Lionel locomotive fried ... again.

This link is for all my posts on problems with Lionel model trains:

http://techthoughtsmatinale.blogspot.com/search/label/Lionel

It's official: my powered Lionel Yankee subway car (locomotive) is fried.  Its symptoms were the same as its predecessor: lights lit but the train did not move.  I finally took it out of the closet recently and today took it to a local hobby shop to determine if there was a simple fix.  They put it on a test track and eventually we could smell it heating up and we switched off the power.  At least now I know it's not worth trying to fix or replace.  The replacement would be the same low quality.

What surprised me was the vehemence of the three repair men.  They were adamant that even though my train was way past its warranty I should still complain to Lionel and insist that this had ruined my Christmas.  I told them I wouldn't but they insisted ... repeatedly.  Instead I'm writing this post.

They described in detail the poor service and products that Lionel had.  They described Lionel as arrogant.  They said to call Lionel Monday.  I told them that the workers will be on vacation for the holidays.  They said that was a ruse to avoid all the outraged customers who would be disappointed in their Lionel products.  They said that the workers are there but that they are hiding.

I thought that it was quaint that the company let their employees enjoy the holidays at home.  I still do.  But those pros in the hobby shop do not believe it.

There was a lot more, including their urging me to ask Lionel why their products worked when they were made in the USA, not in China.  They were outraged on my behalf.

Tomorrow there's a Toy and Train show here in White Plains.  I'll probably drop by.  I usually do.

P.S. In the last year I've gotten into Kato N scale trains and especially like their double track product.  I have two double tracks with four trains running simultaneously.  Very cool.

Verizon FIOS login does not work in Chromebook.

http://www.verizon.com/?lid=//global//residential

Bad Request

Your browser sent a request that this server could not understand.
Size of a request header field exceeds server limit.
__________________

It worked for years but not the last couple of weeks.  Verizon FIOS support was not helpful, insisting it was the fault of my Chromebook or its browser, both of which work fine with the rest of the web and Internet.

Cablevision wrote that it requires Social Security Number only for "standard retail rates", i.e., rates NOBODY takes.

Cablevision (Mathew, of Corporate Executive Customer Relations (CECR)) wrote a paper letter to me dated June 30, 2015, post marked July 15, 2015, which arrived yesterday July 17, 2015.  You can't make up stuff like this.

I have written several recent posts on this topis, including:

Cablevision called but insisted on recording our conversation. I declined. SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2015

A couple of days ago a guy (Mathew, I think) from Cablevision called to discuss what's described in my previous post ...

There are two things that federal and state legislatures need to do:
1. Prohibit private companies, especially those providing utility and pseudo-utility services, from demanding that a customer provide them with his/her Social Security number.
2. Ban the recording of conversations unless a copy and/or transcript is made available to the consumer...

Unfortunately, when a company with monopoly or duopoly power in an industry asks it is really a demand.

I call upon my elected representatives to pass legislation to fix this.
________________________

Mathew did not provide a last name.  He did provide a phone number (631-846-5317), which I called yesterday about 7 PM.  It was answered by a person who had no idea who Mathew was.  She assured me that Mathew did not have a voice mailbox where I could leave a message.  She did, however, provide an e-mail ID for the group that Mathew is in: cecrdesk@cablevision.com.  It turns out I already had that for a guy named Thomas Hagzan.  I'll send a link for this post to that e-mail ID and also to:

James Dolan, Cablevision CEO: JDOLAN@cablevision.com

OK, here's what Mathew wrote:

... providing your Social Security Number to Cablevision is not a requirement. If a Social Security Number is not provided by a prospective customer, service would still be offered at our standard retail rates.  Please note, we do request a Social Security Number when a customer wishes to sign up for a promotional offer."
________________________

Nobody pays standard retail rates when switching to a company like Cablevision. NOBODY. To suggest that this policy is not an absolute requirement is to present a distinction without a difference. It is either ironic or a poor choice of words that Mathew wrote they "request a Social Security Number ... for a promotional offer".  If that's really true then there is no issue.  They request.  I decline.  Cablevision provides service at the rates for a promotional offer.  But that won't happen.

Mathew also mentioned the phrase "sign up".  I think part of the attraction of a Cablevision "promotional offer" is that there is no annual contract, so a new customer is not required to "sign up".

