Verizon Wireless is up to its old tricks: late to market, overpriced. confusing. The only thing it has is the best network. If ATT and T-Mobile merge and wipe out that network advantage Verizon Wireless is in big trouble.
Yesterday I received an e-mail message from Verizon Wireless announcing its second 4G LTE smartphone: Samsung Droid Charge.
The first 4G LTE smartphone was the HTC Thunderbolt for $250, which I considered shockingly expensive enough for me to pass. Also, it does not have a dual core processor. Thunderbolt has bad battery life.
The Samsung Droid Charge has all that and costs $50 more: THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS!
What the heck? Is Verizon Wireless nuts? I'll pass again even though my Motorola Droid continues to do very odd stuff: screen goes wild and unresponsive, on the soft portrait keyboard the keys on the right edge do not work properly, freezes. I really need to update except:
1. While Verizon Wireless indicates that I may upgrade now, Verizon Wireless will give a better unspecified deal if I wait until early July. I purchased my Motorola Droid in November 2009.
2. The Motorola Bionic seems to have been cancelled and replaced by something called the Targa, which may go on sale in late summer ... 2011, I think. There's also the idea of a Verizon Wireless version of the Motorola Atrix, which was released a few months ago by ATT Wireless.
And there are rumors that a new iPhone5 4G LTE will arrive, maybe in October,
Waiting for Godot is much simpler than waiting for Verizon Wireless.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Why are some HD sports programs not shown in HD?
I have Verizon FIOS. The MLB Extra Innings package provides about 80 out of town games per week for $179 for the season. However, no more than 10 of the 80 are in HD, about 12%. I'm sure that the originating broadcasts are in HD. Why doesn't Verizon carry them in HD? It's my understanding is that Cablevision has the same limitations but that DirectTV does not.
It would be easy to blame this on the pathetic MLB commissioner Bud Selig but the NBA League Pass has the same problem. NFL Red Zone does not; everything is in HD; don't know about the NFL Sunday package.
Anybody know?
It would be easy to blame this on the pathetic MLB commissioner Bud Selig but the NBA League Pass has the same problem. NFL Red Zone does not; everything is in HD; don't know about the NFL Sunday package.
Anybody know?
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Ubuntu Linux: installation complete ... again.
This is the second time today that installation appears to have been successful. Here is the complete message:
"Installation is complete. You need to restart the computer in order to use the new installation."
The button reads" "Restart Now". It does not reference the flash drive used for installation. This time I'll leave the flash drive in.
Here goes.
Hey, another blank screen. Way to go Ubuntu. You still suck.
I think it's safe to remove the flash drive. Power off. Remove flash drive. Bye.
"Installation is complete. You need to restart the computer in order to use the new installation."
The button reads" "Restart Now". It does not reference the flash drive used for installation. This time I'll leave the flash drive in.
Here goes.
Hey, another blank screen. Way to go Ubuntu. You still suck.
I think it's safe to remove the flash drive. Power off. Remove flash drive. Bye.
Ubuntu Linux: failure forever!
My previous post was not explicit. I achieved success in installing Ubuntu Linux on my Acer netbook. Ubuntu told me so. However, when I followed the instruction to restart, well, that was another matter. Sure you can install Ubuntu but do you now expect that it will boot up? This is Ubuntu, where failure is constant, perpetual, eternal.
Upon restarting I pulled out the Sandisk flash drive, lest the Acer try to boot from that. Silly me. After many varied attempts, I could not get the Acer to boot from anything, no matter how many variations I tried on boot sequence that should not matter. My Acer appears to be, if not brain dead, then at least in a coma.
Ah, Ubuntu. What's the deal? Obviously, I am not a system person. However, Ubuntu is supposed to be the operating system of the masses, the downtrodden, the poor, the ignorant. Hey, I must be ignorant if for no other reason I keep trying it. It's like an abusive relationship. I am battered.
Could Ubuntu suck more? If so, please explain.
Ah, F12 let me boot from the flash. I'll try installing Ubuntu again. What the heck. It can't get worse.
Upon restarting I pulled out the Sandisk flash drive, lest the Acer try to boot from that. Silly me. After many varied attempts, I could not get the Acer to boot from anything, no matter how many variations I tried on boot sequence that should not matter. My Acer appears to be, if not brain dead, then at least in a coma.
Ah, Ubuntu. What's the deal? Obviously, I am not a system person. However, Ubuntu is supposed to be the operating system of the masses, the downtrodden, the poor, the ignorant. Hey, I must be ignorant if for no other reason I keep trying it. It's like an abusive relationship. I am battered.
Could Ubuntu suck more? If so, please explain.
Ah, F12 let me boot from the flash. I'll try installing Ubuntu again. What the heck. It can't get worse.
Ubuntu: no, not again!
Ii recently tried to create a flash boot disk for my hideous three year old Acer netbook, which currently does a terrible job of running WindowsXP.
My 2008 Sandisk failed; it was not recognized as a boot disk by either my Acer or my Dell laptop also rrunning WindowsXP.
I looked at the Sandisk label. It mentioned u3 and u3.com. For some bizarre reason u3.com redirects to:
http://www.writethescoop.com/
Googling I found evil things about the Sandisk.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U3#Issues_with_older_versions
Maybe this is why I could not boot Ububtu from my 2008 Sandisk flash drive.
Apparently Sandisk stopped supporting u3 because of the problems. Who knew?
I ran this:
http://u3.sandisk.com/launchpadremoval.htm
It seems to have removed the defunct u3 junk. Will Ubuntu install now that the Sandisk flash drive has been cleansed?
I'll once again run:
Universal-USB-Installer-1.8.3.6
Which will load up:
ubuntu-10.10-netbook-i386
Cool, heh?
Universal-USB-Installer says that it was successful.
I can view files on the flash drive. Is it bootable now? Beats me. Let's try it on the Acer netbook.
In Windows on my Dell I clicked eject. The drive is still lit but I'm going to remove it and insert into the Acer and power up.
Acer seems to have found Ubuntu! This is further than I got before cleansing the Sandisk flash drive. Ubuntu is coming alive! It found my wireless network. I has two options: try or install. I chose install. What the heck. I might never get this far again.
It asked for 2.5 gig. It has 4 gig but I don't know if Ubuntu intends to wipr out WindowsXP. I hope so. AH, I have an option to keep the old OS or use the entire disk. I chose use the entire disk.
It's happening. Files are being copied. Stuff is happening.
It worked. To be continued.
My 2008 Sandisk failed; it was not recognized as a boot disk by either my Acer or my Dell laptop also rrunning WindowsXP.
I looked at the Sandisk label. It mentioned u3 and u3.com. For some bizarre reason u3.com redirects to:
http://www.writethescoop.com/
Googling I found evil things about the Sandisk.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U3#Issues_with_older_versions
Maybe this is why I could not boot Ububtu from my 2008 Sandisk flash drive.
Apparently Sandisk stopped supporting u3 because of the problems. Who knew?
I ran this:
http://u3.sandisk.com/launchpadremoval.htm
It seems to have removed the defunct u3 junk. Will Ubuntu install now that the Sandisk flash drive has been cleansed?
I'll once again run:
Universal-USB-Installer-1.8.3.6
Which will load up:
ubuntu-10.10-netbook-i386
Cool, heh?
Universal-USB-Installer says that it was successful.
I can view files on the flash drive. Is it bootable now? Beats me. Let's try it on the Acer netbook.
In Windows on my Dell I clicked eject. The drive is still lit but I'm going to remove it and insert into the Acer and power up.
Acer seems to have found Ubuntu! This is further than I got before cleansing the Sandisk flash drive. Ubuntu is coming alive! It found my wireless network. I has two options: try or install. I chose install. What the heck. I might never get this far again.
It asked for 2.5 gig. It has 4 gig but I don't know if Ubuntu intends to wipr out WindowsXP. I hope so. AH, I have an option to keep the old OS or use the entire disk. I chose use the entire disk.
It's happening. Files are being copied. Stuff is happening.
It worked. To be continued.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
HTC Thunderbolt: I'll pass.
Today I read several reviews, the ones done after the Thunderbolt was actually released on March 17. They were all positive to varying degrees.
1. It's really fast, at least as far as can be determined since the Verizon 4G network has almost no traffic.
2. It's a worthy addition to the current HTC line, which has its proprietary shell (Sense) covering the native Android interface. Since I already have the original Motorola Droid I know and like the Android interface and don't need and probably would not like the HTC shell.
3. The processor, while fast, is not of the newer dual processor type.
4. It's a bit hefty.
5. $250 is too much. I had expected it to be $200 like most new high end smart phones in recent years.
6. Battery life is an issue.
July 9 my current commitment to Verizon reaches a point at which I should get more consideration from Verizon to re-up. Plus, by then the Motorola Bionic should be out and possibly a Verizon version of the Motorola Atrix. Verizon's 4G network should be better tested by then with considerably more devices attached. If I go Motorola again, maybe I can use my current peripherals: car charger, AC adaptor.
And maybe by then we'll start to see some Chrome OS PCs. I read that a Sony Vaio with solid state memory may come out with Chrome OS. That was startling. I would not have expected Sony, much less a Vaio, to run Chrome OS. This suggests that Chrome OS may be more mainstream than expected.
1. It's really fast, at least as far as can be determined since the Verizon 4G network has almost no traffic.
2. It's a worthy addition to the current HTC line, which has its proprietary shell (Sense) covering the native Android interface. Since I already have the original Motorola Droid I know and like the Android interface and don't need and probably would not like the HTC shell.
3. The processor, while fast, is not of the newer dual processor type.
4. It's a bit hefty.
5. $250 is too much. I had expected it to be $200 like most new high end smart phones in recent years.
6. Battery life is an issue.
July 9 my current commitment to Verizon reaches a point at which I should get more consideration from Verizon to re-up. Plus, by then the Motorola Bionic should be out and possibly a Verizon version of the Motorola Atrix. Verizon's 4G network should be better tested by then with considerably more devices attached. If I go Motorola again, maybe I can use my current peripherals: car charger, AC adaptor.
And maybe by then we'll start to see some Chrome OS PCs. I read that a Sony Vaio with solid state memory may come out with Chrome OS. That was startling. I would not have expected Sony, much less a Vaio, to run Chrome OS. This suggests that Chrome OS may be more mainstream than expected.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Apple asked me for feedback on its tech support.
E-mail message from Apple:
We're very interested in getting your feedback regarding the last Advisor you spoke with, XXXXXX, on your recent call to Apple support.
I clicked the link:
Oops! Google Chrome could not connect to bibz05.apple.com:8080
I did a copy and paste of the link into Chrome:
Oops! Google Chrome could not connect to bibz05.apple.com:8080
I did a copy and paste of the link into IE:
Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage
You cannot make up stuff like this.
We're very interested in getting your feedback regarding the last Advisor you spoke with, XXXXXX, on your recent call to Apple support.
I clicked the link:
Oops! Google Chrome could not connect to bibz05.apple.com:8080
I did a copy and paste of the link into Chrome:
Oops! Google Chrome could not connect to bibz05.apple.com:8080
I did a copy and paste of the link into IE:
Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage
You cannot make up stuff like this.
Returned tablets: Motorola XOOM v. Apple iPad1. And the $600 Dell 17" laptop.
Yesterday I returned my Apple iPad1 to Apple. A couple of weeks ago I returned my Motorola XOOM to Verizon Wireless. It didn't help that Apple just reduced the cost of the iPad1 3G by $100 making it only $30 more than I paid for the WiFi only version.
Both the XOOM and iPad1 were fairly slow compared with my five year old Dell laptop running WindowsXP. I found the tablets very limited when used for common PC type activities like bouncing among multiple browser tabs. The iPad created cute images of recent web pages. However, to get to the them as a group, not individually, I had to click a small icon in the Apple browser, Safari, and then click the individual image. Worse was that, the page had to be fetched again. It was not stored in memory and that activity was unacceptably slow. This quickly became tedious.
I never got the iPad to create e-mail accounts, even with extensive phone support from Apple. Do mainstream reviewers like Pogue and Mossberg try this? Do they try using multiple browser pages?
A basic common sense problem with a tablet is what do you do with your hands? I found myself holding the tablet with my left and using my right to tap, scroll, etc. This got old fast. I never found a comfortable position. I thought I was clever, especially during my longs phone conversations with Apple tech support, to prop up the iPad using an old metal book support. Then the obvious occurred to me: a laptop has this built in. It's called a keyboard, a nice physical keyboard, which also serves as a base. The tablet makers did not even have the common sense to include a fold out kickstand as did HTC with it's new Thunderbolt smartphone. Neither Pogue and Mossberg thought about this either.
