I think that it is fantastic that a vendor such as yourself is working directly with a manufacturer as well known as them. I think it is very rare to see this in any industry, where the vendors have a role in the engineering process of a product. I can't say how much I would love to be in your shoes. In saying that, perhaps my own personal lack of knowledge and experience is a detriment to me at this time, but perhaps that may change in the future.
chriscoffee Said:
For example I hated the previous timer now it is built in
One of the biggest concerns I had about the timer was that the batteries were soldered in. (At least from what I've read on topics relating to the topic.) I've seen soldered in batteries in computers, vintage video games, pinball machines and other electronic devices and the same damn thing always happens. The battery gets old, starts leaking onto the PCB, corroding and damaging it. Worse case scenario, the leakage damages an adjacent circuit and causes a failure. I can understand that from an engineering point of view that it costs money to put in a battery compartment, but it all comes down to the longevity of the device, right? I hate soldering in new batteries.
chriscoffee Said:
I am a big Apple guy and I like touch screen application so to do the Italians.
For those on the thread who are concerned about the longevity of touch screens, consider the abuse that the touch screen on multifunction copier/printer/fax/scanner devices take every day in the busy routine of an office. I've seen people poke them with pens, bash on them repeatedly and just generally see heavy use. I'm sure that La Spaziale will spec out a LCD touch screen which is somewhat similar to the ones that Ricoh or Xerox use. In which case, if my own practical experience is any indication, the possibility of failure of one of these touch screens in a home or light commercial environment would be very low and shouldn't impact the reliability of the machine at all.
I know this may be a little off-topic, but IMO Apple designs some absolutely beautiful hardware. It's not necessarily the best bang for the buck, (Again IMO) but Apple knows industrial design and that reflects in their products. The Macbook Air and the iPhones/iPods are works of art. I'll admit that I'm more a PC guy, but I can also appreciate the beauty of a nicely designed case. Like the Fractal Design Arc Mini or the Thermaltake Level 10 series. A beautiful computer case does not make a computer any more powerful, but it certainly does make it easier to look at.
chriscoffee Said:
I am including with each machine a Simm card reader and writer that simply plugs into the front of the machine.
Good idea. I think I would draw the line at an Ethernet Port, LOL! :-) I think this would make things interesting because it would allow the less experienced Barista to try settings which a more experienced Barista would know. I can see it now.. People uploading brew profiles to a forum for other people to try out, comment and to see what they think. Coming from a 15-year IT background, I actually find this idea very exciting.
I personally love the idea of an experienced roaster handing out cheap promo USB keys for use with these La Spaziale machines for their blends. I can procure promotional USB keys for less than 20 cents each, seems like a very small expense when someone is paying $16-$20/lb for a bag of beans.
chriscoffee Said:
you will be able to go to my site and down load the latest version of the software and upload it to your machine.
zedex Senior Member Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 126 Location: B.C Canada Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Spaz v2 Grinder: vario
Posted Sat Oct 27, 2012, 6:30pm Subject: Re: New La Spaziale 'Dream Machine' from CCS???
So. It sounds like software upgrades and cosmetics. The body of the machine looks the same other than brushed SS and glossy sides. I bet the drip tray is identical .
Endo Senior Member Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 804 Location: , location, location. Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: machine is < important than... Grinder: !
Posted Sat Oct 27, 2012, 7:22pm Subject: Re: New La Spaziale 'Dream Machine' from CCS???
zedex Said:
So. It sounds like software upgrades and cosmetics. The body of the machine looks the same other than brushed SS and glossy sides. I bet the drip tray is identical .
Let's not make it sound like a simple cosmetic change. While I agree the plumbing will stay the same, the upgrades they made (modern electronics, interface and cosmetics) are all the machine really needed to put it in a class of its own. They aren't about to change metal jigs or plastic molds they have already spent thousands on. If they did, it would take forever for this family business to recoupe their investment.
I'm really impressed they continue to improve on this great design. I think it's an awesome machine and would be an EASY first pick for me ....if I already didn't have one (the old one that is). :-(
zedex Senior Member Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 126 Location: B.C Canada Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Spaz v2 Grinder: vario
Posted Sat Oct 27, 2012, 8:02pm Subject: Re: New La Spaziale 'Dream Machine' from CCS???
Yes. Its good news because if i did upgrade down the road (if i got a decent $ for mine) my drip tray would fit in the machine. You never know when upgradeitus will hit .
zedex Senior Member Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 126 Location: B.C Canada Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Spaz v2 Grinder: vario
Posted Sun Oct 28, 2012, 4:37pm Subject: Re: New La Spaziale 'Dream Machine' from CCS???
Yea. I don't believe it either. What i do believe though is it would be cost prohibitive .Once someone gets there mitts on one we will know for sure. But i looks to me like its all software upgrades. It would be an easy swap other than dremelling the front panel.
Endo Senior Member Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 804 Location: , location, location. Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: machine is < important than... Grinder: !
Posted Mon Oct 29, 2012, 5:01am Subject: Re: New La Spaziale 'Dream Machine' from CCS???
I would say "all electrical" upgrades. Probably means replacing the black box and wiring harness. I probably replace the whole front cover which includes the LCD panel. Likely in the $500 range for everything, but I don't see any show stoppers here.
zedex Senior Member Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 126 Location: B.C Canada Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Spaz v2 Grinder: vario
Posted Mon Oct 29, 2012, 7:51am Subject: Re: New La Spaziale 'Dream Machine' from CCS???
+ usb cutout on the lower panel. The front panel wont work on our machine as the steam knob looks horizontal and on the v2 its on an angle. It would be great do have an accurate timer, as my timer lost 1 hour today. Im thinking it was programmed incorrectly to allow time change today instead of November 4.
Endo Senior Member Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 804 Location: , location, location. Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: machine is < important than... Grinder: !
Posted Mon Oct 29, 2012, 4:20pm Subject: Re: New La Spaziale 'Dream Machine' from CCS???
zedex Said:
+ usb cutout on the lower panel. The front panel wont work on our machine as the steam knob looks horizontal and on the v2 its on an angle. It would be great do have an accurate timer, as my timer lost 1 hour today. Im thinking it was programmed incorrectly to allow time change today instead of November 4.
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