A Cablevision "promotional offer" is pricing intended to entice you to switch.  Then after the promotional period expires, maybe in a year, the rates increase to, I guess, "standard retail rates".  At that point a customer decides whether to switch and take a "promotional offer" from a competitor, in this case Verizon and its FIOS.  Mathew did not provide any rates, either "standard retail" or "promotional".  He should have.

In his opening sentence Mathew wrote:

"The complaint that you filed with the (New York State) Public Service Commission has been forwarded to my attention for investigation and handling."

New York State Public Service Commission complaint against Cablevision for collecting Social Security numbers. THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

Complaints have also been filed with the FCC, Social Security Administartion and a message sent to the New York State Attorney General.  Messages sent to both U.S. Senators and member of the House of Representatives.  Oh, and Executive Director White Plains Cable TV...

Communicated by phone and e-mail with Thomas Hagzan, Corporate Executive Customer Relations Cablevision: cecrdesk@cablevision.com 631-846-5317
____________________________

Let the "investigation and handling" begin! But do not record conversations without providing me with a copy. And I think that New York State requires that both parties consent to a phone conversation being recorded. Companies do not even come close to asking for consent. They don't even hedge anu more and state that it may be recorded. They tell you that it is being recorded and then plow ahead with their prepared telemarketing script and completely ignore any objection or question. This has to stop.

Cablevision record keeping sucks. And it wants my Social Security Number to provide service.

In January I had tried to switch from Verizon FIOS to Cablevision.  "Tax" on Verizon was causing my bill to be unacceptably high and Verizon was too inflexible to provide any meaningful price concession.  Part of the reason for that is that Cablevision's agreement with the City of White Plains has expired, which entitles Cablevision to not pay PEG, whatever the heck that is.  Nice system of regulation, huh?

I ordered service from Cablevision and scheduled an installation.  That day I received a call from the Cablevision installer who said I was next and that he'd be here soon.  After a while he called again and asked for directions.  Eventually it became clear that the Cablevision installer had an incorrect address.  It wasn't even close, not in any way, not even the street number.  Not the street.  Not the town.  In fact it was private house and I live in a large apartment building.

The Cablevision installer put me in contact with the the Cablevision dispatcher who did not help.  I said you must have someone either here or nearby but the dispatcher would not do the installation that day and asked me to reschedule.

Later that evening I tried to reschedule but Cablevision started asking me a lot of basic questions and it turned out that they needed to start the signup process all over again.  Why?  Bad systems.

Fast forward to the recent nonsense over:

Cablevision collects VERY personal data and it's OK with the local government. THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

"This call may be recorded for quality purposes." Who will give you a copy? THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

Which led to:

Cablevision called but insisted on recording our conversation. I declined. SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2015

A couple of days ago a guy (Mathew, I think) from Cablevision called to discuss what's described in my previous post:..

There are two things that federal and state legislatures need to do:
1. Prohibit private companies, especially those providing utility and pseudo-utility services, from demanding that a customer provide them with his/her Social Security number.
2. Ban the recording of conversations unless a copy and/or transcript is made available to the consumer...

Unfortunately, when a company with monopoly or duopoly power in an industry asks it is really a demand.

I call upon my elected representatives to pass legislation to fix this.
_______________________________

There was actually more to that aborted conversation.  Cablevision guy tried to check for a record of my having been a customer years ago.  Guess what he found?  The incorrect address from the failed installation in January.  I was shocked.  I assured him that I never lived anywhere near that location and might never have been in that town.

Then it dawned on me.  I wondered if I had been foolish enough to have provided my Social Security Number to Cablevision back in January to complete that installation order for new service.  Sure enough, I had.  I asked Cablevision guy to check and he was able to view it on his screen.  Oh, not the entire number.  Just the last four digits.  You know, the four that now serve as the universal mini ID that everyone and his uncle gets to request.  I asked Cablevision guy if he could remove my SSN.  He tried by backspacing the four digit value in the field and I guess saving.  Of course, that doesn't mean that it was deleted from the Cablevision database and I'd be very surprised if it was, especially since Cablevision preferred to lose me as a customer rather than provide me with its service without my SSN.  So when I tried to get Cablevision service a second time this year did Cablevision again ask for my SSN when it already had it?

Finally, I just received a second paper communication from Cablevision addressed to someone I have never heard of but to my mailing address, including apartment number.  Cablevision's database thinks that someone else lives here.

And Cablevision wants my SSN?  Again?

Social Security Administration replies to inquiry on use of SSN by businesses.