I don't like tablets. I'm now interested in a new 17 inch Dell laptop for $600. OK, it's 7.14 pounds but compare that to the XOOM 3G at $600 and the original WiFi only iPad at $400 or the new WiFi only iPad2 at $500 or the new iPad2 3G at $600. What the heck? Are we nuts? I'm going to use a WiFi only computer almost exclusively around my home, so what's the difference how much it weighs? I'd much prefer a nice BIG 17 inch screen, including a keyboard base. And that base also serves as a screen cover. How clever.
That new line of Dell 17 inch laptops (17R) range from $600 for a more than acceptable e-mail/browser PC to $800 for a little more oomph. Yes, Dell has more expensive multimedia type 17 inch laptops but I do everything on the web with free google products so I don't need that. Juxtapose the Dell prices with the starting price of a 17 inch laptop from Apple: $2,500.
How does Apple have the nerve to over price by so much? Apple charges what the market will bare. Apple customers are suckers and there's one born every minute.
Both the XOOM and iPad1 were fairly slow compared with my five year old Dell laptop running WindowsXP. I found the tablets very limited when used for common PC type activities like bouncing among multiple browser tabs. The iPad created cute images of recent web pages. However, to get to the them as a group, not individually, I had to click a small icon in the Apple browser, Safari, and then click the individual image. Worse was that, the page had to be fetched again. It was not stored in memory and that activity was unacceptably slow. This quickly became tedious.
I never got the iPad to create e-mail accounts, even with extensive phone support from Apple. Do mainstream reviewers like Pogue and Mossberg try this? Do they try using multiple browser pages?
A basic common sense problem with a tablet is what do you do with your hands? I found myself holding the tablet with my left and using my right to tap, scroll, etc. This got old fast. I never found a comfortable position. I thought I was clever, especially during my longs phone conversations with Apple tech support, to prop up the iPad using an old metal book support. Then the obvious occurred to me: a laptop has this built in. It's called a keyboard, a nice physical keyboard, which also serves as a base. The tablet makers did not even have the common sense to include a fold out kickstand as did HTC with it's new Thunderbolt smartphone. Neither Pogue and Mossberg thought about this either.
I don't like tablets. I'm now interested in a new 17 inch Dell laptop for $600. OK, it's 7.14 pounds but compare that to the XOOM 3G at $600 and the original WiFi only iPad at $400 or the new WiFi only iPad2 at $500 or the new iPad2 3G at $600. What the heck? Are we nuts? I'm going to use a WiFi only computer almost exclusively around my home, so what's the difference how much it weighs? I'd much prefer a nice BIG 17 inch screen, including a keyboard base. And that base also serves as a screen cover. How clever.
That new line of Dell 17 inch laptops (17R) range from $600 for a more than acceptable e-mail/browser PC to $800 for a little more oomph. Yes, Dell has more expensive multimedia type 17 inch laptops but I do everything on the web with free google products so I don't need that. Juxtapose the Dell prices with the starting price of a 17 inch laptop from Apple: $2,500.
How does Apple have the nerve to over price by so much? Apple charges what the market will bare. Apple customers are suckers and there's one born every minute.
Monday, March 21, 2011
iPad: cannot edit free google online spreadsheet doc ...
This shocked me. iPad was totally inadequate.
Plus, I noticed that those cute mini views of Safari interrations past are just that: past. When I click on one the page appears to be re-loaded from scratch. It's not held in memory. For e-mail, which I did in the browser in part because I cannot create e-mail accounts that work with Apple's iPad software (see previous post), this results in VERY slow e-mail functionality.
Plus, I noticed that those cute mini views of Safari interrations past are just that: past. When I click on one the page appears to be re-loaded from scratch. It's not held in memory. For e-mail, which I did in the browser in part because I cannot create e-mail accounts that work with Apple's iPad software (see previous post), this results in VERY slow e-mail functionality.
iPad: cannot create e-mail accounts
Day two of having the original iPad I spent two hours trying to create e-mail accounts. I tried two yahoo accounts and one gmail. I tried what was suggested by Apple online, including powering down. Every effort failed.
Day three I spoke to Apple tech support twice: 52 minutes in the morning, 71 minutes in the afternoon. Total failure and a desperate suggestion that maybe my WiFi was the problem and maybe I should take my iPad into an Apple retail store to try Apple WiFi and have someone at the Apple genius bar try it. I thought I had been talking to geniuses. For home WiFi I use my five year old Verizon FIOS combination modem and wireless router, which has worked with everything I've tried, including two Windows laptops, a Skype WiFi phone and multiple hand held devices: Palm TX, Palm Treo (did it have WiFi?) and Motorola Droid.
To run salt into the wound Apple has apparently lowered the price for the original iPad 3G by $100. It's now only $30 more than the WiFi only version that I bought. What, Apple thought I wouldn't notice?
Day three I spoke to Apple tech support twice: 52 minutes in the morning, 71 minutes in the afternoon. Total failure and a desperate suggestion that maybe my WiFi was the problem and maybe I should take my iPad into an Apple retail store to try Apple WiFi and have someone at the Apple genius bar try it. I thought I had been talking to geniuses. For home WiFi I use my five year old Verizon FIOS combination modem and wireless router, which has worked with everything I've tried, including two Windows laptops, a Skype WiFi phone and multiple hand held devices: Palm TX, Palm Treo (did it have WiFi?) and Motorola Droid.
To run salt into the wound Apple has apparently lowered the price for the original iPad 3G by $100. It's now only $30 more than the WiFi only version that I bought. What, Apple thought I wouldn't notice?
Saturday, March 19, 2011
I hate Apple more than ever.
I bought the original Apple iPad WiFi only for $399 as a gift.
1. As with my one day experience with the iPod Touch, you need a Windows or Mac PC to which the iPad must be attached so that evil Apple can suck the life forces out of you through its insidious iTunes. Why must I own a PC to get to the opening screen of a stand alone device? I stared at iTunes for quite a while before stumbling onto the hidden entry point to register my iPad with the all seeing, all knowing Apple monster.
2. No documentation included, except a card telling me to download iTunes to the PC I should not need. You must successfully get online first to access documentation. Online I found the 23 meg user guide dated 11/22/2010, four months ago. It's a dead 181 page pdf file, i.e., no internal links. Couldn't Apple have loaded this onto the iPad? I added it to the iPad home screen.
3. I registered my iPad with me.com to be able to find it if lost. When I log in to me.com it says "Find My iPhone", not iPad, and "No Devices registered".
4. I tried two Yahoo accounts and both failed to register in the iPad. Error message in short: IMAP server "apple.imap.mail.yahoo.com" not responding. Check network connection and that you entered the correct information in the "Incoming Mail Server" field. OK. No, it's not OK. There is no "Incoming Mail Server" field. When I click OK it takes me back to the original input screen where the only options are: cancel or next. Next produces: "This account may not be able to send or receive emails. Are you sure you want to save?" Options: save or edit.
I tried gmail: "Cannot Connect Using SSL. Do you want to try setting up the account without SSL?" Yes or No. Say what? No results in back to the original input screen. I get out and check the mail and contacts apps: nothing. Delete. Try again. Click Yes this time for SSL. Ah, now the IMAP server "imap.gmail.com" is not responding. Check network connection and that you entered the correct information in the "Incoming Mail Server" field. OK.
HELP! I'm in Apple hell!
5. Browsing is SLOW. Now I know why those jerks were so anxious to upgrade to the iPad2.
6. Last but not least: the ever popular Apple PROPRIETARY connector! Yes, along with a set of steak knives, you need to buy Apple PROPRIETARY cables to connect ANYTHING, such as a camera, which Apple intentionally omitted so that it could get the eternally gullible to buy a new iPad after only one year.
If I had bought this for myself, it would already be on its way back to Apple, which didn't tell me that delivery time would be impacted by the fact that it was coming to New York from CHINA. It took two days to leave Asia and get to Anchorage Alaska. I wondered if UPS was sending it by boat.
I'll try to wait to see if the intended recipient likes it before returning, for which Apple, unlike Verizon with the Motorola XOOM, makes ZERO provision. Apparently, it never occurred to Apple that anyone would ever want to return one of its products. For me, iPad would make it three strikes and you're out, having already returned after one day each the iPhone and the aforementioned iPod Touch.
1. As with my one day experience with the iPod Touch, you need a Windows or Mac PC to which the iPad must be attached so that evil Apple can suck the life forces out of you through its insidious iTunes. Why must I own a PC to get to the opening screen of a stand alone device? I stared at iTunes for quite a while before stumbling onto the hidden entry point to register my iPad with the all seeing, all knowing Apple monster.
2. No documentation included, except a card telling me to download iTunes to the PC I should not need. You must successfully get online first to access documentation. Online I found the 23 meg user guide dated 11/22/2010, four months ago. It's a dead 181 page pdf file, i.e., no internal links. Couldn't Apple have loaded this onto the iPad? I added it to the iPad home screen.
3. I registered my iPad with me.com to be able to find it if lost. When I log in to me.com it says "Find My iPhone", not iPad, and "No Devices registered".
4. I tried two Yahoo accounts and both failed to register in the iPad. Error message in short: IMAP server "apple.imap.mail.yahoo.com" not responding. Check network connection and that you entered the correct information in the "Incoming Mail Server" field. OK. No, it's not OK. There is no "Incoming Mail Server" field. When I click OK it takes me back to the original input screen where the only options are: cancel or next. Next produces: "This account may not be able to send or receive emails. Are you sure you want to save?" Options: save or edit.
I tried gmail: "Cannot Connect Using SSL. Do you want to try setting up the account without SSL?" Yes or No. Say what? No results in back to the original input screen. I get out and check the mail and contacts apps: nothing. Delete. Try again. Click Yes this time for SSL. Ah, now the IMAP server "imap.gmail.com" is not responding. Check network connection and that you entered the correct information in the "Incoming Mail Server" field. OK.
HELP! I'm in Apple hell!
5. Browsing is SLOW. Now I know why those jerks were so anxious to upgrade to the iPad2.
6. Last but not least: the ever popular Apple PROPRIETARY connector! Yes, along with a set of steak knives, you need to buy Apple PROPRIETARY cables to connect ANYTHING, such as a camera, which Apple intentionally omitted so that it could get the eternally gullible to buy a new iPad after only one year.
If I had bought this for myself, it would already be on its way back to Apple, which didn't tell me that delivery time would be impacted by the fact that it was coming to New York from CHINA. It took two days to leave Asia and get to Anchorage Alaska. I wondered if UPS was sending it by boat.
I'll try to wait to see if the intended recipient likes it before returning, for which Apple, unlike Verizon with the Motorola XOOM, makes ZERO provision. Apparently, it never occurred to Apple that anyone would ever want to return one of its products. For me, iPad would make it three strikes and you're out, having already returned after one day each the iPhone and the aforementioned iPod Touch.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Verizon Wireless is a tower of babble.
You can't make up stuff like this.
I re-considered getting the new HTC Thunderbolt, overpriced at $249, because Verizon Wireless has a trade-in program that valued my current Motorola Droid at $55. The $55 is guaranteed for 30 days. I applied for the trade-in online. I did get the return envelope and a submission ID#, which allows me to log in and see the $55 value but no date; the enclosing envelope is post marked 3/7/11, ten days ago. I finally found the trade-in e-mail ... in my SPAM folder.
I called Verizon Wireless and asked that my return be contingent on my getting the new Thunderbolt. Verizon Wireless cannot it. Why? Because it's a different department! Regular Verizon Wireless can only see the public trade-in information, not anything specific to my account, not even with submission ID#, which was assigned to me by ... Verizon Wireless.
I'm on hold now with the different trade-in department, which cannot access my Verizon Wireless account. This may be nature's way of telling me to wait for the Motorola Bionic.
Mercifully the phone call with the trade-in person has finally ended. No resolution, of course, bu at least it's over. It will be escalated ... at my request. ZERO indication that Verizon Wireless will give me what I requested in the first place: assurance that the trade-in value will be honored if I order the new Thunderbolt even if the return of my current phone is a little later than the end date, whatever that may be.
Argh! Could Verizon Wireless make this more difficult or aggravating? I'm asking to buy a new smartphone and lock into Verizon Wireless for another TWO years. Verizon Wireless, what the heck?
Note: e-mailed to trade-in@asurion.com, which had sent me the e-mail and which accounts for it going onto my SPAM folder: it did not come from Verizon Wireless. It also suggests that the trade-in person with whom I spoke was not an employee of Verizon Wireless, something that crossed my mind during our conversation. I thought of asking her but decided against it. I should have asked.
