PDP-1 (was Re: OT and getting further OT...)

[Eric Smith]

Adrian wrote:
> The laser scanning head used in domestic CD players is what I'm referring
> to
> - its design hasn't changed because it does it's job......

I don't recall ever seeing a similar mechanism in a product predating
the CD player.  It's fairly specialized, and wouldn't be of much use
for anything other than reading optical disks.  For instance, other than
optical disks, what would need both coarse and fine tracking control
systems, and the ability to focus to a micron-sized spot?

There actually are several entirely different variations in the focus
mechansim, so I wouldn't really say that its design hasn't changed
over the years.

Eric