Human Human Computer Interaction

I have had issues with the screen on my new Dell mini since I bought it. I first noticed it when the things on the screen that should be white were bright yellow. Eventually it became a quivering mass of color and I was unable to do anything. I've contacted Dell through two different methods. The first time I used a Chat session which was awesome. The nice lady took over my computer and re installed the driver. That did the trick for about 3 days. Then a week or so later when I had time to deal with it again I tried an email session. They wanted me to restore to a previous good config setting day. Unfortunately the SYSTEM RESTORE was not turned on. How did that happen I wonder? So I tried a chat again last Friday and the machine is going to the shop because there is nothing else I/we can do from this end.

From a user perspective having issues is a pain, but I always find Dell very helpful (if the machine is under warranty). I like chat and email much better because I do not have to worry about the language barriers. Wonder how long I will be without it. Good thing I have another machine (or two).

UPDATE ONE - Computer picked up by FedEx driver on Wednesday Feb 18th

UPDATE TWO - Rec'd phone call computer reached repair center in TX Feb 23rd

MACHINE DELIVERED TODAY March 4th - they needed to replace the LCD Panel - and I need to wait until it warms up to boot it up...it's been sitting in the FedEx truck all day...

ARRGH!! I can't believe that my computer came back not repaired. I was less than thrilled to call the support center yet again. I can't believe how nice I was to them...actually. I went online to search and see if this was a problem with these machines and found nothing. So back it goes - after they send me a box with a label. Believe it or not they could not send me just the label even though it was shipped just today in a box. Geeesh...They are replacing motherboard and LCD panel.

UPDATE March 10th the computer gets picked up once again by FedEx and is heading back to Texas.

FINAL UPDATE - I RECEIVED MY COMPUTER BACK ON MARCH 19th - delivered by FedEx. It is in great shape. And I really like it so I hope there are no more issues. I even felt confident enough to install some "productivity" and security software.

Digital Voice Recorder

When I got home from Institute I decided to get a digital voice recorder because I'm always fumbling around looking for scraps of paper and writing implements to write "Notes to Self." I like this little gadget very much. It's not very high tec to younger folks probably, but to me it reminds me of a tape recorder and is comforting. Back when I was growing up my parent's stereo included a big reel-to-reel tape recorder. The tapes were almost the size of dinner plates! This little recorder has the same buttons and features of all the tape recorders I remember in my past and so was very easy to learn how to work. There is no power off on the device, just a hold button which seems weird - other than that very intuitive - and fits in the palm of my hand very nicely. I can find the buttons I need without having to look at the device.

Bad Placement

Can I nominate the placement of this hand dryer by the door as really poor design from a user perspective (she says as the opening door hits her)?

Menu Usability

When I was at Starbuck's this past weekend and totally frustrated with their menu. I felt like I was in a foreign country like the above photo. Finally I got to the second line (where you pick up your coffee product) and had to ask "What will the name be of a large mocha latte when the barista calls it out?"

Forget about remote controls...what about alarm clocks!

I'm not sure what's up with the alarm clocks in the hotel rooms I stay in while on the road, but I can never figure them out. I mean seriously, they have radios in them, what's up with that? Finally I found this travel alarm clock that is about the size of an index card, folds up, and is indestructible. Plus, look how easy it is to set! Talk about user friendly...