I re-considered getting the new HTC Thunderbolt, overpriced at $249, because Verizon Wireless has a trade-in program that valued my current Motorola Droid at $55. The $55 is guaranteed for 30 days. I applied for the trade-in online. I did get the return envelope and a submission ID#, which allows me to log in and see the $55 value but no date; the enclosing envelope is post marked 3/7/11, ten days ago. I finally found the trade-in e-mail ... in my SPAM folder.
I called Verizon Wireless and asked that my return be contingent on my getting the new Thunderbolt. Verizon Wireless cannot it. Why? Because it's a different department! Regular Verizon Wireless can only see the public trade-in information, not anything specific to my account, not even with submission ID#, which was assigned to me by ... Verizon Wireless.
I'm on hold now with the different trade-in department, which cannot access my Verizon Wireless account. This may be nature's way of telling me to wait for the Motorola Bionic.
Mercifully the phone call with the trade-in person has finally ended. No resolution, of course, bu at least it's over. It will be escalated ... at my request. ZERO indication that Verizon Wireless will give me what I requested in the first place: assurance that the trade-in value will be honored if I order the new Thunderbolt even if the return of my current phone is a little later than the end date, whatever that may be.
Argh! Could Verizon Wireless make this more difficult or aggravating? I'm asking to buy a new smartphone and lock into Verizon Wireless for another TWO years. Verizon Wireless, what the heck?
Note: e-mailed to trade-in@asurion.com, which had sent me the e-mail and which accounts for it going onto my SPAM folder: it did not come from Verizon Wireless. It also suggests that the trade-in person with whom I spoke was not an employee of Verizon Wireless, something that crossed my mind during our conversation. I thought of asking her but decided against it. I should have asked.
HTC Thunderbolt finally arrived. OK, now what? PRICE WAR!
I bought my Motorola Droid for $150 because it was more than two years since my last upgrade and Verizon must have been nervous that I'd churn to another service provider. I was expecting the Thunderbolt to cost $200. $250! What the heck?
You always need more speed and power but $250!?
Waiting for Godot and Chromium OS. A rare breach in security:
http://chromeossite.com/2011/02/21/acer-announces-dx241h-first-chrome-os-device/
And it's not a stinking netbook! Yippie! If you'll pardon the expression: Yahoo! Acer is planning a 24 inch all-in-one Chromium OS desktop? Alright. Cost: €299. Let's see, using my secret google decoder ring (http://www.google.com/ig) that's 299 EUR = 415.7326 USD. $416. Wow. WOW! Wait. It's just the Chrome browser, not the Chrome OS? Acer will work it out.
If Google's Chromium OS PCs and Google's Android tablets don't do better we may be overwhelmed by Apple junk. Oh, the humanity!
I'm hoping that Asus, Acer, some company will have the sense to introduce an Android tablet that is half the price of the Apple iPad. Yes, HALF! That's the only way to break the Apple juggernaut. PRICE WAR! Let's go to the mattresses. When Acer introduces that $416 24 inch all-in-one Chromium OS desktop the price war is on!
You always need more speed and power but $250!?
Waiting for Godot and Chromium OS. A rare breach in security:
http://chromeossite.com/2011/02/21/acer-announces-dx241h-first-chrome-os-device/
And it's not a stinking netbook! Yippie! If you'll pardon the expression: Yahoo! Acer is planning a 24 inch all-in-one Chromium OS desktop? Alright. Cost: €299. Let's see, using my secret google decoder ring (http://www.google.com/ig) that's 299 EUR = 415.7326 USD. $416. Wow. WOW! Wait. It's just the Chrome browser, not the Chrome OS? Acer will work it out.
If Google's Chromium OS PCs and Google's Android tablets don't do better we may be overwhelmed by Apple junk. Oh, the humanity!
I'm hoping that Asus, Acer, some company will have the sense to introduce an Android tablet that is half the price of the Apple iPad. Yes, HALF! That's the only way to break the Apple juggernaut. PRICE WAR! Let's go to the mattresses. When Acer introduces that $416 24 inch all-in-one Chromium OS desktop the price war is on!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Chrome OS PC: when?
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011
Chrome OS PC ... coming Friday from Dell?
__________________________________
No sign of it.
Chrome OS PC ... coming Friday from Dell?
__________________________________
No sign of it.
XOOM sucked even more than I realized.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2011/03/motorolas_xoom_tablet_is_no_ip.html
the promised upgrade to support Verizon's 4G network: Although that will be free, you'll have to ship the thing back to Motorola for the upgrade.
Glad I returned mine.
the promised upgrade to support Verizon's 4G network: Although that will be free, you'll have to ship the thing back to Motorola for the upgrade.
Glad I returned mine.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Intel chips and Windows v. Apple.
http://www.intel.com/core/m/smart/shop.htm#share-info-top
This is a pretty cool tool. At least it gives an idea of what chip is old, which may account for a "bargain" from Dell, HP, etc.
Core i7 looks good. I had never heard of it before this. I did not know that quad had come and gone, following duo. One day you don't read the papers ...
I compared 17" laptops. Same processor and otherwise comparable:
Sony Viao $1,100
Apple starts at $2,500.
Yet another reason I hate Apple.
This is a pretty cool tool. At least it gives an idea of what chip is old, which may account for a "bargain" from Dell, HP, etc.
Core i7 looks good. I had never heard of it before this. I did not know that quad had come and gone, following duo. One day you don't read the papers ...
I compared 17" laptops. Same processor and otherwise comparable:
Sony Viao $1,100
Apple starts at $2,500.
Yet another reason I hate Apple.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Verizon FIOS and Wireless Speeds
Verizon website is again crapping out so I had to use other sources to supplement. Many times I clicked a Verizon link and got this URL with an empty page:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/backbutton.html
You can't make up stuff like this.
Verizon chat:
You(08:28:03): FIOS Internet speed?
Leslie(08:28:33): I am happy to help you learn more about Verizon's
FiOS Internet.
Leslie(08:28:58): Verizon's FiOS Internet provides speeds from 15 Mbps
to 50 Mbps!
You(08:29:38): Is that theoretical or actual?
Leslie(08:30:08): Actual download and upload speeds will vary based on
numerous factors, such as the condition of wiring at your location,
computer configuration, Internet and network congestion, and the speed
of website servers you access, among other factors. Speed and
uninterrupted use of the service are not guaranteed.
You(08:30:53): How about realistic?
Leslie(08:32:23): You will be able to view the available plans and
prices for you, after you enter in your address on Verizon's website
to determine if FiOS Internet is available for you.
You(08:32:38): Verizon Wireless speeds: 3G and 4G?
You(08:32:38): Verizon Wireless speeds: 3G and 4G?
Leslie(08:33:53): I do apologize, but I do not have information
available on Verizon's Wireless services. You may visit
http://www.verizonwireless.com for further information.
You(08:34:23): Thanks. Bye.
Also:
http://www.digitallanding.com/
Actual speeds and service availability vary. HSI provisioned based on
VZ line qualification requirements at .5 Mbps to 1 Mbps service tier**
10 to 15 MBPS (Ultimate Plan). Availability subject to final
confirmation by Verizon.
Hong Kong has 100 gig service for $26 per month from one company.
http://www22.verizon.com/
Plans with MBPS: 15, 25, 50.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
- The lowest bandwidth tier was originally 5 Mbit/s down and 2 Mbit/s
up and is now 15 Mbit/s down and 5 Mbit/s up in most areas. (bundled
with FiOS TV Prime HD)
- A second tier is available with 25 Mbit/s download speed and 25
Mbit/s upload speed. (bundled with FiOS TV Extreme HD)
- A third (or higher) service tier, when available for residential
service, provides higher still bandwidth, in some areas reaching
30/15, 35/35 or 50/20 Mbit/s download and upload. (bundled with FiOS
TV Ultimate HD)
- The fourth and highest service tier is 150Mbit/s down and 35Mbit/s
up for $199/month
______________________________
How would WiFi 811n 120 MBPS be better than 811g 56MBPS if Verizon FIOS max speeds are 15/25/50 MBPS? Both are faster than the theoretical max for Verizon FIOS. Only that $199 per month service even rises to 150 MBPS.
Verizon Wireless 4G is supposed to be 12-13 MBPS; 4G standard max is 100 MBPS.
http://community.vzw.com/t5/
"I have a Bold that I connect to WiFi on a Comcast home network. It
is a lot faster than the 3G connection."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
"On June 30, 2007, Verizon Wireless had completed the overhaul of the
entire EV-DO network to EV-DO Rev. A. This enables PC Cards and
certain phones to obtain theoretical peak download speeds of 3.1
Mbit/s and upload speeds of up to 1.8 Mbit/s. [9] The actual download
and upload speeds vary due to a number of factors, and users will
typically see speeds close to 1 Mbit/s down, and 500 kbit/s up."
WiFi tethering even at the "theoretical peak download speeds of 3.1 Mbit/s" would seem to be pretty slow.
http://gigaom.com/mobile/verizon-mifi-review/
I am currently trying their 5gb version but I must say I am thoroughly dissappointed with the advertized vs real speeds of this service. They advertize 3 to 4mb but the best I could measure using several different services is about .6 download and .5 upload
______________________________________________
WiFi speeds:
811g 56 MBPS
811n 120 MBPS
WiFi does not seem to close reaching its max speed because Verizon tops out at:
- Verizon Wireless:
3G theoretically 3.1 MBPS
4G 12-13 MBPS
- Verizon FIOS 15/25/50 MBPS.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/backbutton.html
You can't make up stuff like this.
Verizon chat:
You(08:28:03): FIOS Internet speed?
Leslie(08:28:33): I am happy to help you learn more about Verizon's
FiOS Internet.
Leslie(08:28:58): Verizon's FiOS Internet provides speeds from 15 Mbps
to 50 Mbps!
You(08:29:38): Is that theoretical or actual?
Leslie(08:30:08): Actual download and upload speeds will vary based on
numerous factors, such as the condition of wiring at your location,
computer configuration, Internet and network congestion, and the speed
of website servers you access, among other factors. Speed and
uninterrupted use of the service are not guaranteed.
You(08:30:53): How about realistic?
Leslie(08:32:23): You will be able to view the available plans and
prices for you, after you enter in your address on Verizon's website
to determine if FiOS Internet is available for you.
You(08:32:38): Verizon Wireless speeds: 3G and 4G?
You(08:32:38): Verizon Wireless speeds: 3G and 4G?
Leslie(08:33:53): I do apologize, but I do not have information
available on Verizon's Wireless services. You may visit
http://www.verizonwireless.com for further information.
You(08:34:23): Thanks. Bye.
Also:
http://www.digitallanding.com/
Actual speeds and service availability vary. HSI provisioned based on
VZ line qualification requirements at .5 Mbps to 1 Mbps service tier**
10 to 15 MBPS (Ultimate Plan). Availability subject to final
confirmation by Verizon.
Hong Kong has 100 gig service for $26 per month from one company.
http://www22.verizon.com/
Plans with MBPS: 15, 25, 50.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
- The lowest bandwidth tier was originally 5 Mbit/s down and 2 Mbit/s
up and is now 15 Mbit/s down and 5 Mbit/s up in most areas. (bundled
with FiOS TV Prime HD)
- A second tier is available with 25 Mbit/s download speed and 25
Mbit/s upload speed. (bundled with FiOS TV Extreme HD)
- A third (or higher) service tier, when available for residential
service, provides higher still bandwidth, in some areas reaching
30/15, 35/35 or 50/20 Mbit/s download and upload. (bundled with FiOS
TV Ultimate HD)
- The fourth and highest service tier is 150Mbit/s down and 35Mbit/s
up for $199/month
______________________________
How would WiFi 811n 120 MBPS be better than 811g 56MBPS if Verizon FIOS max speeds are 15/25/50 MBPS? Both are faster than the theoretical max for Verizon FIOS. Only that $199 per month service even rises to 150 MBPS.
Verizon Wireless 4G is supposed to be 12-13 MBPS; 4G standard max is 100 MBPS.
http://community.vzw.com/t5/
"I have a Bold that I connect to WiFi on a Comcast home network. It
is a lot faster than the 3G connection."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
"On June 30, 2007, Verizon Wireless had completed the overhaul of the
entire EV-DO network to EV-DO Rev. A. This enables PC Cards and
certain phones to obtain theoretical peak download speeds of 3.1
Mbit/s and upload speeds of up to 1.8 Mbit/s. [9] The actual download
and upload speeds vary due to a number of factors, and users will
typically see speeds close to 1 Mbit/s down, and 500 kbit/s up."