Below is the e-mail reply I received.  The only thing missing is an incomplete laundry list of "situations" which "require an SSN".

Emphasis added.

from:SSA.Comments@ssa.gov
to:ken
date:Sat, Jun 20, 2015 at 11:18 AM

The Social Security number (SSN) was originally devised to keep an accurate record of each individual’s earnings and, subsequently, to monitor benefits paid under the Social Security program.  However, use of the SSN as a general identifier has grown to the point where it is the most commonly used and convenient identifier for all types of record keeping systems in the United States.
 
Specific laws require a person to provide his or her SSN for certain purposes...

The Privacy Act regulates the use of SSN’s by government agencies.  When a federal, state, or local government agency asks an individual to disclose his or her Social Security number, the Privacy Act requires the agency to inform the person of the following:
 
-- the statutory or other authority for requesting the information;
 
-- whether disclosure is mandatory or voluntary;
 
-- what uses will be made of the information;
 
-- the consequences, if any, of failure to provide the information
 
If a business or other enterprise asks you for your SSN, you can refuse to give it.  However, that may mean doing without the purchase or service for which your number was requested.  For example, utility companies and other services ask for a Social Security number, but do not need it; they can do a credit check or identify the person in their records by alternative means. 
 
Giving your number is voluntary, even when you are asked for the number directly.  If requested, you should ask why your number is needed, how your number will be used, what law requires you to give your number, and what the consequences are if you refuse.  The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number.  The decision is yours.
 
For detailed information, we recommend our publication, “Your Social Security Number and Card,” at the following Internet address:
 
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html
_________________________________

Replies on complaint to New York State Public Service Commission, FCC, etc.

My New York State Assembly representative (David Buchwald) replied with a personal e-mail message.  My New York State Senator (ANDREA STEWART-COUSINS) has never replied.

No response from either the New York State Public Service Commission or FCC.

No reply to my message sent to James Dolan, CEO Cablevision, and posted here.

I did get a reply from the Social Security Administration. I'll deal with that in the next post.

Message sent to James Dolan, CEO Cablevision.

from:		Ken
to:		JDOLAN@cablevision.com
date:		Sun, Jun 28, 2015 at 8:52 AM
subject:		Tech Thoughts - New York State Public Service Commission complaint against Cablevision for collecting Social Security numbers.

http://techthoughtsmatinale.blogspot.com/

​There are two things that federal and state legislatures need to do:

1. Prohibit private companies, especially those providing utility and pseudo-utility services, from demanding that a customer provide them with his/her Social Security number.

2. Ban the recording of conversations unless a copy and/or transcript is made available to the consumer.​

___________________________

Cablevision called but insisted on recording our conversation. I declined.

A couple of days ago a guy (Mathew, I think) from Cablevision called to discuss what's described in my previous post:

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015
New York State Public Service Commission complaint against Cablevision for collecting Social Security numbers.

Complaints have also been filed with the FCC, Social Security Administartion and a message sent to the New York State Attorney General.  Messages sent to both U.S. Senators and member of the House of Representatives.  Oh, and Executive Director White Plains Cable TV.
_____________________________

I think Cablevision guy was referring to my complaint with the New York State Public Service Commission. No sooner had he announced the reason for his call he informed me that the call was being recorded for quality purposes. Note:
1. Cablevision guy informed but did not ask permission.  I know because I asked him about that later.
2. Cablevision guy did not say what is usually said by any company when the make a similar statement: that it might be recorded.  Cablevision guy stated flatly that it was being recorded.

I asked if I can have a copy of the recording.  No.  I asked for a transcript.  No.  We then engaged in some back and forth, during which Cablevision guy stated that my request for a copy was being denied because the recording was proprietary.  Stuff like that reinforces the distinct impression that they're just making it up as they go along.

I pointed out that I was on the call, so what could be proprietary but Cablevision guy was firm on this.  The call didn't last too long but since I don't have a copy of the recording I can only provide my best recollection.

There are two things that federal and state legislatures need to do:
1. Prohibit private companies, especially those providing utility and pseudo-utility services, from demanding that a customer provide them with his/her Social Security number.
2. Ban the recording of conversations unless a copy and/or transcript is made available to the consumer.

