My Early Impressions of the Lenovo Thinkpad T14

The major components, CPU, memory, ssd, display, keyboard, mainboard, power supply, cooling seem to function well and as expected. The cpu (and going with AMD was a major change) has performed well so far.

Now to the more annoying aspects:

• I use the track point buttons exclusively (trackpad clicking is turned off). the left button requires extra physical pressure to function correctly—even then not always does it work.
• The trackpad is not sensitive enough. Even with the sensitivity turned all the way up; it still just ignores some input.
• The trackpad also has the annoying attribute that the mouse will not move if it is accidentally touched with two fingers simultaneously—not a great design attribute.
• The wrist rest plastic and the bottom meet in the front corners in a less secure way (than the T470s). The left hand position causes the plastic to flex and creak (when will it break?).
• The wrist rest corners and edges are too sharp Especially the left, when using the track point left-click mouse button, is very uncomfortable.
• Using the USB C jack for power is not an industrial strength design. It is too small and too flimsy. If the A/C adapter USB C plug gets bumped, even slightly, I am sure it is going to damage the internal USB C jack. The previous rectangular “slim tip” was a much better and more reliable choice.
• I think that this keyboard is “noisier” than the T470s generation.

There you have it.

 

An Example of how Microsoft Views Software Stability and Robustness

This is right out of Microsoft's own official documentation. They are so busy off inventing the next latest change to the user interface that no one asked for that they can’t be bothered to stop and fix things that have been broken for years. There is a cultural problem at Microsoft that stems directly from it’s founder.

"Issues with the AutoComplete cache

This section describes known issues that can occur with the AutoComplete cache. The AutoComplete cache can become corrupted over time and may not save new entries. If this happens, you can try to remove individual entries from the list. To do this, see the How to remove AutoComplete list entries one at a time section. If that doesn't resolve the issue, the whole AutoComplete list can be reset. To do this, see the section titled "How to clear the whole AutoComplete list." "

 

GUI and Screen Size

It's past time for developers to learn two things: 

1 - Fixed size windows are POOR programming practice 

2 - Most users are NOT using 8K, 40+ inch screens 

What is a wonder is the arrogance of so-called software developers that they don't test their "beautiful" creations on a 12/13" laptop BEFORE they release it on an unsuspecting public. Windows that clearly don't fit and don't have scroll bars can be impossible to use. Fonts that are so large that the whole screen has very little data on it is extremely annoying. Layouts that are mostly "white space" are not very useful nor impressive. And this applies equally to pop-up windows as well as the main application window. 

GUI windows should automatically adapt to their physical display/monitor characteristics. They should, to a large extent, be dynamic in size. NO, they should not change to fonts so small that you need a magnifying glass to read them. And they should ALWAYS have vertical and horizontal scrollbars if they don't completely fit. 

You know that it just seems like common sense when building a GUI, but apparently such things aren't taught in "computer science" curriculums.

Check this out for Insteon Product Quality

This Insteon 2635-222 Smart On/Off Plug-in Module is but a few years old. I tried to just remove it from the outlet. Instead what I heard was the cracking of the plastic back as it exposed the mains-voltage wiring on the inside to human access. The I completely removed it from the case so you could see the insides. These modules used to be made with very high quality; but not any more. Let's see how cheaply it can be made; even if it becomes dangerous in the process. Just wanted everyone to be aware of what you could face.

I am done with Adobe period

Seven years ago i bought a copy of Creative Suite 6. It activated and was registered with Adobe online. It has been happily running along until February 2020. All of the sudden, and without warning, a big pop-up window appears on top of everything else that says the serial number is invalid and to call an 800 number for assistance. BTW, that popup window cannot be cancelled or iconified. It is forced to be on top of every other window. Essentially blocking me from using my PC altogether. You can shove it out of the way for a while, and the it re-centers itself on the monitor. You also cannot right-click on the taskbar icon and close it. Boy these guys are pushy.
So I call the number and speak to someone, who I assume from the accent, is in India. They are adamant that Adobe is in the right and there is nothing I can do about my initial substantial monetary investment at this point. I can, surprise-surprise, sign up for a monthly subscription for an online web based substitute for my desktop CS6. This is somewhat like throwing good money after bad. Other than spend more money with Adobe, he has nothing to offer.
And it strikes me odd that my continuing to use the desktop software isn't causing Adobe any additional harm; financial or otherwise.
And personally, I do not like the subscription based model for using software. If I can't buy it and install it, then I am not interested.
So I also have a copy of Acrobat X Pro which is also activated and registered online with Adobe. I ask him to confirm that the serial number is valid. It is right now. But he can't guarantee that it won't be invalid tomorrow.
So I am done with Adobe. I have uninstalled everything from Adobe on my desktop computer. And when I get around to it; I will also uninstall whatever is on the rest of the PCs. If I need to use something that was from Adobe, I will find another vendor even if it isn't built with the Adobe specialness.
I cannot think of another company that has acted with such callous disregard for its customers and offered so little help as Adobe.

Venmar Constructo 2.0 Repair

The Venmar Constructo 2.0 HRV was sadly signaling a problem; the LED was flashing amber indicating a damper error. It was just cycling open/closed endlessly. (Although the door has an interlock, reed switch-magnet, the magnet can be removed from the door and placed on the reed switch so that you can observe the damper motor operation with the door open. Caution: carelessness could result in serious injury since the damper and fan motor are both operating.) Time to replace the damper actuator (p/n 17235) and electronic board (p/n 17242). Used Gordon Electric to supply equivalent Broan parts: damper actuator, p/n SV17235 and electronic board, p/n SV60809. These came carefully packaged; each with its own installation instruction sheet:  Damper Actuator Electronic Board The instructions are excellent. You will need a #2 philips screwdriver and silicon sealant. The foil tape and new washer for the damper actuator are included with the part. The old circuit board in the damper actuator has to be removed to disconnect the cable; there are two rubber plugs to simply pull out in order to release the small PCB. All of the electrical connectors are different so I don't see how they could be mixed up during reassembly. But take some pictures for reference later, with your smart phone, of the details before you begin disassembly. PCBs are subject to static electric damage, so keep them in their foil bags and maintain a contact with ground while installing. Unplug the unit BEFORE you do anything and do not apply mains power until everything is installed and all connectors attached.

Vacuum Tubes aren't empty

There has been a renewed interest in vacuum tube devices and vacuum tube circuit design. If you are interested in either, then you NEED a uTracer. This is truly one of the great designs that helps users to better understand vacuum tubes and how to get the most out of them. Please click on over to see how great it is.