 10 2004
   

       keystart would be very geek, pullstart even more so. windows me users would develop great arm strength.   

       i would think the keystart would be a no-brainer for computer case mod geeks. (+)
—xclamp, Jul 10 2004
   

       heh heh heh.
—yellowblueberries, Jul 10 2004
   

       Variation (one I'd vote for): Internal combustion PC. A gas powered portable computer.
—phoenix, Jul 11 2004
   

       I can see this as part of a novelty, push mower-shaped case. It would have a shortened handle. The throttles and such would control fan speed and lights. The pull cord would control power/reset. The gas cap would be the fill cap for the water cooling system. The heat fins for the cylinder would be part of the radiator for the cooling system. A heat exchanger's exhaust would be through the holes in the muffler. The priming bulb would be for the water pump. The actual mowing deck would be where the motherboard and possibly a very large, horizontally mounted fan would go. The cosmetic plate on the front of the "engine" would swing up for the drive bays.
—fogfreak, Jul 11 2004
   

       And a little Model T hand crank for my mouse.
—FarmerJohn, Jul 11 2004
   

       The coolest super cars have a large red button to start the engine, rather than a key, hand crank, cable pull etc (imagine starting your lambo Gallardo with a lawnmower pull, would it really look cool?) So a really cool alternative to this would be a large red button with start written on it. Awfully similar to current PC design though.   

       Petrol power, now that's something I could go for. How about a 550bhp 6 litre Pentium IV with straight through exhaust and twin turbo. Only problem is, when I drive it, the windows fall out!
—WYBloke, Jul 12 2004
   

       I'd like to see this feature on game consoles like the XBox, and rigged so you have to re-pull after every round of your game. That way it would force couch potato gamer kids to get a little exercise now and then.
—krelnik, Jul 12 2004
   

       This is semi-baked in Internet Explorer. When I click on a link, occasionally the screen just comes up blank and says "Done". I have to hit Refresh 5 or 6 times before it finally decides to actually load the page.
—phundug, Jul 12 2004
   

       BTW, I forgot to mention--some older computers had (or developed) kick-start hard drives. The drives wouldn't start spinning on powerup until they were kicked (or hit, or otherwise mechanically jarred).
—supercat, Jul 12 2004
   

       The thought of pull-starting a computer is the funniest thing I've imagined in quite a while. LMAO!
—uc_slig, Jan 04 2005
   

       I've heard that computers use most power when starting up so this would be environmentally sound, especially if coupled with a wind up power supply
—rambling_sid, Jan 04 2005
   


 

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