removing CDs from slimcases--how to easily???

[rudi]

The subject of slimcases was discussed on rec.music.cd last September or so,
but I didn't pay much attention as I didn't have any then. The past month,
however, brought in an influx of the slimcases.

HOW DOES ONE QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY REMOVE THE CDs WITHOUT DAMAGING THEM?

Removing the Cds takes so much effort, even with the case on a flat surface,
that one fears the CD will break due to its extreme flexing. This is no
small consideration, especially if the album is an expensive bootleg. I
can't imagine trying to remove the CDs standing in front of one's CD player.
These cases must be a real hassle for people with arthritis or other
disabilities.

There are at least three types of slimcases:
(1) "2 CD" on the left front, the Cd inlay opening "backwards" from left to
right. Each CD is held in by 4 *hefty* tabs (8 total).
(2) "Double" on the left front, the Cd inlay opening from right to left.
Each CD is held in by 6 plastic tabs with *flat* tops (12 total).
(3) "2 CD" three times on the left front, the Cd inlay opening from right to
left. Each CD is held in by 6 plastic tabs with *tapered* tops (12
total).

Type (2) is the best. The CD comes out reasonably easily if one presses on
one or two tabs with a blunt instrument or one's fingers (don't chew your
nails folks). These doesn't work with type (3) due to the tapering of the
tabs or with type (1) due to the heftiness of the tabs.

Would removing some (maybe half) of the tabs ease removal of the CDs?
Repackaging is NOT the answer as the paper insert would fit only one regular
case.

This is a good idea (to save space, shipping costs, etc.) gone wrong, but
one that needs improvement. Whoever invented these damn things should go to
hell and spend their eternity opening these things, especially type (1)
above.

--Rudi Schmid, Integrative Biology, UC Berkeley (sch...@garnet.berkeley.edu)

[Lazlo Nibble]

rudi <sch...@garnet.berkeley.edu> wrote:

> HOW DOES ONE QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY REMOVE THE CDs WITHOUT DAMAGING THEM?

I've seen several models of slimline 2-disc cases and have only had problems
with one. The others are as easy to get discs in and out of as any standard
jewel box.

If you're really concerned about this, check the shops in your area to see
if any of them offer the easy in/out cases, and replace the cases you're
concerned about. Or use a fine-grain sandpaper and sand away some of the
plastic from the tabs that hold the disc in place.

--
Lazlo (la...@unm.edu)