WiFi tethering even at the "theoretical peak download speeds of 3.1 Mbit/s" would seem to be pretty slow.
http://gigaom.com/mobile/verizon-mifi-review/
I am currently trying their 5gb version but I must say I am thoroughly dissappointed with the advertized vs real speeds of this service. They advertize 3 to 4mb but the best I could measure using several different services is about .6 download and .5 upload
______________________________________________
WiFi speeds:
811g 56 MBPS
811n 120 MBPS
WiFi does not seem to close reaching its max speed because Verizon tops out at:
- Verizon Wireless:
3G theoretically 3.1 MBPS
4G 12-13 MBPS
- Verizon FIOS 15/25/50 MBPS.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Chrome OS PC ... coming Friday from Dell?
A Dell chat person told me today that it might be available Friday March 11, 2011.
I was shocked because I've trying to find information that is not one or two years old. Wikipedia comments:
most of Chrome OS's advantages "can be found in other software environments without having to sacrifice native applications"
a useless brick when you are dealing with no or ancient Internet connections
Have they ever heard of the iPad? Wouldn't those objections apply to tablets?
I'm interested in a Chrome OS PC but disappointed that it continues to be relegated to netbooks. I tried an HP netbook with Linux but returned it because I could not load the the first application that I tried to install: Skype. HP support sucked.
I then bought an Acer netbook running WindowsXP. Many problems and Acer support sucked beyond belief.
Both the HP and Acer netbooks had a problem with the trackpad going out of control often. I'm guessing that it's a hardware problem with small screens since they ran different operating systems.
The Acer had an unconventional screen aspect ratio, which caused problems occasionally.
How about a 17 inch laptop running Chrome OS? Restricting Chrome OS to those stupid netbooks really limits the market. I use google docs online exclusively. I do not need applications on my PC. Just the browser.
I'm anxious to see what is introduced. I really don't to buy yet another laptop running bloated Windows when all I need is access to a browser, exactly what a Chrome OS PC would be. I also do not want to buy another netbook.
Argh!
I was shocked because I've trying to find information that is not one or two years old. Wikipedia comments:
most of Chrome OS's advantages "can be found in other software environments without having to sacrifice native applications"
a useless brick when you are dealing with no or ancient Internet connections
Have they ever heard of the iPad? Wouldn't those objections apply to tablets?
I'm interested in a Chrome OS PC but disappointed that it continues to be relegated to netbooks. I tried an HP netbook with Linux but returned it because I could not load the the first application that I tried to install: Skype. HP support sucked.
I then bought an Acer netbook running WindowsXP. Many problems and Acer support sucked beyond belief.
Both the HP and Acer netbooks had a problem with the trackpad going out of control often. I'm guessing that it's a hardware problem with small screens since they ran different operating systems.
The Acer had an unconventional screen aspect ratio, which caused problems occasionally.
How about a 17 inch laptop running Chrome OS? Restricting Chrome OS to those stupid netbooks really limits the market. I use google docs online exclusively. I do not need applications on my PC. Just the browser.
I'm anxious to see what is introduced. I really don't to buy yet another laptop running bloated Windows when all I need is access to a browser, exactly what a Chrome OS PC would be. I also do not want to buy another netbook.
Argh!
Monday, March 7, 2011
To gig or not to gig?
I sent an article to a friend. It dealt with Hong Kong, which is very densely populated, having companies that provide one gig of download throughput for residential Internet service. One of those companies charges only $26 per month ... for ONE GIG!
Here are the costs for Verizon FIOS Internet:
15 meg $50
25 meg $65
50 meg $140
And you need to check availability. Of course, you can bundle this with other services but the speeds and pricing indicate the large disconnect between Hong Kong and good old USA. The duopoly service providers in my area, Verizon and Cablevision, are not inclined to engage in anything approaching serious price competition but are content to basically share the pie evenly. Cablevision refused to provide Internet only pricing on its website, I'm sure to have a sales person try to convince you to subscribe to its triple play services (Internet, Voice and Video). Better to lock you in and make you dependent on Cablevision for all these services. Verizon has this same approach, just less insidious.
My friend and I both have Verizon FIOS, he in the outland of rural Massachusetts, I in more densely populated Westchester county New York. In other words, my friend is in no danger of getting one gig Internet speed. My friend's reaction was that he could not imagine needing the one gig. My thought is: if you build it they will fill it.
But he has a point. The biggest current download would probably be streaming HD video, i.e., watching HDTV in real time over the Internet on an HDTV, not on a computer. Even allowing for a family of four all doing this concurrently, it probably would not approach one gig. Somebody do the math. Current 3D TV takes the same bandwidth as HD, so that is not yet more of a factor.
I still want one gig at a reasonable price. That's not likely since conventional residential U.S. Internet service providers are fat, dumb and happy and the FCC is not pushing it.
I'm confident that the gig would be filled. For instance, it would make viable getting ALL video over the Internet and not paying for video service separately to say Cablevision. In fact, within five years of introduction, one gig would not be enough.
Here are the costs for Verizon FIOS Internet:
15 meg $50
25 meg $65
50 meg $140
And you need to check availability. Of course, you can bundle this with other services but the speeds and pricing indicate the large disconnect between Hong Kong and good old USA. The duopoly service providers in my area, Verizon and Cablevision, are not inclined to engage in anything approaching serious price competition but are content to basically share the pie evenly. Cablevision refused to provide Internet only pricing on its website, I'm sure to have a sales person try to convince you to subscribe to its triple play services (Internet, Voice and Video). Better to lock you in and make you dependent on Cablevision for all these services. Verizon has this same approach, just less insidious.
My friend and I both have Verizon FIOS, he in the outland of rural Massachusetts, I in more densely populated Westchester county New York. In other words, my friend is in no danger of getting one gig Internet speed. My friend's reaction was that he could not imagine needing the one gig. My thought is: if you build it they will fill it.
But he has a point. The biggest current download would probably be streaming HD video, i.e., watching HDTV in real time over the Internet on an HDTV, not on a computer. Even allowing for a family of four all doing this concurrently, it probably would not approach one gig. Somebody do the math. Current 3D TV takes the same bandwidth as HD, so that is not yet more of a factor.
I still want one gig at a reasonable price. That's not likely since conventional residential U.S. Internet service providers are fat, dumb and happy and the FCC is not pushing it.
I'm confident that the gig would be filled. For instance, it would make viable getting ALL video over the Internet and not paying for video service separately to say Cablevision. In fact, within five years of introduction, one gig would not be enough.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Motorola XOOM: service cancelled and returned.
I called and cancelled before 9AM this morning to stay within the three day window for not being charged $35 activation fee.
Just received e-mail from Verizon Wireless over an hour later:
We are very pleased you have selected Verizon Wireless. We would like to welcome you to the nation's most reliable wireless network. This e-mail confirms the activation of your wireless phone service on 3/3/2011
You can't make up stuff like this.
Just received e-mail from Verizon Wireless over an hour later:
We are very pleased you have selected Verizon Wireless. We would like to welcome you to the nation's most reliable wireless network. This e-mail confirms the activation of your wireless phone service on 3/3/2011
You can't make up stuff like this.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Motorola XOOM; this dog is going back.
installatiin of XOOM google body is still jerking around after almost an hour, just like Skype.
This has been frusrating and disappointing from ordering to simple basic use. Verizon compounds this every step.
Unless the Xoom makes an unexpexted ralley over the weekend, I will return it early next week.
This has been frusrating and disappointing from ordering to simple basic use. Verizon compounds this every step.
Unless the Xoom makes an unexpexted ralley over the weekend, I will return it early next week.
Motorola XOOM: Skype app never installed after two hours.
I finally gave up and cancelled. I started the Google Body app. It appears to be in the same stalled mode. It's now 6:45PM.
Motorola XOOM: apps are nuts and so are tablets.
Have any of the mainstream reviewers actually installed any XOOM apps?
Wow, it's weird.
I tried Skype. I was lost for hours. When I finally found it I still had to install it. Installation, I think, is happening yet again but is taking a REALLY long time.
I'm beginning to think that I don't like tablets.
1. copy/paste sucks
2. I find myself using it like a netbook, propped up on that stupid "case", except there's no keyboard to save me.
3. I don't want to use even the GMail and contacts apps that I cannot quiesce without un-installing them, I guess.
4. It may be impossible to install XOOM apps. Few exist and, so far, none have been installed. In addition to Skype, I selected google body, which looks interesting. It's awaiting the fate of Skype for its attempt at installation.
The on screen keyboard is painfully slow, with a very annoying lag between hitting a key and the symbol that appears, which includes a following space that does not count, as a real space must be entered.
Maybe this tablet thing sucks.
So where the heck are those damn Chrome OS PCs with their charming keyboards?
Wow, it's weird.
I tried Skype. I was lost for hours. When I finally found it I still had to install it. Installation, I think, is happening yet again but is taking a REALLY long time.
I'm beginning to think that I don't like tablets.
1. copy/paste sucks
2. I find myself using it like a netbook, propped up on that stupid "case", except there's no keyboard to save me.
3. I don't want to use even the GMail and contacts apps that I cannot quiesce without un-installing them, I guess.
4. It may be impossible to install XOOM apps. Few exist and, so far, none have been installed. In addition to Skype, I selected google body, which looks interesting. It's awaiting the fate of Skype for its attempt at installation.
The on screen keyboard is painfully slow, with a very annoying lag between hitting a key and the symbol that appears, which includes a following space that does not count, as a real space must be entered.
Maybe this tablet thing sucks.
So where the heck are those damn Chrome OS PCs with their charming keyboards?
To 4G or not 4G. That is the question.
Verizon's latest incompetence described in the previous post may have been of value. While waiting for multiple Verizon employees to jerk me around and pass me from one to another, I did some quick research.
HTC Thunderbolt v. Motorola Bionic seem to be the 4G or pseudo 4G phones of choice when/if they ever actually arrive. Today was the most recent slipped date for the HTC Thunderbolt and Motorola Bionic is just a twinkle in someone's eye. I wonder if the phones are ready but the network is not.
HTC Thunderbolt v. Motorola Bionic seem to be the 4G or pseudo 4G phones of choice when/if they ever actually arrive. Today was the most recent slipped date for the HTC Thunderbolt and Motorola Bionic is just a twinkle in someone's eye. I wonder if the phones are ready but the network is not.
Verizon e-mail to me: $100 off any Droid
Yeah, right!
Message to Verizon:
I clicked and selected the Motorola Pro for $79.99. When I click on continue in the shopping cart your stupid website just sits there. I tried this many times.
Message to Verizon:
I clicked and selected the Motorola Pro for $79.99. When I click on continue in the shopping cart your stupid website just sits there. I tried this many times.
So, ...
I logged in to my Verizon account and clicked on upgrade my phone. The same phone, Motorola Pro, is $179.99. What happened to the $100 off?
This is typical of the Verizon website.
Motorola XOOM: issues for a new user.
Since it just came out, we're all new users.
One thing I did not notice in the reviews is that the HDMI port is mini on the XOOM. And it is OUT. Most reviewers did not note that either, nor do the specs.
Note: the power port on the XOOM is NOT USB, but a small round sucker. Groan! Also, the USB port may NOT be used to charge the battery, which during the the first charged lit the LED as described but thereafter, does not even though the battery charge percentage increases so I guess that it's chargeing but not not indicating that through the LED. Argh!
Setup was a whiz and, like my Motorola Droid smart phone, it seamlessly downloaded my contacts and calendar data. When I opened the gmail app I was presented with an unfamiliar interface.
I then tried accessing my e-mail through the browser. That same unfamiliar interface appeared. Finally I noticed something at the bottom of the browser screen that does not appear in the google Chrome browser for Windows: options for either the default mobile interface or the desktop interface. When I switched to the desktop interface I saw most of what I see on my Windows PC, except for the Priority Inbox.
My vision for modern computing is to keep my data on servers, not on individual computers. Currently my data is synced between google servers and my Motorola Droid. Now with the Motorola XOOM I would be syncing with yet another computer. I don't like that and considered using my google functions through the XOOM browser, not through the XOOM apps.
I finally bit the bullet and reset my XOOM, erasing all the data that had been downloaded from the google servers. Upon re-initializing my XOOM I skipped providing my google account info.
Now when I open the XOOM gmail app I am prompted to provide my google account info, so the re-set worked erasing my data. Good. Same with the contacts app. I don't see anyway around syncing between google servers and my Motorola Droid smart phone because the screen is so small but the XOOM screen size seems large enough that I can use google online functions pretty comfortably in the browser and not be concerned that if my much more valuable XOOM were to be lost I would not also be losing all my data too.
For Calendar and Docs I had to individually select Desktop view. Docs warned me that my browser might not support all Docs stuff but stayed with Desktop. I don't expect to create or edit Docs much onn the XOOM anyway but we'll see. Hope the XOOM browser remembers my Desktop choices.
