I agree, Joe, except that, in this case, the task at hand is upgrading that same notetaker, which most people can do with no problems. While the bn is not a stand-alone device in all areas, a brand-new model should be able to upgrade itself and, if it cannot, the company should take five minutes to zip the file and post it; I know, I have done it myself. This is all I will say on this as I can imagine points going back and forth over many messages. I see both sides, and I generally agree that a pc is important, but this particular task is such a common and expected one that there should not be such problems.
Have a great day, Alex (msg sent from PC) Email: [email protected] ----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe Orozco" <[email protected]> To: "'Maurice Sloane'" <[email protected]>; "'Bn List'" <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 25, 2010 23:20 Subject: RE: [Braillenote] re: Very Angry at Humanware's change in thewayupgrades are provided With all due respect, Frank, I think this is an excellent reminder of why one should never become solely dependent on a notetaker to accomplish tasks. In the case of the Apex, a closed system, there are things you will not be able to achieve until the company rolls out an update to make that task achievable. Had you a PC or Mac, you would be able to download that file onto an SD card or thumb drive and easily load it onto your Apex. The Apex was never advertised as the lone device that would replace all other technology. It is a tool, and like most tools, you need to use it in conjunction with other tools to occasionally get the job done. Raging against the company and discouraging other people from purchasing the product on account of your not being able to use a PC seems rather hasty and born out of a desire to have other people share in your frustration at your own lack of skill. This is by no means an insult. Forgive me in advance if it is taken that way, but as a teacher, you are in a prime position to help students recognize the importance of utilizing a myriad of options to succeed in our ever evolving world. Anything less is a disservice. Joe Orozco "A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd."--Max Lucado -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of frank M. Hernandez Sent: Monday, January 25, 2010 9:54 PM To: Peggy Kern Cc: Maurice Sloane; Bn List Subject: [Braillenote] re: Very Angry at Humanware's change in the wayupgrades are provided Dear Peggy, I've NOT been able to down load the file and lord knows I have tried. I'm not a PC user nor do I have access to a PC so I seem to be stuck. I called tech support and they assured me that the upgrade could be down loaded using my less than a month old Apex. After that failed "several times!" I called tech support again but they could not help me either. I feel abused, neglected and used by Humanware!!! I jumped at the opportunity to buy an APEX the moment I received the notice, never did I think that after receiving my hard earned cash, Humanware would give me the cold shoulder. I've been so frustrated and I'm considering changing products. Yes, the APEX does meet my needs, but if I can't get upgrades, how useful will this APEX be for me? I don't feel it's fair that a company who's in the specialized equipment field should make us, the end user jump through hoops to get the upgrades we need to make our machines run better. I'm disappointed and will not be promoting the APEX to my students here in the US, my colleagues over seas and I've already directed a school in Mexico else where. Frank M. Hernandez. Tucson Arizona. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peggy Kern" <[email protected] To: "Braillenote" <[email protected] Date sent: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:23:05 -0800 Subject: [Braillenote] Very Angry at Humanware's change in the way upgradesare provided Hi, all. I'm really angry at the moment at what appears to be a change in the way Humanware provides upgrades for BrailleNotes, or maybe it's just a change in the way they provide them for the Apex. I don't know how many old-timers we have on the list. When Humanware first created the downloadable upgrades for its BrailleNote products, there were a couple of us who couldn't download them in the format on the website. We tried everything: turning off firewalls, changing settings, having people try to send them to us via Sendspace, you name it, but no go. Humanware responded to this by putting up a .zip version of that upgrade, and of all future upgrades, which made us able to keep our products up-to-date. Recently we had an upgrade to the Apex, and surprise! there was no .zip file. I thought at first this might have been an oversight, but just received word tonight from a Humanware person that, from what they're hearing, there won't be a .zip copy put up on the web. This person is going to see what can be done to get me a .zip copy of the file, which will be wonderful. But what about future upgrades? If, for whatever reason, my Internet provider or whatever it is won't let these types of files come through, does that mean I won't be able to upgrade my Apex? .zip files are a common file type, so I don't understand why it should be so difficult to provide .zip versions of upgrades like they used to with the mPower. I'm not new to downloading files from the net or upgrading software. I've upgraded Sendero products and GPS maps (which have been .zip files), as well as many other programs. The only files I've ever had problems downloading are the upgrades for the BrailleNote that aren't in .zip format. The Humanware employee I communicated with told me that if several people were having this problem, they might be able to get this changed. So I wonder two things.: Why does it have to be several people who have this problem before it will be changed? How hard is it to zip up a file and put it up? Humanware did it in the past when there were just two of us who couldn't get the upgrades. How many people will have to have this problem in order to get the alternative format? But since they're wondering if there are other people with this problem, the other thing I'm wondering is --- are there? I don't know if the other lady who had problems with upgrades is still on the list. It seems to me I remember someone just recently having a problem downloading the Apex upgrade. Whoever you are, did you eventually get it downloaded? Any suggestions or input anyone has will be greatly appreciated. And if anyone has thoughts on things that may make the upgrade downloadable by my system, I'd love to hear them, though most likely I've already done them, as it's been this way for years. In the meantime, I'll hope that Humanware reconsiders its no-.zip policy, and that it demonstrates the kind of concern for its customers that it used to show, which made several of us long-time customers. Peggy <trying to calm down http://kernsac.livejournal.com http://facebook.com/kernsac __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4805 (20100125) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [email protected] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote , ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [email protected] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4805 (20100125) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4805 (20100125) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [email protected] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [email protected] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote
