HP Pavilion dv6 Trackpad
I recently had to set up a new HP Pavilion dv6 16″ Laptop. It came with Windows 7, 64-Bit. Aside from the fact that HP stole the keyboard design from the Apple Macbook and attempted to make their crappy plastic case look like Apple’s brushed aluminum, it’s not a bad computer. Except that it runs Windows.
Though no direct fault of Microsoft, the trackpad is the worst piece of pointing hardware I have ever used. The trackpad vacillates between totally dysfunctional and so aggravating I feel like moving back to pen and paper. I can only blame the limitations of the trackpad on HP or at least on HP’s choice to by cheap Synaptics hardware . Microsoft’s own poor software development habits are not at fault this time. Though some of the quirky behavior of the trackpad may be fixable with better software, the current driver support offers very limited maneuverability. The sensitivity is all wrong, it’s physically too small, and like many artifacts in the PC world that are core components of a computer, this one just doesn’t work well.
The Myth of USB 2.0
USB 2.0 was introduced to replace the limited USB 1.0 interface with something more robust and capable of handling faster data transfers for devices that required it. It was also introduced to combat with Apple’s Firewire-400. USB 2.0 claims to boast transfer speeds of 400Mbps.
Yet I sit here with a brand new HP Pavilion dv6 and a Western Digital MyBook 500GB external hard drive and can only muster 20Mbps. The MyBook is fully USB 2.0 compliant, as are all the ports on the Pavilion. Why would anyone advertise an interface as being capable of transferring data at a maximum speed of 400Mpbs, when I have never seen it – on any system or drive – move much faster than 20Mpbs. That’s a 95% decrease in the purported speed.
Lee, Williamstown
Great. I’ll be in touch. But your instructions were flawless, and the machine is running like new.
*****
Regarding: Optimizing a windows system following a spyware infection.
Lickety Split at Mass MoCA
Lickey Split at Mass MoCA is known for their ice cream, catering and cafe. With increasing numbers of people finding all three of their services online they decided to take their online identity into their own hands and develop an entirely fresh look. Tom and Kathy came to Brainspiral in look of a simple site and left with a new logo, email, and website. Additionally they now have a design specifically formatted for iPhone users that looks and feels like an iPhone app.
Check out their site and new logo at: http://licketysplitatmassmoca.com
Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition
BSCC was in need of a totally new look. They needed a logo, website and matching newsletter system. Using our WordPress based content management system we were able to provide all that they needed and more. Our expert graphic designer worked with them on a new logo and overall feel.
Visit their site at: http://berkshirestonewall.org
Child Care of the Berkshires
Child Care of the Berkshires was in need of a new webdesign and a content management system that their staff could easily use. Since their work is primarily with children and supporting young families a fun energetic youthful design was a must. They were also in need of a way to send custom e-newsletters to those interested. In addition to the site design we created a e-news template and system that fully integrates with our content management system.
Berkshire Hills Motel
Berkshire Hills Motel is a client we have been working with for years. Their old website was one of our firsts, back in the day. Long outdated, they needed a new fresh look reminding people that they are one of the best lodging options for travelers in Northern Berkshire County. Centrally located to many outdoor activities, featuring images of their property on Rte. 7 was key.
Kathy, North Adams
Thank you so much for setting me up [with my new iMac]. It is great. I loaded on photoshop elements 8 today that I got new a while back – so I am all set to go! At some point I will get some kind of publishing or indesign. Thanks!
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Regarding: Purchase and set-up of a new Apple iMac.
Mike, Williamstown
Posted by webadmin@brainspiral.com on September 27, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Hunter, I wanted you to know that Jackie did a great job the other day, and thank you for following up so quickly on my initial request. It’s good knowing you folks are in town!
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Regarding: Mac OS 10.6 System Optimizations; Compatibility checks with
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