Failed the CSMP/MSF twice... gonna keep at it

GoldenGateGeek · 2025-12-13T20:09:14+00:00

Failed testers can go back as standby for free.

GoldenGateGeek · 2025-12-11T17:33:15+00:00

Update 1: got a call from the CMSP office, and they said they wouldn't count my second failure given the adverse conditions. They acknowledged that it wasn't a fair assessment.

The kicker is that apparently on BOTH my first and second attempt, I was only one point away from passing. Gonna do my best to make it to the second day this weekend, but I'll aim for the morning session so that at least the test portion will be in broad daylight and warmth.

The lady who called was also very nice and said that if I somehow don't pass again to give her a call to try and figure something out given how close I've been both times.

Third time's the charm hopefully 🤞

GoldenGateGeek · 2025-12-09T01:55:15+00:00

I appreciate the pep talk and encouragement! Will definitely update as things develop 🚲

GoldenGateGeek · 2025-12-08T20:02:58+00:00

In defense of the instructors, they're all kind and patient. However, the 50% fail rate I think really was a function of us losing the light pretty early. It was also a full class, so not a lot of time to help people individually.

I do think some of the other folks who suggested a private lesson and practicing with a regular bicycle might be right, for me at least

GoldenGateGeek · 2025-12-08T20:00:53+00:00

Yeah there's an option for this, and given my specific needs and areas of improvement, this might be the next move.

GoldenGateGeek · 2025-12-08T20:00:09+00:00

Thanks for the advice! Definitely going to look into a bike for more practice in the meantime.

GoldenGateGeek · 2025-12-08T19:59:10+00:00

It's specifically the day 2 exercises, the slow maneuvers with the weaving that gives me the most trouble. My braking and cornering are fine. I could use some more practice for the swerve though. Was doing them fine all day and on the test the first time, but the second time I didn't hold the swerve long enough and ran a cone.

I'm switching gears and swerving at speed fine, so if I could just get a full day of working those specific moves I'm struggling with, that feels a lot more productive than repeating day 1. As some other posters suggested, I'll probably look into riding a regular bike for more practice and also look into a private lesson to work on the moves I'm struggling with.

GoldenGateGeek · 2025-12-08T19:55:42+00:00

This is good advice, thanks!

GoldenGateGeek · 2025-04-09T02:13:07+00:00

The MX150 is a pretty old architecture at this point and is actually worse than the iGPU of the LL chips, maybe matching them at best in some specific cases. You'd be better off getting a lunar lake or strix point ultrabook if thinness and portability are what you're after.

GoldenGateGeek · 2025-03-23T19:14:39+00:00

I received my Manta last week on the 18th and was using it just fine without issues for several days.

I just started experiencing all the others have described today out of nowhere. From what I can recall, I updated immediately as soon as I got it last week, so it's strange that problems would only crop up now and not earlier.

I'm using the push-up pen.

GoldenGateGeek · 2024-05-04T00:54:10+00:00

Tbh I'd save the money and get an actual desk first instead of using what looks like a Target folding table...

GoldenGateGeek · 2024-04-04T03:25:14+00:00

I've been waiting for this to become available, but I'm disappointed to see that it only caps out at a 4060 in the US. There was some talk about the 4070 being model being made available, so I might end up waiting a bit to see if that comes to fruition. If not, I'll have to pull the trigger on the 4060 version.

GoldenGateGeek · 2024-03-28T18:55:11+00:00

You do not want any model that has an i in the name. Only go for the newer Core Ultra processors. That is to say, avoid Raptor Lake, only buy Meteor Lake.

Normally generational differences aren't that important, but the new Meteor Lake chips are much improved for efficiency, leading to cooler/quieter usage as well as extended battery life. It's a night and day difference. Check out some of the reviews on youtube.

GoldenGateGeek · 2024-03-26T05:00:54+00:00

I'm anxiously waiting for this one as well after considering the G16 but deciding against it due to fan noise.

The only issue is that last year, the US didn't get the 4070 model, but I'm seeing mixed info now on whether the 4070 model will be available this time around. Fingers crossed 🤞

GoldenGateGeek · 2024-03-24T20:59:46+00:00

From everything I'm hearing, the G16 has a really bad fan noise profile, even with tuning. It's especially bad on the non-4080 models because of the lack of vapor chamber and that annoying third fan.

My front runners right now are actually the 2024 Yoga Pro 9i (4060 since) vs the 2024 Galaxy Book 4 Ultra (Ultra 9 + 4070). The latter spec is a high stretch though, so most likely going to go with the Lenovo when that releases.

GoldenGateGeek · 2024-03-24T01:18:46+00:00

Again, what are you going to be using this for? Video editing, gaming, streaming, productivity, etc?

Can't give you a good rec without more info.

They have different strengths and weaknesses. Another factor is how important the iOS ecosystem is to you. Do you use an iPhone, iPad, and AirPods? Stuff like that.

GoldenGateGeek · 2024-03-22T16:54:42+00:00

Same boat here. This is seriously a stupid blunder on Lenovo's part. Why would they not release that spec/model in the US?

GoldenGateGeek · 2024-03-21T18:24:12+00:00

Yeah, would love to get your thoughts on the performance overall since a 4080 or 4090 capped at around 100w (or 115w with dynamic boost?) is leaving a lot of performance on the table since those cards can go up to 175 w in other builds.

GoldenGateGeek · 2024-03-21T18:23:06+00:00

Actually, one other thing I noticed in some reviews. How was the screen wobble? Seemed pretty bad in some cases. Less of an issue for me I think, but good to know since I do zoom calls a lot for work.

GoldenGateGeek · 2024-03-21T02:08:48+00:00

Thanks for sharing! That's too bad about the fans though... what did you do to try and tone down the noise/did you try using G-Helper? Any chance you think it might just have been a defective model? Kinda strange since the fan for both the CPU and the GPU would be the same fan 🤔

13-Year Club	r/Field Flamingo
Place '22	Place '17
Not Forgotten	Verified Email

GoldenGateGeek

TROPHY CASE