By erasing the data I also lost my WiFi passwords. Rats. Cannot seem to get stuff like that after fiddling with setting my google account for backup but not sync.
Let's see how this goes during the 14 day trial period.
The extra package of stuff that I ordered for $80 is a bit weird. The package includes:
- Display Portfolio protective cover/stand
- Standard Doc
- Display Protectors 3-Pack
The Display Portfolio is flimsier than I had expected and I do not see how the XOOM can remain in it and also be inserted into the Standard Doc even with switching the adapter, which itself seems impossible. The Display Portfolio has no holes on the bottom to provide access between the charger and the charging port so I don't know if I'll:
1. remove the XOOM from the Display Portfolio and drop it into the Standard Doc or
2. leave the XOOM in the Display Portfolio and plug it into the AC adapter, which renders the Standard Doc unnecessary.
All the Motorola documentation has a font size that is much too small, while wasting the obligatory white space. Hey, Motorola, not all of your customers have great eye sight. Even with a magnifying glass it's difficult to read. And as David Pogue noted, what's with those cryptic mini icons on the XOOM screen. There's plenty of screen real estate.
On the Windows PC I noticed that when I was logged in on the XOOM using the gmail app, Windows gmail indicated that I was logged in on a second computer, providing the IP address. That's not the case now that I'm accessing gmail on the XOOM through its browser.
I have not actually tried it yet but copy and paste appears to be the same junk, maybe worse, as that on my Motorola Droid. Computer finger painting has its limits.
One thing I did not notice in the reviews is that the HDMI port is mini on the XOOM. And it is OUT. Most reviewers did not note that either, nor do the specs.
Note: the power port on the XOOM is NOT USB, but a small round sucker. Groan! Also, the USB port may NOT be used to charge the battery, which during the the first charged lit the LED as described but thereafter, does not even though the battery charge percentage increases so I guess that it's chargeing but not not indicating that through the LED. Argh!
Setup was a whiz and, like my Motorola Droid smart phone, it seamlessly downloaded my contacts and calendar data. When I opened the gmail app I was presented with an unfamiliar interface.
I then tried accessing my e-mail through the browser. That same unfamiliar interface appeared. Finally I noticed something at the bottom of the browser screen that does not appear in the google Chrome browser for Windows: options for either the default mobile interface or the desktop interface. When I switched to the desktop interface I saw most of what I see on my Windows PC, except for the Priority Inbox.
My vision for modern computing is to keep my data on servers, not on individual computers. Currently my data is synced between google servers and my Motorola Droid. Now with the Motorola XOOM I would be syncing with yet another computer. I don't like that and considered using my google functions through the XOOM browser, not through the XOOM apps.
I finally bit the bullet and reset my XOOM, erasing all the data that had been downloaded from the google servers. Upon re-initializing my XOOM I skipped providing my google account info.
Now when I open the XOOM gmail app I am prompted to provide my google account info, so the re-set worked erasing my data. Good. Same with the contacts app. I don't see anyway around syncing between google servers and my Motorola Droid smart phone because the screen is so small but the XOOM screen size seems large enough that I can use google online functions pretty comfortably in the browser and not be concerned that if my much more valuable XOOM were to be lost I would not also be losing all my data too.
For Calendar and Docs I had to individually select Desktop view. Docs warned me that my browser might not support all Docs stuff but stayed with Desktop. I don't expect to create or edit Docs much onn the XOOM anyway but we'll see. Hope the XOOM browser remembers my Desktop choices.
By erasing the data I also lost my WiFi passwords. Rats. Cannot seem to get stuff like that after fiddling with setting my google account for backup but not sync.
Let's see how this goes during the 14 day trial period.
The extra package of stuff that I ordered for $80 is a bit weird. The package includes:
- Display Portfolio protective cover/stand
- Standard Doc
- Display Protectors 3-Pack
The Display Portfolio is flimsier than I had expected and I do not see how the XOOM can remain in it and also be inserted into the Standard Doc even with switching the adapter, which itself seems impossible. The Display Portfolio has no holes on the bottom to provide access between the charger and the charging port so I don't know if I'll:
1. remove the XOOM from the Display Portfolio and drop it into the Standard Doc or
2. leave the XOOM in the Display Portfolio and plug it into the AC adapter, which renders the Standard Doc unnecessary.
All the Motorola documentation has a font size that is much too small, while wasting the obligatory white space. Hey, Motorola, not all of your customers have great eye sight. Even with a magnifying glass it's difficult to read. And as David Pogue noted, what's with those cryptic mini icons on the XOOM screen. There's plenty of screen real estate.
On the Windows PC I noticed that when I was logged in on the XOOM using the gmail app, Windows gmail indicated that I was logged in on a second computer, providing the IP address. That's not the case now that I'm accessing gmail on the XOOM through its browser.
I have not actually tried it yet but copy and paste appears to be the same junk, maybe worse, as that on my Motorola Droid. Computer finger painting has its limits.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Ordered Motorola XOOM ... sort of.
I watched the David Pogue video again and realized that there's practically no chance that by waiting I would select any of these:
1. Apple iPad2
2. HP with its Palm OS, whatever it's called
3. Research in Motion's blackberry tablet thing.
So I ordered Motorola XOOM. Verizon hasn't changed much from its total monopoly days. It succeeds in spite of it's billing department.
I ordered online because the two Verizon retail I checked three days ago, which was two days after Verizon announced the XOOM, did not have the XOOM and provided only a vague sense as to when it might arrive, displaying minimal interest in having me buy from them.
I logged in to my Verizon account. There was no way to order the damn thing.
Next I opened the Verizon promotional e-mail, which provided a link to buy it. Fine but that was not associated with the fact that I had already logged in. I went through the ordering process, which made it clear that even existing customers (it did not ask for identification as such) had to supply driver's license ID and social security number so that Verizon could do a credit check. Verizon also assigned a new phone number even though I was ordering a computer, with no explanation about this stupidity. I had gone through this when I ordered MiFi hot spot service about 18 months ago.
I received an e-mail message confirming my order but, again, giving no indication that Verizon realized that I was an existing customer.
I called Verizon because I could see trouble. While waiting for some intelligent response by the Verizon human being I received a second e-mail message stating:
Unfortunately, we are unable to process your request for the following reason:
Our Credit Review Department has requested further information from you.
Say what?
Against my better judgement I called and was told that Verizon wanted to know if I wanted the new service to be in a new account or on my existing account. You cannot make up stuff like this.
I told Verizon, yes, I want the new service on my existing account! Geez! All this agita could have been avoided with a website that functioned like it had been designed by people on THIS planet.
I also asked both Verizon people I spoke to the rhetorical question of whether Verizon had a discount plan for the many and varied Internet services that a customer could have. No. This after my having to explain the concept of bundled service discount. The default reaction is for FIOS people to direct you to Wireless people and for Wireless people to direct you to FIOS people. I have a bundled discount between FIOS and Wireless but I also want one for what will now be three Verizon Internet services (something I had been determined to avoid), maybe analogous to a family plan for voice service. Note: Verizon does not have a family plan for data service among smart phones.
My three Verizon Internet services will now be:
1. FIOS at home
2. data plan for my Motorola Droid smart phone
3. data plan for my Motorola XOOM, which, despite being a computer, will have its own phone number so that the archaic Verizon computer systems can crawl through the information the manner of a monopoly.
Hot off the e-mail, one hour after I finished my conversation with the second Verizon person, the one who told me that I would receive the XOOM tomorrow:
Your order is currently in queue to be processed. In most cases orders are processed within 3 business days.
You can't make up stuff like this.
1. Apple iPad2
2. HP with its Palm OS, whatever it's called
3. Research in Motion's blackberry tablet thing.
So I ordered Motorola XOOM. Verizon hasn't changed much from its total monopoly days. It succeeds in spite of it's billing department.
I ordered online because the two Verizon retail I checked three days ago, which was two days after Verizon announced the XOOM, did not have the XOOM and provided only a vague sense as to when it might arrive, displaying minimal interest in having me buy from them.
I logged in to my Verizon account. There was no way to order the damn thing.
Next I opened the Verizon promotional e-mail, which provided a link to buy it. Fine but that was not associated with the fact that I had already logged in. I went through the ordering process, which made it clear that even existing customers (it did not ask for identification as such) had to supply driver's license ID and social security number so that Verizon could do a credit check. Verizon also assigned a new phone number even though I was ordering a computer, with no explanation about this stupidity. I had gone through this when I ordered MiFi hot spot service about 18 months ago.
I received an e-mail message confirming my order but, again, giving no indication that Verizon realized that I was an existing customer.
I called Verizon because I could see trouble. While waiting for some intelligent response by the Verizon human being I received a second e-mail message stating:
Unfortunately, we are unable to process your request for the following reason:
Our Credit Review Department has requested further information from you.
Say what?
Against my better judgement I called and was told that Verizon wanted to know if I wanted the new service to be in a new account or on my existing account. You cannot make up stuff like this.
I told Verizon, yes, I want the new service on my existing account! Geez! All this agita could have been avoided with a website that functioned like it had been designed by people on THIS planet.
I also asked both Verizon people I spoke to the rhetorical question of whether Verizon had a discount plan for the many and varied Internet services that a customer could have. No. This after my having to explain the concept of bundled service discount. The default reaction is for FIOS people to direct you to Wireless people and for Wireless people to direct you to FIOS people. I have a bundled discount between FIOS and Wireless but I also want one for what will now be three Verizon Internet services (something I had been determined to avoid), maybe analogous to a family plan for voice service. Note: Verizon does not have a family plan for data service among smart phones.
My three Verizon Internet services will now be:
1. FIOS at home
2. data plan for my Motorola Droid smart phone
3. data plan for my Motorola XOOM, which, despite being a computer, will have its own phone number so that the archaic Verizon computer systems can crawl through the information the manner of a monopoly.
Hot off the e-mail, one hour after I finished my conversation with the second Verizon person, the one who told me that I would receive the XOOM tomorrow:
Your order is currently in queue to be processed. In most cases orders are processed within 3 business days.
You can't make up stuff like this.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Motorola XOOM v. Apple iPad2
The Motorola XOOM (manufacturer spells it with caps) tablet from Verizon Wireless running the Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) Operating System (OS) became available yesterday. Given that I had been waiting for this product it's strange that I have not yet pulled the trigger and bought the damn thing.
Most mainstream sources (NY Times, WSJ, ...) recommend waiting until March 2, only three days, for Apple's predatory announcement of its iPad2. It seems that the iPad2 announcement has been hurried to a strategically earlier date to impede XOOM sales.
These seem to be my reasons for hesitating:
1. Price. $600 with a $20 per month two year contract with Verizon Wireless for one gig per month or $800. Ouch! That's no pressure for Apple to be more reasonable, which Apple would have no inclination to be anyway.
2. XOOM is currently only available in one configuration, 3G with a future software upgrade to 4G when that version of wireless network becomes available. There is currently no WiFi only version. I asked two friends who know this stuff better than I whether such a software upgrade made sense but did not get a direct answer: there's only a marketing of version of 4G and why would you need all that speed. My thinking: I don't want a $600-$800 device to become obsolete in 12-18 months.
3. There will be plenty more Android tablets and the XOOM may not seem so hot in a few months. Others may be less expensive and more polished; XOOM currently lacks Flash video play, which is really odd given Apple's policy to never support Flash. I could live without an HD video camera and save that expense. I just want to look up stuff. A bare bones tablet for half the price would be compelling. I don't actually need an iPad clone.
4. iPad2 is the 800 pound and $800 gorilla, the market leader and trend setter. Maybe I should just succumb and buy from the evil Apple empire.
In the Westchester mall near my home are both an Apple store and a Verizon Wireless store. Maybe I'll wait 3-4 days and see if I can try each and then delude myself into thinking that my decision was not largely emotional and go ahead and buy the XOOM in hopes that the enlightened google will reward me by smiting mighty Apple with its open architecture.
So when the heck will PCs with the google ChromeOS finally be available? That product might preclude my consumer longing for the more expensive tablet.
Most mainstream sources (NY Times, WSJ, ...) recommend waiting until March 2, only three days, for Apple's predatory announcement of its iPad2. It seems that the iPad2 announcement has been hurried to a strategically earlier date to impede XOOM sales.
These seem to be my reasons for hesitating:
1. Price. $600 with a $20 per month two year contract with Verizon Wireless for one gig per month or $800. Ouch! That's no pressure for Apple to be more reasonable, which Apple would have no inclination to be anyway.
2. XOOM is currently only available in one configuration, 3G with a future software upgrade to 4G when that version of wireless network becomes available. There is currently no WiFi only version. I asked two friends who know this stuff better than I whether such a software upgrade made sense but did not get a direct answer: there's only a marketing of version of 4G and why would you need all that speed. My thinking: I don't want a $600-$800 device to become obsolete in 12-18 months.