Here is part of a reply I received from the Social Security Administration:

from:SSA.Comments@ssa.gov
to:ken
date:Sat, Jun 20, 2015 at 11:18 AM

The Social Security number (SSN) was originally devised to keep an accurate record of each individual’s earnings and, subsequently, to monitor benefits paid under the Social Security program.  However, use of the SSN as a general identifier has grown to the point where it is the most commonly used and convenient identifier for all types of record keeping systems in the United States...

If a business or other enterprise asks you for your SSN, you can refuse to give it.  However, that may mean doing without the purchase or service for which your number was requested.  For example, utility companies and other services ask for a Social Security number, but do not need it; they can do a credit check or identify the person in their records by alternative means. 
 
Giving your number is voluntary, even when you are asked for the number directly.  If requested, you should ask why your number is needed, how your number will be used, what law requires you to give your number, and what the consequences are if you refuse.  The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number.  The decision is yours.
___________________________________

Unfortunately, when a company with monopoly or duopoly power in an industry asks it is really a demand.

I call upon my elected representatives to pass legislation to fix this.

New York State Public Service Commission complaint against Cablevision for collecting Social Security numbers.

Complaints have also been filed with the FCC, Social Security Administartion and a message sent to the New York State Attorney General.  Messages sent to both U.S. Senators and member of the House of Representatives.  Oh, and Executive Director White Plains Cable TV.

New York State Public Service Commission Office of Consumer Services Three Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12223-1350 Voice: 518-473-0229

You Have Submitted The Following!

You are: Mr. Kenneth Matinale
If you are complaining for a business, the business name is: 
Your address is:
The utility you are complaining about: Cablevision of Westchester
You have also provided your account number: none
You have given your phone number as: 914.
You have provided a daytime reach phone number of: 914.
You provided us with your email address: KEN

The problem you are experiencing is ..
Communicated by phone and e-mail with Thomas Hagzan, Corporate Executive Customer Relations Cablevision: cecrdesk@cablevision.com 631-846-5317

The resolution(s) you are seeking ..
Private companies, including Cablevision and Verizon, should be forbidden from collecting personal information, especially Social Security number. The data that Cablevision states it has a right to collect includes: "date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license number, credit card number and expiration date, bank account number" (from Cablevison's privacy agreement with White Plains).  Note: Cablevison's franchise  agreement with White Plains has expired.

This can be used for identity theft.

The resolution they offered you ..
None. I could subscribe at a much higher rate than that offered to other new subscribers, which is obviously intended to coerce the Social Security number, which they want for debt collection by overbearing collection agencies. 

Cablevision collects VERY personal data and it's OK with the local government.

From "Cablevision's annual privacy statement" with White Plains, NY supplied by the Executive Director White Plains Cable TV:

Subscriber Information may include information which you

provide to us such as your name, service address, billing 

address, work address, email address, home telephone number, 

work telephone number, mobile phone number, date of birth, 

social security number, driver's license number, credit card 

number and expiration date, bank account number, and other 

financial information.

"This call may be recorded for quality purposes." Who will give you a copy?

As mentioned in a previous post about my travails with Cablevision, they would NOT provide me with a copy or a transcript.

I just got a sales call for solar panels and I asked if I could have a copy of the recording.  The sales person put the supervisor on and the supervisor said: "Why not?".

Indeed.

When you hear that warning, ask for a copy.  If they say no, end the call.

Cablevision denies service without Social Security number.

Are private companies collecting the Social Security numbers of individuals along with other personal information that could easily lead to identity theft?

Message sent to:
- Corporate Executive Customer Relations Cablevision
- Executive Director of White Plains Cable TV

from:		Ken
to:		Thomas Hagzan , "James D. Kenny"
date:		Wed, Jun 17, 2015 at 10:08 AM
subject:		Service denied without Social Security number.

Just got a call from a Cablevision sales person who stated that it's needed for a soft credit check and for me to qualify for a new customer promotion of lower charges.
_____________________________

I had spoken to Cablevision executive Thomas Hagzan the day before and he said that I would be contacted by a person from Cablevision's sales team.  That person was polite but firm that I must provide my Social Security number.  I declined again.  At the end of the call I was thanked for choosing Cablevision.  I do not recall hearing the perfunctory "this call may be recorded for quality purposes".

Ironically, when I tried to switch to Cablevision in January I had foolishly provided my Social Security number but Cablevision did not realize that when I tried again in June and I had forgotten.  The reason I did not actually get Cablevision service in January was that the installer had my address as being in Ossining, not White Plains.  I have never lived in Ossining.  When I mentioned this to Thomas Hagzan two days ago he was able to view my Social Security number on his internal Cablevision computer screen.  I asked him to delete it and he did on the screen.  Whether that deleted it from Cablevision databases is unknown.

