Libretto/RCT Review

[Don Mannino]

Carl,

I'm using a PC laptop with a large screen, and I do not recommend it for
tuning purposes.  One of the smaller computers is better. Even the
libretto becomes fine once you plug in a monitor and keyboard at home to
do the real work!

 Besides getting in the way (even opening the lid with the computer
inside a grand tends to hit the bottom of the piano lid) it makes the
piano kind of tippy - wrestling with tight tuning pins on an upright
while watching the computer rock around is kind of scary.

I usually set the computer next to the piano on a chair or table,
though, so I avoid any real risks.

Get a docking station and plug the computer into it when you get home.
Then the smaller screen won't be such a drag when not tuning.

Don Mannino

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-pianotech@ptg.org 
> [mailto:owner-pianotech@ptg.org]On Behalf
> Of Carl Root
> Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 1998 5:22 AM
> To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject: Re: Libretto/RCT Review
> 
> 
> PDtek@AOL.COM wrote:
> > . . . . . . one of the biggest arguments many have against
> > the use of the RCT software. That is the cumbersome nature 
> of the standard
> > size laptops, especially as to where to place the laptop on 
> vertical pianos. I
> > realize that many tuners have come to terms with the 
> standard size laptops and
> > have found suitable solutions that work for them. 
> 
> I expect my copy of RCT to arrive any day now.  I plan to run it on my
> desktop next to my own piano to make sure I like it as much 
> as I expect
> to.  I will then have to decide what size laptop to buy.  
> Dean is trying
> to talk me out of the new G3's which measure something like 
> 12 X 12, but
> the large screen, full size keyboard, and other features sound
> attractive.  
> 
> I was thinking off modifying the Steinway triangular lid prop 
> design by
> adding a piece of 1/2" X 1/8" X 12" brass or steel mounted on the
> underside of the triangle.  An alternative would be a pair of 
> 2" X 1" X
> 1/2" blocks with a dovetail cut in one end that would slide in a
> dovetail track.  The blocks act as clamps or wedges that would form a
> stable shelf.  
> 
> I'd like to hear what other RCT users have done to solve this problem.
> 
> Carl Root, RPT
> 
>