Customer or Client: You Decide

Does it work? Does it work with all VRS providers?

Truthfully, I wish you VPad users the best of lucks!

If I want to buy VPAD, I must

1 Go to Deaf Nation Expo only.
2 only 4 city (Pomery CA, Omaha NE, Columbia OH, & Atlanta GA) Viable will sell VPAD.
3 Drive or fly many miles and stand on line long hours and found out that VPAD is sold out.
4 Can’t buy VPAD from Viable internet.

ssi/ssdi types are usual buyers of test vpad units offered at dirt cheap prices just for viable to rid cuz newer units coming this summer that will cost at least 300 bucks for deafies and 700 bucks for hearies.. users of test vpad units will see problems when using test vpad units to talk to people on other videophones d-link, ojo, vp-100, vp-200. giants csdvrs, hovrs and svrs will soon come up with newer, smaller and more mobile units soon. it’ll soon be one big battle go ’round.

Vlog well made, Amy. Sad to see people waiting in line so long, but empowering to know as Deaf people, we see ourselves as consumers and not just collectors of freebies. Great concept. Very empowering. 🙂

~ LaRonda

Amy,

You will be disappointed with VPAD. You either may want to ask for a refund or put it in the closet!

I agree with Barb DiGi about economic manipulation!!!

I learn from Viable Customer & Support Tech about 5 days later after I bought 2 Viable VPAD boxes at DeafNation Expo in Pomona, CA on April 5th. First, I was excited to open the one of my two and I followed the instruction. I connected AC Power adapter between the bottom side and electric outlet. It was on. It has touchscreen so I touched the screen. However, it was not working and I struggled with touchscreen buttons. Later, I repeated to touch more than four or five times. The touchscreen become knowledge of people fingers. Then it is okay ahead. So you can enjoy by touching on it. Or you can use TouchScreen Calibration button after pressing Setting button.

1. Press Display button.
2. Touch on cross icons on the screen as it will move to other positions as you must follow them. Afterwards, press Okay.

3. Repeat few times. Then that is it. It would become your custom.

As a result, I called Viable Customer Representative. I asked them why I bought $99 each. They said all people who bought $99 ones and are BETA TESTERS. They need your feedbacks. So they help the engineers working on and adjusting the better. For me, I gave my feedback to them. Be patient with your complaining about VPAD, but you are very LUCKY to have $99 ones. =)

Amy,

Wow.. That’s a lot of people line up! I am still unemployed about not able to be customer. Tough choice to be getting a free VPAD?

Do we have choice to buy or get a free??

Deaf Pixie 🙁

At the expo, were there people trying out Viable VRS through the VPAD’s currently demo’ed at the Viable booth? How’s the quality of Viable VRS? The VPAD?

In addition, I added to say my comment from above what I said in #15. Let u know that Viable engineers will upgrade the better softwares into customers’ VPAD as getting a big size of video on the screen from video input. Video input can be plugged from DVD player or camorder or other source. You can be happy someday.

Makes me wonder how many of those purchasers really knew they were getting a BETA VPad. The most attractive feature of this appliance is supposed to be it’s portability. AND, did you know that, in order to make it portable, you need to spend another 89 buks for the battery and another who-knows-how-much for the docking apparatus for the battery. If you went in, knowing this, then good for you. The product should only get better, thanks to all you BETA testers; for those of you who do have this product but don’t know you’re a BETA tester, please be aware of this now so this product can come to a fine, viable product all that much faster.

I read many of the comments here. Its true that these were “testers” which is why they were a low price. But remember what happened to the iPhones? They start out HIGH and had many problems. And then Apple lower their price – those people were pissed off. I rather buy “low” now instead of “high”.

The Vpad is a first generation – ALL 1st generation products have “problems”. But if you let that stop you from buying it, then there would be no 2nd generation. This is a deaf company developing things for deaf CUSTOMERS. Many people complain how there’s nothing for the deaf, but then NO ONE supports any companies that were built by the deaf. Maybe Video Phone is better for some people, but I like options.

Some people commented on economic mainpulation – well, I’m very sad to inform you that deaf people are a minority. That means its harder for us to get things for our needs/wants then mainstream. Viable just did not realize how popular the Vpads would be. Think back to the recents Hanah Montana concernts. Those tickets started selling at 60 and want as high as 600. I’m happy Vialbe recongized the fact that they had a limited supply (it takes time/money/energy/money to make these things) and made the decision to limit purchases. And guess what? THEY CAN DO THAT!! They are a company trying to EARN money and provide services.

For those of you who want it “free”, is it really free? Are you 5 years old, in need of protecting (client)? No, I am a young adult who wants the world to recognize the fact that I CAN DO ANYTHING! In order to do that, I act like an adult and PAY for my things. In this American culture, a person who can purchase services and items is an adult who can make decisions about their own lives. I don’t need Big Brother, I can take care of myself.

