assette housing itself is smooth and cool to the touch. Words, letters, and numbers are somehow embossed across the top, and these feel slightly upraised to the fingers. On the top of the housing, on either side, there are small areas cut out as if on three sides of a square, leaving a piece of the housing extended like a small platform held on by the one side still attached to the cassette. On either side of the cassette, near the bottom, there is a 3/4 inch piece extended out from the housing like a small flange, perhaps having some purpose when the cassette is in use.
The ribbon-like material inside can be moved from one side to the other by turning the opposing capstan, which then draws the ribbon through the cassette and in time increases the amount on the second capstan while reducing the amount on the first accordingly. If you shake the cassette, it is clear that these capstans are not attacked but are held in place loosely so they can be turned. Shaking the cassette causes them to move and to make a sound as they shift back and forth in the hole where they are held. Inside that hole is a circle of white teeth pointing into the hole, six in each capstan. These teeth make it easier to turn the capstan by placing something in the hole to engage the teeth.
Tying a shoelace involves several operations and decisions having nothing to do with the shoelace itself. It is necessary first either to sit down or to find a place where you can lift your foot and place it on some object to keep it elevated so you can reach the laces. After trying each of the methods, sitting is seen as the most comfortable, though it is often not a viable option when one is out on the street or in some place with no place to sit. You could also simply stoop down with one foot in front of you so you could reach it, but this can be uncomfortable. It does work, though, and is useful when you cannot find a place to sit or some way to elevate your...