3. There will be plenty more Android tablets and the XOOM may not seem so hot in a few months. Others may be less expensive and more polished; XOOM currently lacks Flash video play, which is really odd given Apple's policy to never support Flash. I could live without an HD video camera and save that expense. I just want to look up stuff. A bare bones tablet for half the price would be compelling. I don't actually need an iPad clone.
4. iPad2 is the 800 pound and $800 gorilla, the market leader and trend setter. Maybe I should just succumb and buy from the evil Apple empire.
In the Westchester mall near my home are both an Apple store and a Verizon Wireless store. Maybe I'll wait 3-4 days and see if I can try each and then delude myself into thinking that my decision was not largely emotional and go ahead and buy the XOOM in hopes that the enlightened google will reward me by smiting mighty Apple with its open architecture.
So when the heck will PCs with the google ChromeOS finally be available? That product might preclude my consumer longing for the more expensive tablet.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
bump
I've had it on my Motorola Droid for months and never found someone with whom I could share something. Oh, for the Palm infrared port!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
My Review of Roku XD Player
The new XD steps it up with 1080p HD video quality and extended-range wireless.
Good
By Ken from White Plains, NY on 12/28/2010
Pros: Great value, High quality picture, IT WORKS, Reliability, Compact
Cons: Make finding stuff easier, Difficult to set up
Best Uses: Robin Hood BBC series, Living room
Describe Yourself: Casual User
Never used Netflix before this but the $8.99 per month for unlimited Netflix and this Roku box were a compelling combination.
(legalese)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Google's OS
Google's operating system, ChromeOS, may be loaded on small new laptops by the end of 2010. That probably means netbooks only. I hope that ChromeOS as an option on larger PCs.
Reports are that users may not be able to load ChromeOS on older PCs. I hope that's not true.
I use the cloud for everything now, including Google Documents. I don't use programs on my PC to create files. All I want to do is connect to the Internet. In theory, ChromeOS should suffice. An OS that loads quickly, is integrated with its browser and is light on resources. Sounds great.
Windows7 and Mac PCs are bloated messes. I have not been able to get Linux to run consistently. Here's hoping that ChromeOS is a viable alternative.
Reports are that users may not be able to load ChromeOS on older PCs. I hope that's not true.
I use the cloud for everything now, including Google Documents. I don't use programs on my PC to create files. All I want to do is connect to the Internet. In theory, ChromeOS should suffice. An OS that loads quickly, is integrated with its browser and is light on resources. Sounds great.
Windows7 and Mac PCs are bloated messes. I have not been able to get Linux to run consistently. Here's hoping that ChromeOS is a viable alternative.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Android OS does not copy and paste.
After the fuss about the original Apple iPhone not having copy and paste it's especially amazing that Android OS 2.0 does not include that simple function. What was google thinking? It is disappointing that my Motorola Droid using the Verizon Wireless network lacks copy and paste.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Is Best Buy going out of business like Circuit City?
Best Buy keeps sending me e-mail messages about it's RewardZone program to encourage customers to buy more stuff. OK, I get that. However, it appears to require users to PRINT something that store employees must scan. Say what? Is this a time machine thing taking us back to the 1950s and S&H green stamps?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S&H_Green_Stamps
When I was in the Best Buy store in Hartsdale, NY recently trying unsuccessfully to make this RewardZone thing work the employees had the customers outnumbered 5 to 1.
Is Best Buy going out of business like Circuit City?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S&H_Green_Stamps
When I was in the Best Buy store in Hartsdale, NY recently trying unsuccessfully to make this RewardZone thing work the employees had the customers outnumbered 5 to 1.
Is Best Buy going out of business like Circuit City?
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Google Buzz
First Buzz. I've read that this is a lame attempt by google to get into social networking, i.e., facebook. I have a facebook account but still have not used it much nor seen any real value, plus I find it cluttered and confusing. Who are those people?
The integration that google has done so far seems much better than that described by pundits and I would be much more inclined to extend my use of google services than those in facebook and that ridiculous twitter.
The integration that google has done so far seems much better than that described by pundits and I would be much more inclined to extend my use of google services than those in facebook and that ridiculous twitter.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Message sent to Verizon Wireless about google voice app incurring minutes using WiFi
Side issue: I am logged in to my account yet I must enter ALL my info to send a message. Is this a way to discourage messages?
I have the Motorola Droid running Android 2.0. I loaded the google voice app. When I call with the google voice app using the Verizon Wireless 3G network I get charged minutes. OK, that makes some sense.
However, I also get charged when I call with the google voice app using a WiFi connection. This does not make sense. Here is a recent example that caught my attention:
12/04/2009 02:04 PM 5183149466 37 PLATTSBG
That phone number is used by the google voice app for all my outgoing calls.
I should NOT be charged voice minutes against my plan of 450 voice minutes per month when I call with the google voice app using a WiFi connection.
I have the Motorola Droid running Android 2.0. I loaded the google voice app. When I call with the google voice app using the Verizon Wireless 3G network I get charged minutes. OK, that makes some sense.
However, I also get charged when I call with the google voice app using a WiFi connection. This does not make sense. Here is a recent example that caught my attention:
12/04/2009 02:04 PM 5183149466 37 PLATTSBG
That phone number is used by the google voice app for all my outgoing calls.
I should NOT be charged voice minutes against my plan of 450 voice minutes per month when I call with the google voice app using a WiFi connection.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Google Voice for Droid
I finally found a substantive use for google voice. There's an app to run it from my Verizon Wireless Motorola Droid. I have tried it using WiFi. Next I'll try it using the Verizon Wireless 3G network. That should work, too.
When using the Verizon Wireless 3G network to make google voice calls, what will be increased:
1. voice plan minutes
2. data plan bytes?
If data plan bytes, it seems that one could use google voice all the time and not incur any voice plan minutes to make outgoing calls. That would be cool.
When using the Verizon Wireless 3G network to make google voice calls, what will be increased:
1. voice plan minutes
2. data plan bytes?
If data plan bytes, it seems that one could use google voice all the time and not incur any voice plan minutes to make outgoing calls. That would be cool.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Droid
I bought the Motorola Droid for Verizon Wireless. Best feature, which is also totally under appreciated in formal reviews:
SYNC!
The damn thing does auto sync directly between the Droid and gmail contacts and calendar! No PC! That revolting iPod Touch that I tried for a day required a PC to get it started so that the evil Apple Computers, Inc. could force you to register with its money sucking iTunes software. That's just to get the iPod Touch started. If you simply wanted to connect to the Internet and not listen to music you could not!
Google's FREE syncing works well, although a contact's address is still a one field mess in gmail. In the Droid postal address, as it is known, is broken into discreet fields.
SYNC!
The damn thing does auto sync directly between the Droid and gmail contacts and calendar! No PC! That revolting iPod Touch that I tried for a day required a PC to get it started so that the evil Apple Computers, Inc. could force you to register with its money sucking iTunes software. That's just to get the iPod Touch started. If you simply wanted to connect to the Internet and not listen to music you could not!
Google's FREE syncing works well, although a contact's address is still a one field mess in gmail. In the Droid postal address, as it is known, is broken into discreet fields.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sprint, the deceiver!
Yesterday I saw TV ads with the Sprint CEO promoting Sprint's new calling plan, which includes free calls to any mobile phone. I was tempted. I just checked the Sprint web site. This plan starts at $70! What the heck? That's because it requires the data plan with only 450 minutes to non-mobile phones. In other words, the same type of plan that I could get from ATT or Verizon. Since they have most of the mobile phones, it's not much of a plan.
It also appears to cover only outgoing calls, not incoming.
No thanks.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wither a cool Verizon Wireless device?
My trusty three and half year old Palm Treo 700P died. The jack for the headset stopped working, preventing the mic from working. Who would have thought that? I tried using my old Motorola blue tooth head set (never liked its performance), figuring it would bypass the mic, but that thing would not come to life after not being used for years even though I kept the battery charged ... I thought.
I considered my wireless options: iPhone on ATT, Palm Pre on Sprint, G1 google phone on T-Mobile. I really wanted to stay with the Verizon Wireless network hoping that it would approve a cool device soon enough to reward my patience. Supposedly the Palm Pre will be on the Verizon Wireless network early in 2010.
I dusted off my previous phone, an LG, and switched my Verizon Wireless account back to it. It works fine! I still have the car charger, which also works. I set up my old Palm TX to sync with MS Outlook on my PC. Bingo, back to the future. This is what I used four years ago before I bought the Palm Treo 700P for $400. Now, however, I have the Verizon Wireless MiFi modem, which works well with the Palm TX via WiFi, connecting it to the web. The only uncool thing is the need to carry three items: LG phone, Palm TX, MiFi modem.
I will probably get whichever of the three smart phones becomes available on Verizon Wireless: iPhone, Palm Pre, (G1 or some other running the Android OS). Unless Verizon Wireless does something unexpected and introduces a device that the other service providers do not already have. It would require a significant change in corporate culture and is very unlikely. Verizon Wireless could also consider some creativity in its billing plans. ATT has rollover minutes. Verizon Wireless has a favorites option but it would require me to increase my monthly cost from $40 (plus tax and tip over 25%) to $60; it would increase my allowed minutes from 450 to 900.
When will a U.S. wireless service provider charge only for outgoing calls and not for incoming calls? I think that's how it is done in Europe. Here, both the caller and called are charged minutes.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Nokia renages.
Despite spending almost two hours on the phone Friday and having Nokia tell me that it would waive the 15% restocking charge, when I called today Monday to get a return authorization (RA) number Nokia acted like it had never heard of me and charged the 15%. I just took the RA and ended the call. You can't fight city hall or customer service.
Verzion Wireless, save me from all this! Get some good devices.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Nokia N810
I tried using it. Advertised softaware is not loaded but lised. The user can decide to load it. I had the N810 load Rhapsody.
Then I tried to have it load Skype. Error message indicated that I needed to upgrade the Nokia N810 software. More evidence that Nokia sent me an old device. I downloaded the required program but received another error message indicating that the N810 could not recognize the file type.
That was it. I removed the battery and packed it into its box. Monday I will call Nokia the get a return Authorization (RA) number.
Then I tried to have it load Skype. Error message indicated that I needed to upgrade the Nokia N810 software. More evidence that Nokia sent me an old device. I downloaded the required program but received another error message indicating that the N810 could not recognize the file type.
That was it. I removed the battery and packed it into its box. Monday I will call Nokia the get a return Authorization (RA) number.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Nokia N810 arrived: used, NOT new!
It is clearly used. Packaging makes that obvious. I paid for new and got used!
I am on hold with Nokia, which wants ME to pay to return it for a new device plus 15% restocking! Apple only hit me for 10% restocking when I returned the iPod Touch.
I asked Nokia to check its inventory system and determine whether the device had already been sold and returned. I'm waiting for the answer.
This sucks.
These companies do not deal with customers well at all.
Forty minutes on this call to Nokia and WAITING!
What will Nokia decide? The tension mounts. Plus, stupid Verizon Wireless cannot handle my switch to paperless billing. I called and its systems are down!
What the heck?
Nokia group to provide a return authorization (RA) number have all gone home. They are in Indiana.
I am on hold for the group that MAY be able to tell me if this device had been sold and returned before it was shipped to me.
Apple is starting to look good.
On hold with person looking up my Nokia device. One hour, three minutes. Thank goodness I'm using Skype.
74 minutes. I grow weak.
80 minutes.
90 minutes. Nokia will wave the 15% but charge me for shipping. I said no. They are checking again.
95 minutes.
100 minutes. They are sending me back to sales, which dumped onto some semi techie group. Nokia could not tell me whether I had to pay for shipping, the reason I was placed on hold.
I played with it while I was on hold. I think I will return it no matter what. It sucks.
Verizon Wireless, get something: Palm Prem G1, G2, even the damn iPhone! Something!
112 minutes. It's over. Nothing resolved. I must call back Monday.
Oh, the humanity!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Linux Ubuntu returns!
Yes and it is actually installed and working on my trusty four year old Dell eight pound laptop. I received the version 9.04 CD from The Netherlands in record time.
Initially, I ran it from the CD. Then in a bold move I had it create its own partition on my 40 gig hard drive and install. At start up I have the option to boot either Ubuntu or WindowsXP. It's working well.
However, it limited the size of the partition and there appears to be almost no free space. It presented me with a long list of program updates that cannot be installed because they need almost 400 meg of disk space and I seem to have less than 100 meg free. I tried removing some programs such as Open Office but that did not free nearly enough space.