I emphasized to him that it was bad enough to enter one's Social Security number on a computer screen but that I am blocked from applying for Cablevision service on its website, maybe because of the Cablevision screw up in January.  Telling a Cablevision sales person my Social Security number on the phone is that much worse.  Now for sure that individual knows it along with all the personal information that Cablevision requires, including means of payment.  And how long had that person worked at Cablevision and how much longer would the employment last?

This week I also received a call from the someone in the office of Nita Lowey, my representative in the House of Representatives; that person contacted Cablevision on my behalf trying to provide constituent service and help me get service from Cablevision.

The point here is simple.  Are private companies collecting the Social Security numbers of individuals along with other personal information that could easily lead to identity theft?  This seems especially serious if communications companies like Cablevision are doing this since they provide vital communications that should be treated as a fundamental utility.

The previous posts on this blog also deal with this subject and should be read for additional context.

To regulators, legislators and law enforcement people: what are your positions on this?

Cablevision: three different reasons for wanting your Social Security number ... so far.

Chronologically:

1. Security

2. Debt collection (my personal favorite)

3. "new promotional discount"

Like many companies Cablevision informs you that your phone conversation to them may be recorded for quality purposes.  I called the executive office this afternoon.  When the person answering made the perfunctory statement about the conversation being recorded I asked if I could have a copy.  No.  Can I have a transcript?  No.

Does anyone know what happens to these recordings?  How long are they kept?

Cablevision does not seem to understand why it should not collect Social Security numbers.

Read the two previous posts.  I just received this message and replied:

rom:		Cecrdesk <CECRDESK@cablevision.com>
to:		"ken"
date:		Mon, Jun 15, 2015 at 3:56 PM
subject:		RE: Optimum complaint

Good afternoon Mr. Matinale,
We would like to inform you that we are in receipt of your recent e-mail, which was forwarded to us from the Executive Director of White Plains Cable TV. From the information provided, I am unsure if you wish to proceed with creating an account with us here at Optimum. I have partnered with our Executive Sales staff to investigate the policies and procedures for creating a new account and any misinformation or unprofessional behavior will be handled internally.  If you would like to provide me with your contact telephone number, I would be happy to speak with you by phone.
Please be assured that resolving this situation to your satisfaction is my highest priority. Should you need to reach me while I work on your behalf, please don’t hesitate to contact me at CECRDesk@Cablevision.com or (631) 846-5317 between 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM, seven days a week.
Respectfully,

Thomas Hagzan
Corporate Executive Customer Relations
Cablevision

Reply:

Thanks for reaching out.  I'll call you.  However, the reason I contacted the White Plains municipal body as well as my Congressional representatives was not merely to get service but to raise awareness of a larger issue: private entities collecting individual Social Security numbers.

This is about the right to information and the ability to communicate, especially when service could or would be denied if a customer (citizen) refuses to supply the Social Security number as I did with Cablevision, a service provider.

To make this even do I get your Social Security number or that of James Dolan?

Cablevision wants Social Security numbers so that it can collect what it views as unpaid bills.

Online chat:

Arthur K.: Having your previous address helps us to identify that as well.
Kenneth Matinale: Why would Cablevision need my Social Security number?
Arthur K.: We use it strictly for identification purposes.
Arthur K.: We do NOT run credit checks.
Kenneth Matinale: None of my other accounts asks for Social Security number. I log in using ID and password.
Arthur K.: Once your service is set up, we would also suggest that you create an Optimum ID and password.REE/
Arthur K.: Plus, we are not asking for your Social Security number.
Arthur K.: We are only asking for your contact phone number and your previous address.
Kenneth Matinale: Again, why did Cablevision need my when I called two days ago?

Arthur K.: Kenneth, I'm sorry but I do not understand your last question.
Kenneth Matinale: My Social Security number was absolutely required by the Cablevision order taker I spoke to a couple of days ago when I tried to switch from Verizon. When I refused, I was denied service.
Arthur K.: Kenneth, I cannot speak to your earlier experience, but I do apologize for any inconvenience or unpleasant experience.
Arthur K.: Sometimes we do need a Social Security number when the phone number and previous address do not specifically identify the potential customer.
Arthur K.: In this instance, I'm fairly confident that we will be able to proceed with just your phone number and previous address.
Kenneth Matinale: The other person was polite but insisted that Social Security number was required for security reasons.

