suggestions to pack & ship a (black) 5500

[Trash80toHP_Mini]

Cool, I'd consider myself lucky. Did you remove the lower bezel bits for the trip? I would have.

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

I didn't remove any parts, although in my case the clips for the bottom drive bezel were already broken when I received the unit.

 

[Durosity]

Just fyi taking off the plastic shell is actually very easy in these, it basically breaks apart into 3 parts with about 6 screws. The computer itself is mostly enclosed in a metal shell so if the plastic is carefully removed the shell will be fairly robust

 

[adespoton]

Just fyi taking off the plastic shell is actually very easy in these, it basically breaks apart into 3 parts with about 6 screws. The computer itself is mostly enclosed in a metal shell so if the plastic is carefully removed the shell will be fairly robust

Sorry; your "it basically breaks apart" phrase triggered my shipping PTSD

Something I've found helps for the plastic is wrapping it in shipping clingfilm -- seems to absorb impact, preserve structure and even insulate a bit against temperature changes during shipping. The challenges here are in protecting the plastics, and protecting the circuit boards from becoming unseated.

 

[ObeyDaleks]

Pool noodles (not kidding).