This idea was created by my dear mother.

I have always hated plugging anything into the back of a computer because it is so hard to see back there and generally, it is also dark, too.

So she told me what was needed were lights in the back of the CPU.

In short, near every socket, have a corresponding LED of a certain color near each socket, as the sockets are already color-coded (IE: Green for mouse, blue for monitor, purple for the keyboard...)

Either that, or a larger light just to light up the entire back when switched on, a flourescent light, running across the top.

Kudos go to my dear mother.
-- DesertFox, Dec 05 2005

Certainly something the case-modders would go for. Personally I just get a flashlight, but I can see the appeal.
-- 5th Earth, Dec 06 2005


Ditto on the flashlights, but I vastly prefer the models where you can plug commonly used and removed cables into the front.
-- DrCurry, Dec 06 2005


[Pa've]: Allow me to put on my geek cap... ah, here we go.

*snerk* Bluetooth... *breaks into uncontrolled laughter*

Eh... sorry, you were saying? (apologies for the rampant sarcasm)
-- 5th Earth, Dec 07 2005


I've used the swiveling desk lanp for ages. But a damn fine gift idea. Just in time for the holiday season.
-- Letsbuildafort, Dec 07 2005


what about an angled mirror?
-- Yosarian, Dec 07 2005


There are some ideas (like this one) that are so obvious, have such practical applications, so simple to implement and just show such a great clarity of thought and depth of understanding that you just have to ask yourself - what the Hell is this idea doing in the HB?
-- coprocephalous, Dec 07 2005


Well, it wasn't created by a HB user?

That's my guess.
-- Cuit_au_Four, Dec 08 2005


You would need to fully illuminate the rear of the PC because even though the corrosponding LED can identify the location of the periphial connections you would still need to know the correct orientation so as not to fumble around in attempt to get the monitor cable going in the right direction. A toggle switch on the front of the case would be a good idea so that the light isnt burning 100% of the time.

Personally I use one of those USB powered lights that is used to illuminate the keyboard on a laptop.
-- Jscotty, Dec 08 2005


Why do most things still connect to the back anyways?
-- RayfordSteele, Dec 11 2005


So that it would have a neat appearence. Have you ever seen some of these PC's with a jungle of wires in front of their tower draping across the front of the desk or pulled around the side of the computer?
-- Jscotty, Dec 11 2005


This would also be a great help to me when I'm reversing my CPU in under my desk without me having to install parking sensors. Fog lamps would also help for when I've fried another board and there's smoke everywhere.
-- wagster, Dec 12 2005


Fog lights for your PC! Now THAT'S and idea!
-- Jscotty, Dec 12 2005


Sure, we could do hazard lights and a horn while we're about it. And make it smell of dog.
-- wagster, Dec 12 2005


Just had this issue last night, after we found all our flashlight batteries were dead. We ended up using a candle to light the back of the thing. I was struck by the irony.
-- PollyNo9, Dec 14 2005


Cigarette lighter, two nights ago, burnt thumb. Therefore, [+]
-- BunsenHoneydew, Dec 16 2005


Just a little notice: I was in Sam's (an American bulk retail outlet of Wal-Mart) and they had a couple systems for Home Theater PC (HTPC) use, with most all the connectors in the front with little doors to go over them.

A couple of months ago I saw where a guy had modded a PC for use in his shop like that, all openings for drives, connectors, and cables on the front. Admittedly it wasn't pretty (Sawzall cuts never are) but it wasn't meant for the living room, either.
-- rallen71366, Dec 16 2005


A true geek can do it by feel.
-- Giblet, Dec 17 2005


Thats a case you're talking about there, son. A CPU, otherwise known as a processor, is a little chip.
-- Voice, May 01 2008



random, halfbakery