Kenneth Matinale: I concluded that Cablevision wants Social Security numbers so that it can collect what it views as unpaid bills. It certainly could not be for security.

Arthur K.: Kenneth, part of trying to identify new customers is, in fact, an attempt to identify past customers who have unpaid previous balances.
Arthur K.: We do try to collect past due balances for service we have provided.

Why does Cablevision want your Social Security number?

I'm getting killed with the cost of my Verizon FIOS service, partly because of all the "tax".  So I just tried to switch to Cablevision's Optimum service.

I started the order process on the Optimum website but that would not go through and I had to call.  We didn't get very far.  The order taker wanted my Social Security number.  The explanation was security, that someone might contact Cablevision pretending to be me and try to cancel my service.  I said there were other ways to provide that type of security and refused to provide my Social Security number.  I also asked if it was for Cablevision to do a credit check but that was denied.

I figured Cablevision would fold and place my order anyway but that did not happen.  I was told to call back if I changed my mind.  I said likewise and hung up.

Cablevision actually lost a new customer over this.  Why would it be so important?  Certainly not to provide security to either the company or to me.  Probably to chase people to collect unpaid money Cablevision thinks it is owed.

Chromebook: ups and downs.

Samsung 11 inch with solid state memory

Intel® Atom™ Processor, 2GB Memory, Titan Silver, XE500C21-H02US
6/9/2011

Very good.  Still use it often.
_________________________________

Recently I wanted another, larger Chromebook, preferably with something extra.

HP 14 inch with touch screen hit the spot.  I tried to order it on the HP website.  Could not.  Sent a message to HP about that, expecting to be contacted within minutes to seal a deal.  It took HP a couple of days.  By then I had ordered from Amazon:

My review on the Acer 15 inch Chromebook (CB5-571/C910):

https://www.amazon.com/review/review-your-purchases/ref=pe_6680_136729710_cm_1_star2?_encoding=UTF8&asins=B00T0QZLV8%3A2%2C&channel=ec_phy&crAuthToken=gFnz1jq5XXzmXpW%2FLgqJIElaUBuDIQkyWEuqgb0AAAADAAAAAFUumhRyYXcAAAAA&customerId=AUDX4F9WN5OLJ#

Defective.  OS kept freezing.  Returned after two weeks.  Amazon's third party supplier refunded only $237 of $350 without explanation.  I filed a complaint with Amazon several days ago but without any action.   I'm very disappointed in Acer but even more with Amazon, which just sent me an email message asking me to write this review.  Amazon is oblivious to the fact that I have a grievance.  Argh!
_________________________

Update:

from:		Amazon.com Reviews <customer-reviews-messages@amazon.com>
to:		Ken
date:		Wed, Apr 15, 2015 at 3:14 PM
subject:		Your review of Acer Chromebook 15 C910-C37P 16-... could not be posted to Amazon.com
signed-by:		amazon.com

Your review should focus on specific features of the product and your experience with it. Feedback on the seller or your shipment experience should be provided at www.amazon.com/feedback. We do not allow profane or obscene content. This applies to adult products too. Advertisements, promotional material or repeated posts that make the same point excessively are considered spam. Please do not include URLs external to Amazon or personally identifiable content in your review. We welcome your honest opinion about products - positive or negative. We do not remove reviews because they are critical. We believe all helpful information can inform our customers’ buying decisions. If you have questions about the product or opinions that do not fit the review format, please feel free to use the Customer Discussions feature on the product page.

I'm very disappointed in Acer but even more with Amazon, April 15, 2015 By Kenneth Matinale Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Acer Chromebook 15 C910-C37P 16-Inch Chromebook (1.5 GHz Intel Celeron 3205U Dual-core processor, 4GB memory, 32GB SSD, Chrome OS) (Personal Computers) Defective. OS kept freezing. Returned after two weeks. Amazon's third party supplier refunded only $237 of $350 without explanation. I filed a complaint with Amazon several days ago but without any action. I'm very disappointed in Acer but even more with Amazon, which just sent me an email message asking me to write this review. Amazon is oblivious to the fact that I have a grievance. Argh!

