BBC News Laptops

I know there's already a thread about laptops but this is really just a quick question about the BBC News ones.

I was just wondering if anyone knew the manufacturer of them? I noticed on the 6 today a round logo on the back of Sophie's laptop but couldn't make out the name . . . it's not Dell is it? lol

Anyhoo - if anyone could help me out it would be much appreciated. Ta.

It's Dell.

And anyone else who's asking.

The laptops display ENPS. They were bought by some dodgy bloke down at Kings X for fifty quid a piece and no, you can't have one.

On BBC News programmes I have seen dell laptoms mainly, and a few apples with the apple covered up with duck tape...

I'd think they are Dells - I believe the BBC have some sort of contract with Dell to provide new machines as and when they upgrade their old Compaq computers in various offices and newsrooms round the country.

I'd also be inclined to believe that the Dell badge is obscured or painted over so that it doesn't show on air (the BBC seem to do the brand obscuring thing on TV programmes such as Smart or Blue Peter and don't use brand names when referring to such products - i.e. sticky tape instead of Sellotape, which is a brand name.).

You mean "Duct tape".

Except it's called "Gaffer tape" in the entertainment industry, and it's not quite the same thing.

For more interesting information about "Gaffer tape", there is a special fly-on-the-wall documentary, called "The 'Real' Office". later in the year on BBC3.

I'm not kidding, either.

There is a brand of duct tape called Duck Tape though...

Yes, and they sell "Duck Brand Duct Tape". They're owned by Henkel.

I think you'll find its *my* turn to be the smart alec today.

Why do people in films always use it to tie people up with, and cover their mouths. Yes it will tie someone up, but over your mouth just get stick your tongue out and it will almost fall off. I do love gaffer tape mind you, so so very useful for "temporary" fixing dodgy lighting rigs etc.

Why do they call it gaffer tape anyway?

Some think it's from the term "gaffer" (the head lighting technician in film and tv), but others disagree. I've heard different explanations from different people.

Because it's much used by gaffers (chief electricians) on film sets

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