Both the Update Manager and Add/Remove apps seem to have been created by some being from a nearby galaxy, not too far from our own but not too close either.
Hey, at least it's working.
Initially, I ran it from the CD. Then in a bold move I had it create its own partition on my 40 gig hard drive and install. At start up I have the option to boot either Ubuntu or WindowsXP. It's working well.
However, it limited the size of the partition and there appears to be almost no free space. It presented me with a long list of program updates that cannot be installed because they need almost 400 meg of disk space and I seem to have less than 100 meg free. I tried removing some programs such as Open Office but that did not free nearly enough space.
Both the Update Manager and Add/Remove apps seem to have been created by some being from a nearby galaxy, not too far from our own but not too close either.
Hey, at least it's working.
Nokia N810 back ordered.
I ordered it directly from Nokia. Let's see if they produce and ship it. Price is $229, same as the iPod Touch from the hated and deservedly so Apple Computers.
Nokia has a real slide out keyboard. It's an Internet tablet, not a phone. This is the WiFi only version, no WiMax.
Nokia has a real slide out keyboard. It's an Internet tablet, not a phone. This is the WiFi only version, no WiMax.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Acer supprt: still dense.
Response (Arun_GWSI663) - 07/20/2009 06:42 AM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you with this issue.
As per your Serial number we verified that your product is in Warranty.
I understand that you are unable to do recovery using the recovery partition, and also find out that there is no eRecovery program installed in the PC.
Could you please understand that you can install it from the recovery CD.
So could you please go though this link for purchase the recovery the recovery CD: https://secure.tx.acer.com/RCDB/Main.aspx?brand=acer.
_________________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 8:37 AM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident: 090711-000847]
How about letting me download it? If it fits on a CD, it must be no larger than about 650 meg, right?
The Acer eRecovery program is supposed to already be on my PC. Why should I pay for something that I am supposed to have?
Plus, my Acer netbook does NOT have a CD drive. You should know that, plus I have informed Acer support about that in this thread alone, MANY times.
Acer support: still crazy after all these years.
Response (Shelly_GWSI408) - 07/20/2009 12:42 AM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you.
I understand that you are unable to do recovery using the recovery partition. As per our records your computer is in warranty.
We would recommend you to purchase the recovery CD and do the recovery with the help of an external optical drive.
To order replacement recovery discs/media, please refer to Acer's online order form located at:
https://secure.tx.acer.com/RCDB/Main.aspx?brand=acer.
This can also be found under the eRecovery CD Purchase link at:
http://www.acerpanam.com/synapse/forms/webpage.cfm?siteid=7293&areaid=7&website=AcerPanAm.com/us.
__________________________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 6:12 AM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident: 090711-000847]
Why?
Why would I pay any more money to Acer for something that is supposed to work but does not?
Go back and read the exchange of messages between Acer and me. You will find a consistent pattern of silly suggestions from Acer, which show that Acer support people do not use common sense.
Are you trying to make me hate Acer? Your eRecovery program is apparently not installed on my Acer PC and you do not want to admit
it.
I would not recommend Acer. This would not happen with Dell or HP.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Acer support: you cannot make up stuff like this.
Response (Hashim_GWSI667) - 07/19/2009 04:52 PM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you.
I am glad to inform you that as per our record your product is in warranty.
Having reviewed your email, I understand that your Netbook is having some issues with its performance and you need to know how to do recovery using eRecovery.
You could get complete eRecovery steps from the following link :-
http://www.acerpanam.com/synapse/forms/portal20.cfm?recordid=1156&formid=3390&website=acerpanam.com&siteid=7117&words=all&keywords=&areaid=2
___________________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 9:45 PM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident: 090711-000847]
"Immediately, press ALT on the keyboard and start tapping F10.
Continue holding ALT and tapping F10 as the unit boots up."
Screen stating "Starting Acer Erecovery" does NOT appear.
I tried it a couple of times. It does NOT work!
Acer support: the beat goes on.
Response (Akash PRamesh) - 07/18/2009 01:17 PM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you with this issue. I am glad to inform you that as per our record your product is in warranty.
Having reviewed your email, I understand that your netbook is having some issues with its performance and you need to know how to do recovery using partition.
Aaa, in order to do recovery using the recovery partition I would recommend you to click on start, click on all programs and select empowering technology.
_________________________________________
fromKenneth Matinale <matinale@gmail.com>toAcer Technical Support <acer1@mailwc.custhelp.com>
dateSun, Jul 19, 2009 at 3:37 PMsubjectRe: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident: 090711-000847]
"click on start, click on all programs and select empowering technology."
There is nothing like "empowering technology". Please provide more info. Thanks.
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you with this issue. I am glad to inform you that as per our record your product is in warranty.
Having reviewed your email, I understand that your netbook is having some issues with its performance and you need to know how to do recovery using partition.
Aaa, in order to do recovery using the recovery partition I would recommend you to click on start, click on all programs and select empowering technology.
_________________________________________
fromKenneth Matinale <matinale@gmail.com>toAcer Technical Support <acer1@mailwc.custhelp.com>
dateSun, Jul 19, 2009 at 3:37 PMsubjectRe: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident: 090711-000847]
"click on start, click on all programs and select empowering technology."
There is nothing like "empowering technology". Please provide more info. Thanks.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Apple iPod Touch returned ... ten percent charge.
I arrived at the mall about 9:45AM. The Apple store opens at 10AM and about half a dozen people were already waiting outside. This was odd because customers were already inside and an Apple employee (Applista) was coming out to see if any of us had early appointments.
At 10AM I entered and indicated that I was returning an Apple iPod Touch. There was some grumbling among Apple employees, apparently bracing for the day's onslaught. I was asked why I was returning it and stated that it did not function as a stand alone product, that when I turned it on I saw an image that wanted me to use iTunes. An Applista suggested that iTunes would enable it and I said that iTunes on my PC presented me with an agreement and that I would not declare my allegiance to iTunes.
OK, we were ready for the actual return:
Applista: There is a ten percent re-stocking charge.
Ken: I was not told that.
Applista: It's on the receipt.
Ken: The receipt was sent to me by e-mail.
Applista: Then you received it.
Ken: Not while I was in the store and could do something about it.
Applista: Well, there's nothing that I can do about it.
That cost me $23. I took the hit and left, never to return again. Apple has alienated me.
Acer support: the final insult, declaring the unsolved problem solved
Classic case of a company ignoring what the customer tells it.
**********************************
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 8:16 AM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident: 090711-000847]
Just tell me how "to do system recovery ... using the recovery
partition". Instructions in the pfd file have not worked.
_________________________________________
Response (Akash PRamesh) - 07/18/2009 08:10 AM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you with this issue.
I am glad to inform you that as per our record your product is in warranty.
Having reviewed your email, I understand that your netbook is having some issues with its performance and you need to know how to do recovery using partition.
Aaa, please go through the link for doing recovery using empowering technology http://www.acerpanam.com/synapse/data/7117/documents/Acer%20eRecovery%20Management.pdf
There would be a data loss if you are using RCD. So please take back up of your data before you do a recovery. To take a back up, you can contact Answers by Acer which is a paid support or else you can take the system to any local store nearby.
Your service request has been updated, please make a note of the SR number:1-524JJQ for future references.
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site
http://www.acerpanam.com/synapse/forms/webpage.cfm?website=acerpanam.com&siteid=7117&areaid=2
Thank you for contacting Acer,
Have a great day!
Respectfully,
Acer America
Online Technical Support
Customer (Aaa Ken) - 07/18/2009 07:25 AM
- Show quoted text ---
Last Updated: 07/18/2009 08:10 AM
Status: Solved
_________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 12:41 PM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident: 090711-000847]
http://techthoughtsmatinale.blogspot.com/
Hey, clown, check the blog above. The entire world knows how lousy Acer support is. I just wrote to Acer (again) that the Acer recovery pdf file did not have good info and you tell me to read it, then declare the problem SOLVED!?
That is terrible support.
Apple, the evil empire, adds a touch of evil.
Yesterday I bought an Apple iPod Touch. I will return it today.
When it is powered on it does not start up. It shows an image of a USB cable with an arrow pointing to an iTunes icon. It is crippled. When I attach it to my Windows PC an iTunes service agreement appears on my PC. I must agree to continue. I declined.
I bought it to access the web and run Skype. However, Apple will not let me do those things without buying into its insidious all encompassing iTunes world. No thanks.
Plus, where does it say that I must have a PC to use an iPod Touch?
What if my PC runs a non-iTunes OS: Linux, ChromeOS (future), whatever?
Acer support ... MORONIC!
Here are the messages exchanged between me and Acer support over six days regarding the very SLOW performance of my Acer netbook running WindowsXP. There are some common themes:
1. Acer does not respond directly to what a customer writes.
2. Acer does not know what PC I have.
3. Acer does not know whether my model PC is made by Acer or by one of its acquisitions such as Gateway.
4. Acer cannot provide solutions to its own problems, specifically, system recovery.
____________________________________
Customer (aaa Ken) - 07/11/2009 07:25 PM
Processors [Incident: 090709-000123]
Acer: Come on, come on! I sent this screen shot to you a day ago. It clearly shows TWO processors, both in device manager and in task manager.
Please explain the TWO processors.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ken
Date: Fri, Jul 10, 2009 at 9:08 AM
To: matinale@gmail.com
You are invited to view a photo from Ken's photo album: Tech View Photo
Message from Ken:
View the TWO processors in my Acer netbook. If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=matinale&target=PHOTO&id=5356816930879671810
&aid=5356816224913769969&authkey=Gv1sRgCIXasL-0sPrGuQE&invite=CLSdjMsD&feat=email
To share your photos or receive notification when your friends share photos, get your own free Picasa Web Albums account.
____________________________________
Response (Rajesh P) - 07/11/2009 11:00 PM
Dear aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America.This is Rajesh. I’ll be happy to assist you in this issue.
It is extremely hard to determine the exact cause from the information you have provided.
With this in mind, could you please give more detailed information about the issue/error message if any or any other information that you think may help us to help you.
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site http://Acer.com/
Have a great day!
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Sun, Jul 12, 2009 at 9:16 AM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident:
090711-000847]
See attached file. It is a screen shot that clearly shows TWO processors in BOTH:
- device manager
- task manager.
Please explain why there are TWO processors and how TWO processors impact performance.
Thank you.
__________________________________
Response (Shefin) - 07/12/2009 08:54 AM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you.
I understand that you can see two processors in device manger and task manager.
Please note that, if you are using Hyperthreading processor with your computer, it will shows two processors in device manager. That means there is one physical processor and two logical processors, it works like two but there is only one processor.
We are sorry that we'll not be able to pull up your computer records without the serial number. In order to assist you better we would like to have the Serial number of your system. We would recommend you to verify the correct Serial Number which is 22 or 13 character alphanumeric or 11 digit SNID number before sending the same to us.
You could locate the serial number:
On the bottom of a notebook
On the back or side of a desktop
Under the front sliding door on a desktop
On the original computer box
We would also recommend you to confirm whether you bought the system from US or Canada.
I will do the needful after getting the required information. For further clarifications
please feel free to visit our web site http://Acerpanam.com/
Have a great day!
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Sun, Jul 12, 2009 at 12:54 PM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident:
090711-000847]
I sent all that info. I am away from the Acer netbook now.
I did not install hyperthreading. I never heard of it. Acer must have done it. Could that slow down my Acer pc?
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Sun, Jul 12, 2009 at 3:20 PM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident:
090711-000847]
nvoice# 553430140
SSCC# (00)047182358002188744
LoadID: U21868-005,113
MFSG.DATE:0811 AOA 110-1588
S/N: LUS030B0438482A2972536
SNID: 84817269525
On Sun, Jul 12, 2009 at 9:54 AM, Acer Technical
__________________________________
Response (Shefin) - 07/12/2009 02:40 PM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you.
I understand that the computer shows two processors in device manger and task manager. I have verified the serial number and found that the computer is in warranty.
Please note that Hyperthreading is an advanced technology for the Processors. If the computer is having a Processor with Hyperthreading, it will shows two processors in device manager. That means there is one physical processor and two logical processors, it works like two but there is only one processor. It will increase the ability of the Processor. There is nothing to worry about it.
I sincerely hope the above information will help you with the issue. Please make a note
of the service request number, 1-51GV7G for further assistance.
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site http://Acerpanam.com/
Have a great day!