____________________________

I then ordered from Toshiba its CB35-B3340 Chromebook 2
PLM02U-009008 14/6/15  13 inch screen, solid state memory

I like it.  Using it now.  No 15 inch screen.  No 14 inch touch screen.  But Toshiba filled my order efficiently and delivered a good Chromebook, larger than my original.

Chrome OS: why do so many things, including from Google, not run?

I'm looking at a c/net thing about running Google Earth Pro for free on "PC or Mac".  No option for Linux.  OK, but what about Goggle's own PC operating system (OS) Chrome OS, which runs on Chromebooks?

It's pretty much fill-in-the-blank does not run on Chrome OS.  I recently cancelled subscriptions to streaming video services for NBA League Pass and mlb.tv because neither runs on Chrome OS.

How the heck can that be?

Development stuff does not run on Chrome OS.  If you want to set up an environment to write and test programs, including those that run on Chrome OS or Google's tablet/smartphone Android OS, as far as I know that cannot be done on Chrome OS.

What the heck?

purevpn failed on three PCs, worked on Android tablet.

purevpn now finally connects on my Android 5 Nexus 7 tablet and even stays connected all day using "any" location, which goes to Atlanta each time.  I'm in New York.  Able to break NBA blackout and see the Knicks!

purevpn drops connection on Windows 7 (with various protocols and locations) and both my Chromebooks to fixed locations: Miami and LA.  Chromebook connections last less than 30 minutes.  No useful notification that the connection dropped.

purevpn sponsored router from flashrouter.com failed to run streaming video of NBA games using Roku 3 box.  Router returned.  flashrouter support absurd.

purevpn support tries but seems to just follow a script.

unlocator.com - did not work

Both purevpn and unlocator are too concerned about movies and not sports.  A movie starts and if it stops, just start again.  Live sports cannot be viewed that way.  They are missing a big boat, especially concerning the local blackouts of the NBA and MLB.

purevpn Android app shows itself connected when it is not.

Update from end of previous post:

Alert: I got suspicious and checked my Android tablet several hours later.  The purevpn app still shows me connected ... to Atlanta with a non-New York IP.  However:
- There is no VPN created among connections
- in the browser: wimi.com: What'sIsMyIP: 192.69.251.194    Same as in WiFi menu.

Does the purevpn Android app shows itself connected when it is not?

https://ipdb.at/ip/192.69.251.194

Nothing found for 192.69.251.194

On the other hand, my tablet is showing the New York Knicks replay, which should be blacked out in NBA League Pass.

purevpn: more chatting about disconnects from Windows and Chrome OS. Support still wants me to disable my firewalls.

Name: Kenneth Matinale
Registration E-mail / E-mail: KEN
Are you Existing Customer Yes
Country / Location: USA/New York

  Deniz Thu, 03/19/15 02:11:21 pm America/New_York

Hello Kenneth Matinale. How may I help you?

  Kenneth Matinale 02:12:48 pm

I'm connected to purevpn on my Chromebook. Hooked it up yesterday. But it has the same problem as my Windows 7 PC: the connection drops.

  Deniz 02:13:51 pm

may i know which server address you are using

  Kenneth Matinale 02:14:19 pm

oscar1 LA
That doesn't seem to matter.
I'm connected now.
I have another Chromebook and connected it to Miami yesterday and the connection dropped. Windows drops from amy servers.
many servers

  Deniz 02:18:17 pm

http://support.purevpn.com/customer/portal/articles/1616041

please follow this link

At the link:

My VPN disconnects after every few minutes. What should I do?

There are multiple reasons which may cause the disconnection like:

1-Switching the Protocol: If you are experiencing disconnection issues, then change over between the protocols, i.e. PPTP, L2TP, SSTP and OpenVPN. Mostly, disconnection issues are broken up by switching the protocols.

2-Firewall: If switching protocols doesn’t help then check Router / Windows / 3rd Party Firewall settings. Disable your firewalls at first, temporarily and try again. Sometimes router firewalls cause the disconnection problems and internet activity issues because WiFi routers usually grind the VPN to a stop after a few minutes of use, plainly because they can’t keep up with SPI / Firewall turned on.

3-Mobile Credentials: Likewise, you may face disconnection issue if you use Mobile account credentials (username/password) on PC / Mac / Router etc. Mobile account doesn't cover PC / Mac / Router etc and only supports Mobile and Tablet.

4-Internet Connection: If you still face disconnection issues after switching between protocols and turning off firewalls, you have to check your network. If there is any glitch in your internet connection, you may have disconnection issues in such scenarios as well.

