computers

[Guest guest]

Larry,

I leased the Dell I was using at the workshop just a month ago with a big

fat COM port on it. I like leasing because about every 3 years my computer

is in need of replacement and it keeps the monthly cost down. Dell had two

models with COM ports. I've seen others with them in stores, though you may

have to look a bit. If you don't get one, then you have to choose between a

USB/Serial adaptor or a port replicator. You're looking at spending some

additions bucks. It's my understanding that most of either work okay with

BrainMaster or WaveRider software/hardware, but I recall Tom mentioning a

few times that they'd had some problems with Belkins. I just got around it

(and having something else to carry) by getting a serial port.

You don't need a killer machine, in my judgement, unless you plan to be

doing 3-D and virtual reality (which may become a reality in virtually a

year or so). I used a Pentium 3 for years (just sold it for $400 off

lease), and it worked fine with everything. The biggest consideration with

laptops is their sound. Try to get a trial of something that uses MIDI

sounds and see what they sound like, and whether you can hear them. I

strongly recommend purchasing a good set of headphones. You really won't be

able to get anything of a Pentium 3 or 4 with too little capacity to run

these programs. I'd always tend to get close behind the curve just because

there are always the Colluras and Janovs and others out there pushing the

envelope of what's possible with what is--and that may leave those of us who

buy what " was " a bit frustrated.

My protocol package contains one relatively brief (but very funny) video

that kids would enjoy a few times. BioExplorer doesn't come with any videos

now, I don't believe (though there used to be a kind of cool one of what

looked like a flying Manatee). Best to look at picking those up from guys

like , whose $40 CD's (I think that's still the price--

correct me) are very cool and very inexpensive (there are 8-10 on a disk).

I've also had good luck asking kids to look around the net for some that

they liked and bring them to me on a CD.

The protocols package by itself is $120 for 11 training protocols, a

data-gathering one, the video, Word files that tell you how to use them and

how to do the assessment, the Excel assessment file and the report file to

produce the TLC Assessment. I'll back channel you with information on the

cost of BE through me and the combined price for BE with protocols (discount

on that).

You and Riss and St. Clair have each produced a worksheet (one at

each workshop) to help codify the process I teach. I think it's a great

idea, but I haven't passed them around, because I personally believe that

the process of making the thing is probably more valuable than looking at

someone elses.

Pete

a few questions

> ,

>

> As I convert from a Neurocybernetics to a Brainmaster/Bioeplorer

> system, a few questions have come up.

>

> 1) Computer - many of the new laptops do not have a serial port but

> use a USM-serial adapter. Is this OK or should I look for a computer

> that has a serial port?

>

> 2) How much speed and memory (RAM) do I need to run BM and BE? Since

> the computer will be used primarily for neurofeedback, I want to make

> sure that I don't overbuy.

>

> 3) Give me a price on purchasing Bioexplorer (V 0.99 ?). I will also

> need a price for your protocols. Does the BE contain any visual

> displays that are appropriate for children? Does your protocols?

>

> Thanks.

>

> ps. Thank you for commenting on the worksheet. Does it seem like a

> tool that would be helpful??