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Sun, Jul 12, 2009 at 4:05 PM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident:
090711-000847]
1-51GV7G
OK, if two processors is not the problem, then why is it so slow? I added only a few new programs:
- google Chrome, Updater, Desktop
- Skype
- Norton Internet Security (turned off everything)
- VZ Manager (for mobile broadband) - not used
Removed MS Office
Deleted MS Works (would not uninstall)
On Sun, Jul 12, 2009 at 3:40 PM, Acer Technical
__________________________________
Response (Shefin) - 07/12/2009 04:27 PM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you with the system performance issue.
Please go to the link given below and follow the instructions to resolve the performance issue with your computer.
http://support.gateway.com/s/Checklists/Q42006/ck2006110918.shtml
I sincerely hope the above information will help you with the issue. Please make a note
of the service request number, 1-51GV7G for further assistance.
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site http://Acerpanam.com/
Have a great day!
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Sun, Jul 12, 2009 at 5:45 PM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident:
090711-000847]
1. It's an ACER, not a Gateway!
2. Don't you know how much RAM is installed? It's YOUR PC! One gig.
3. I do the rest. It's boiler plate junk.
This PC stinks. How do I return it?
RSVP
On Sun, Jul 12, 2009 at 5:27 PM, Acer Technical
__________________________________
Response (Praveen_GWSI407) - 07/12/2009 07:42 PM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I will be happy to assist you with the system performance issue.
After verifying your information, we found that your product is in warranty.
Please go through the provided the link to resolve the system performance issue.
Would you please provide us with more detailed information about the issue/error message if any or any other information that may you think would help us would be a welcome.
Your service request id is:- 1-51GV7G
It's been a pleasure assisting you.
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our website:- http://Acerpanam.com
Have a great day!
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 6:42 PM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident:
090711-000847]
Refund!
I'm sick of this Acer!
How do I get my money back?
__________________________________
Response (Anoop_GWSI352) - 07/14/2009 08:44 PM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you with the system performance issue .
As per our records, your computer is in warranty .
I am really sorry for the inconvenience that you have experienced .
Please go to uninstall the Norton anti-virus and then check whether the issue is resolved or not. You could uninstall the Norton software by going into control panel- add or remove programs-click on Norton anti-virus and then click on remove .
Please do reply with the result .
The service request number for this issue is 1-51GV7G .
For further clarifications, please feel free to visit our web site http://acerpanam.com/
Have a great day !
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 10:01 PM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident:
090711-000847]
I turned off Norton. I want a refund!
REFUND!
__________________________________
Response (Chaithra) - 07/15/2009 01:03 AM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you.
For resolving the issue you may please perform a system recovery.
For performing the issue you may go through the following link:
http://www.acerpanam.com/synapse/data/7117/documents/Acer%20eRecovery%20Management.pdf
Note: Please note System recovery completely erases the C partition and reinstalls factory-shipped files from the recovery partition. All your personal data files and applications will be lost. Be sure that you have your data files backed up before performing this option.
Service Request: 1-524JJQ
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site
http://www.acerpanam.com/
Have a great day!
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Wed, Jul 15, 2009 at 6:38 AM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident:
090711-000847]
1-524JJQ
How can I set it up for dual boot with two partitions:
1. WindowsXP
2. Linux Ubuntu?
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Wed, Jul 15, 2009 at 7:50 AM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident:
090711-000847]
Service Request: 1-524JJQ
"burn the factory image (from the hidden partition) to an optical disk."
This is a NETbook. There is no optical disk!
__________________________________
Response (Alvin_GWSI662) - 07/15/2009 07:12 AM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you with the issue regarding your system.
While going through your system record in our database, we came to know that your system is in warranty.
You can also perform the system recovery using recovery CD.
You may use an external USB CD drive to perform the system recovery.
Below are the steps to rebuild your computer back to factory configuration. Please note that the instructions that appear on the screen when they start to reload the HDD have a small typo.
The instructions referenced Recovery CD 1.
They should have referenced Recovery CD 2.
1) Power up your system
2) Press the CD-ROM eject button and insert the System CD
3) Close the CD-ROM tray
4) Press CTRL-ALT-DEL to reboot the system.
5) Press F12 to select the boot drive option when you see the Acer splash screen
6) Select Boot from CD option
7) The system will boot from the System CD (CD 1)
8) Follow the on-screen instruction to restore your system.
9) When the restore from CD function is complete and the system is booted into Windows,
re-insert the System CD and let the CD auto-play.
10) Click the "Restore to factory default"
11) Remove the System CD and insert the "Applications CD". Re-install the desired applications from this CD.
You can restore your computer and operating system to factory settings using this recovery CD. It will install the Operating System, all the pre-installed Software and all the drivers of your system. Recovery disc configures your system to the factory defaults. There would be a data loss if you are using RCD. So please take back up of your data before you do a recovery.
Please make a note of your updated SR(Service request) No# mentioned below for further reference
SR No# : 1-524JJQ
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site http://Acerpanam.com/
Have a great day!
__________________________________
from Ken:
07/16/2009 01:18 PM
http://www.acerpanam.com/synapse/data/7117/documents/Acer%20eRecovery%20Management.pdf
Using Acer eRecovery Management
"By pressing the hotkey Alt + F10 during the boot-up process, or at any time when you are running Microsoft® Windows®."
This does not work.
__________________________________
Response (Sumesh_GWSI673) - 07/16/2009 04:30 PM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. Ill be happy to assist you with this issue.
I understand from your mail that you have an issue with system.
In order to resolve the issue please perform system recovery using Recovery Disk. Please refer the previous mail to get steps for the same.
Below are the steps to rebuild your computer back to factory configuration. Please note that the instructions that appear on the screen when they start to reload the HDD have a small typo.
The instructions referenced Recovery CD 1.
They should have referenced Recovery CD 2.
1) Power up your system
2) Press the CD-ROM eject button and insert the System CD
3) Close the CD-ROM tray
4) Press CTRL-ALT-DEL to reboot the system.
5) Press F12 to select the boot drive option when you see the Acer splash screen
6) Select Boot from CD option
7) The system will boot from the System CD (CD 1)
8) Follow the on-screen instruction to restore your system.
9) When the restore from CD function is complete and the system is booted into Windows,
re-insert the System CD and let the CD auto-play.
10) Click the "Restore to factory default"
11) Remove the System CD and insert the "Applications CD". Re-install the desired applications from this CD.
You can restore your computer and operating system to factory settings using this recovery CD. It will install the Operating System, all the pre-installed Software and all the drivers of your system. Recovery disc configures your system to the factory defaults. There would be a data loss if you are using RCD. So please take back up of your data before you do a recovery. To take a back up, you can contact Answers by Acer which is a paid support or else you can take the system to any local store nearby.
Please make a note of the service request number:1-524JJQ
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site
http://www.acerpanam.com/
Have a great day!
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 5:08 AM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident:
090711-000847]
I just told you that Alt F10 does NOT bring up recovery program. Are you sure that works on my netbook?
__________________________________
Response (Santo JohnE) - 07/17/2009 05:18 AM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you…
After verifying your email I came to understand that you are facing issues related to recovery.
If you dont have recovery cd please follow the steps below to purchase it.
You may restore your computer and operating system to factory settings using this recovery CD. It will install the Operating System, all the pre-installed Software and all the drivers of your system. You need to back up the entire data before using the RCD. You may either place an order for a recovery CD online or if you are interested we may send across one for you. If you need us to place an order for the CD, you will need to provide a method of payment. The Restore CD cost approximately $19.95 including shipping and handling on your Credit Card. FedEx would deliver the CD at your door steps and may take 7 - 14 business days to arrive, depending on the availability of the recovery disc. Recovery process resets your system to the factory defaults. Please be advised that there would be a data loss if you are using Recovery CD. So please take back up of your data. Acer disowns any kind liability in account of Data Loss.
Alternately, if you are skeptical on giving your credit card information, you may place an order for recovery online. Please visit the following link, which would help you purchase an RCD online.
https://secure.tx.acer.com/RCDB/Main.aspx?brand=acer
Below are the steps to rebuild your computer back to factory configuration. Please note that the instructions that appear on the screen when they start to reload the HDD have a small typo.
The instructions referenced Recovery CD 1.
They should have referenced Recovery CD 2.
1) Power up your system
2) Press the CD-ROM eject button and insert the System CD
3) Close the CD-ROM tray
4) Press CTRL-ALT-DEL to reboot the system.
5) Press F12 to select the boot drive option when you see the Acer splash screen
6) Select Boot from CD option
7) The system will boot from the System CD (CD 1)
8) Follow the on-screen instruction to restore your system.
9) When the restore from CD function is complete and the system is booted into Windows, re-insert the System CD and let the CD auto-play.
10) Click the "Restore to factory default"
11) Remove the System CD and insert the "Applications CD". Re-install the desired applications from this CD.
You can restore your computer and operating system to factory settings using this recovery CD. It will install the Operating System, all the pre-installed Software and all the drivers of your system. Recovery disc configures your system to the factory defaults. There would be a data loss if you are using RCD. So please take back up of your data before you do a recovery. To take a back up, you can contact Answers by Acer which is a paid support or else you can take the system to any local store nearby.
Please make a note of the service request number:1-524JJQ
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site
http://www.acerpanam.com/
Have a great day!
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 11:18 AM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident:
090711-000847]
This Acer netbook does NOT have a CD drive. Do you want me to buy that too?
The Alt and F10 keys are supposed to start the recovery program, which is supposed to be stored on Acer solid state memory but that does not work as I have written TWICE before.
__________________________________
Response (Santo JohnE) - 07/17/2009 11:45 AM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you…
After verifying your email I came to understand that you are facing issue related to
recovery.
Please arrange an external optical drive and do the recovery as prescribed in the previous mail.
Please make a note of the service request number:1-524JJQ
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site
http://www.acerpanam.com/
Have a great day!
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 2:55 PM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident:
090711-000847]
Arrange how? What happened to the recovery program that Acer is supposed to have on my PC?
__________________________________
Response (Vinay MV) - 07/17/2009 05:13 PM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I would be happy to assist you with the eRecovery management software cannot be loaded issue.
As per our records your system is in warranty.
Have you installed any other Operating system?
Have you deleted the Recovery partition, usually D:/ partition?
Please get back to us with the relevant information regarding the above questions.
We will do the needful after getting the information.
Your SR number for this issue is: 1-524JJQ
For further clarifications, please visit our website http://www.acerpanam.com/
Thank you for contacting Acer,
Have a nice day!
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 6:21 PM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident:
090711-000847]
No other OS installed on Acer.
D drive is the SD card. You should know that.
Is the recovery partition something that I can see? I thought it was hidden.
__________________________________
Response (Chaithra) - 07/18/2009 12:16 AM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you with this issue.
Please try performing system recovery using recovery disks. For that you need to purchase external CD drive.
Service Request: 1-524JJQ
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site
http://www.acerpanam.com/
Have a great day!
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 6:49 AM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident:
090711-000847]
You want me to "purchase external CD drive"? This is not acceptable.
What happened to the recovery program that my Acer netbook is supposed to have on it? Please address that and do not ask me to spend any more money on this Acer PC. Thank you.
__________________________________
Response (Akash PRamesh) - 07/18/2009 07:08 AM
Dear Aaa Ken,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you with this issue.
I am glad to inform you that as per our record your product is in warranty.
Having reviewed your email, I understand that your netbook is having some issues with its performance.
Aaa, the only way to improve the system performance is to do system recovery. You can do it either using the recovery partition or CD. And about how to set it up for dual boot with two partition since this issue involves third party software, we fall short of resources with which we could better diagnose and resolve it for you. However Acer technicians are bound to support its customers with the removal or installation of any hardware or software shipped across with Acer machines. But they are not trained on all the advanced features of the software or hardware Acer sells.
Because this calls up on a higher level of expertise the advance troubleshooting, we only have support over the phone on these issues and it is chargeable. You may avail this support on 1-866-621-2237 at a rate of $2.95 per minute with the slots 30 minutes ($59.99), 90 minutes ($129.99), or 15 issues ($199.99) and the validity will be 1 year which can be billed to a credit card.
Note: Items from the Acer Accessory Store are fully supported by the manufacturer of the hardware or publisher of the software that you purchased.
I sincerely hope that one of these options provides a resolution for this issue.
Your service request has been updated, please make a note of the SR number:1-524JJQ for future references.
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site
http://www.acerpanam.com/synapse/forms/webpage.cfm?website=acerpanam.com&siteid=7117&areaid=2
Thank you for contacting Acer,
Have a great day!
__________________________________
from Kenneth Matinale
to Acer Technical Support
date Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 8:16 AM
subject Re: Invitation to view a photo from Ken's Picasa Web Album - Tech [Incident: 090711-000847]
Just tell me how "to do system recovery ... using the recovery partition". Instructions in the pfd file have not worked.
__________________________________
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