_________________________________

  Kenneth Matinale 02:23:14 pm

Thanks. On Windows I switched protocols. That didn't seem to matter. Another purevpn support person suggested that I disable my firewalls for diagnostic purposes. I refused. That seems out of the question, especially given the nature of the service that you provide.
I am using the Verizon FIOS router.
I do not know where the Chrome OS firewall is, even if I wanted to disable it, which I do not.
You must have a log of my connections and disconnects and the servers and protocols.

Duration: 16m 43s
Chat has been opened from website: http://www.purevpn.com/tutorials.php

*******************************

Name: Kenneth Matinale
Registration E-mail / E-mail: KEN
Are you Existing Customer Yes
Country / Location: USA/New York

  Hummer Thu, 03/19/15 02:34:21 pm America/New_York

Hello Kenneth Matinale. How may I help you?

  Kenneth Matinale 02:34:43 pm

I was just in the middle of a chat when ...
Connection lost. Please check your internet connection and then try again.
It was about all the disconnects.

  Hummer 02:35:34 pm

Please share the issue you are having in detail so we will proceed accordinglu
*accordingly

  Kenneth Matinale 02:36:45 pm

purevpn connections drop often: Windows 7 and now Chrome OS on two different Chromebooks.

  Hummer 02:37:14 pm

Please try switching between protocols i.e PPTP/L2TP on your windows then try again

  Kenneth Matinale 02:37:18 pm

Ironically, I finally got it working on my Android tablet.
Changed protocols several times and don't want to disable firewalls.
Using Verizon FIOS router.
Check my log. Username: xxxxxxxx
The connection to LA dropped during the chat just before you came on. I reconnected.
Now on Chromebook connected to oscar1 as before disconnect.
Was chatting with Deniz.

  Hummer 02:41:03 pm

You are requested to disable the firewall
as firewall causes the disconnection

  Kenneth Matinale 02:42:37 pm

I do not know how to disable the Chrome OS firewall but do not want to do it. Since Windows has the had the problem the most times, it does not seem as if the OS firewall is the problem.

  Hummer 02:43:26 pm

You may simply disable the firewall of your router then try and check


  Kenneth Matinale 02:43:38 pm

The connection dropped during a purevpn chat. That's all I was doing.
I'm not fooling with my router.
I'll try at other locations but my guess is that the problem will persist.
If a router firewall can cause disconnects, the purevpn service does not seem very robust.
By the way, I had the flashrouter.com router for two days plugged into the Verizon router and had disconnections. flashrouter failed at streaming video of NBA games through a Roku box, which was the main reason I bought it. I then returned it.
I think we're done. Anything else?
OK. Bye.

Duration: 15m 48s
_________________________________

Bottom line: they follow the script, which culminates with asking the customer to disable firewalls.

Today for the first time I got my Android 5 Nexus 7 tablet to connect to purevpn.  The one change I made was to let the server be assigned as "any".  Also, last night Google upgraded Android to 5.1 kernel version 3.1.10-gf5d7b8b, build number LMY47D

I connected my Android tablet several hours ago and it's still connected according to the purevpn app.  So if the problem was the Verizon FIOS router, then why is Android running purevpn and Chrome OS stopped running purevpn?  The only activity on the Chromebook when the purevpn connection dropped was my chat session with purevpn support, which could not have put much of a load on the connection.

Alert: I got suspicious and checked my Android tablet several hours later.  The purevpn app still shows me connected ... to Atlanta with a non-New York IP.  However:
- There is no VPN created among connections
- in the browser: wimi.com: What'sIsMyIP: 192.69.251.194    Same as in WiFi menu.

Apparently the purevpn Android app shows itself connected when it is not.

purevpn connects Chromebooks ... until they disconnect.

Yesterday connected two Chromebooks purevpn.  It seemed easier than using the Windows program and having the program inform me, sort of, that the connection had dropped.  The problem in Windows was that the connection dropped.

Same on a Chromebook running Google's Chrome OS.  They seemed to be working OK, except the connection would drop.

Overnight Google updated the Android 5 OS on my Nexus tablet.  I'll find out whether I can finally get purevpn to work on that tablet.

Check these links:

http://support.purevpn.com/customer/portal/articles/1799610-chromebook-chrome-os-l2tp-setup-guide-

http://billing.purevpn.com/pptp_l2tp_hostname_list.php