Equal Brightness-level with and without Cord in Laptops

Hello, I recently upgraded from Vista to 7. I don't quite remember how the brightness was set on Vista, but I can't figure out to find a level to please me in 7. What level do you use for your systems? Here is my current setting.

A few days ago, I downloaded the latest version of SlimDrivers to my laptop. The problem I have is that now every time I boot up my laptop I have to go into Cntrl Pnl/Pwr Options and turn the Brightness level (at bottom of screen) all the way up. In fact, it opens at nearly 20%, so dim I can...

Anyone know if there's a working restriction on a length for USB 2 cord im running A 20FT cord, I have a touch screen on my media center screen as I use as the control for Media, Video, music and my big screen, any how it seems to work for about 15mins and then goes a little flakey and stops...

Is there a chance do define two different audio levels? I guess I am not the only one listening to music with my computer - so I'd like to avoid awkward and looooud system sounds while turning up my stereo... is there a chance to do so? I know that apple has it, not sure bout win7... thx

Does turning down the brightness of your monitor and laptops extends the life of the product and reduce the chance of getting a black pixel?