The stands look very much like a few models of Dell i have at my work.

Ahhh, thanks! It’s been quite a while since I read them.

I read A deepness in the Sky years ago and loved it, and just today got a copy of Children of Time :)

While not Spider related, A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge is really good. It’s sort of the prequel to A Deepness in the Sky.

I agree. I enjoyed most of the season, but Common (Sims) consistently ruined any immersion for me.