We hear GREAT things about the VPAD. BUT WHERE ARE THE REAL TESTS??? We only hear one side of the story Is it compatable with all VRS providers (equal good quality)? Has the FCC approved it? Is it FCC complaint? I think thousands of folks are going to feel like suckers when they really hear the truth.

Amy,

Got 5 VPADs. It won’t work well with other videophones and quality is poor when it locates far away from wifi router about more than 10 feet. Battery is too short life, costs another $89 and plus wifi adaptor. It won’t work with other VRS providers. I tried to bring it to Starbucks Coffee for wifi access, it won’t work. It required DMZ code to open IP address, Oh my god! Good for travel??? No. Fake promotions in tech features. Laptop with webcam using AIM or iChat works better.

Then, now.. Tell us – How is your experience with this situation – lousy device? Be honest. Listen to majority of deaf customers. Viable is testing them as Guinea Pigs while their business reputation is deceasing. Poor business plan!

I bet, you will ask for a refund from them or put it in your storage. I agree with Eric.

Chuckling. I got it for my friends. At very beginning, we were so excited. Like other deaf customers. You better ask them why did they buy many Vpads or ask Amy too, why did she buy them without researching. Some deaf customers bought more than 5 VPADs in Expo. Call them so fishy?! You overlook and judge without researching. You are too smart too. 😉

Yes, I am waiting for Amy’s reply after using VPAD!!!!!!!!

Everyone!

Amy Cohen Efron here…. I got a VPAD, and yes – I know it is an early release device, and I expected this device will come with some possible problems and bugs with it. I contacted Viable online few days before they came Atlanta to sell them. I asked how many I can purchase, and asked what is early release means, with the price of $99 dollars. I am fully aware what I am purchasing. I bought two and it took time for me to set it up. I am busy too!

Right now, I connected VPAD with the Ethernet wire. I do experience some problems as some of you stated. I did some calibration work, and I even called the customer support representative. They are very helpful with this vpad and willing to answer my questions. Oh yes, they do listen to my concerns.

Granted, this device needs much work, and I am not shy to give them feedback how I feel about this device.

Please keep making comments on my blog, your concerns, your frustrations, etc… because Viable is WATCHING my blog very closely and they are listening to your concerns.

Please call Customer Support, or use your videophone to call Viable.TV or use IM: ViableHELP. Do that, and make yourself heard. You purchase a device, and then shout out to the company about the problems. Give this company a chance to prove the customer support. You have the right to ask for the refund, did you know that?

Did you know that you are eligible for the refund within 14 days? I saw the sign up at the booth about refund within 14 days. If you are not satisfied with this product, please call them and see if they can help you. If u want to return them. They will help you too.

I read the public release, online, etc… that it is an early release. So I know what I am expecting.

I am not giving up this device too quickly. I am going to wait for any possible updates, patches, or fixes that Viable may offer.

There are some positive things about this device that comes with a lot of potential. I wish they could do bit better to communicate with us what we are going to expect next.

They said about Beta Testers – and boy, as a beta tester, they are getting an ‘earful’ (pun intended) from me.

Amy Cohen Efron

It is obvious that it’s Viable’s fault because they rushed to release the VPad before the MVP will be released any time soon!

They want to grab the market first. It is very costly mistake.

Sorry to see Viable to be the next Wyndtell!

it’s common for vrs to stall until the last possible warning before ensuring interoperability. those stalling moments can easily cause misunderstood frustrations on part of viable customers and cause them to drop viable.
smart customers, which is far and between, might ditch ’em for viable.
stalling is buying time and pocketing money while it lasts. facts of life.

Amy,

I support deaf-owned company but I lost a respect to Viable company because they don’t care about deaf customers and the quality.

Points as follows:

1. Poor quality
2. Lack of accessories – NO battery, NO Wifi access
3. Announcing that VPAD can be used Anywhere = Subtle False Information
4. DMZ code or IP address number required, Firewall blocks – office with network / commercials won’t let wifi with IP access unless it has DMZ code or permit. Except if you buy ATT or SPRINT USB Modem $60 monthly unlimited plan.

Look at this. Is it BETA TEST? Their engineers should know it already a long time ago. They knew that their VPAD is incomplete, quality, DMZ-IP address required and blah blah. Why should they put it to a huge market instead of putting it to few customers for BETA purpose??

Viable uses “BETA TEST” as “THEIR EXCUSE” to save their faces. The truth is NOT! It damages our money, energy and time.

They listen to you because they know you are involved with Deafread team. 😉 they don’t treat others the way they treated you. You are lucky one.

It’s worthless for you to wait for next feedbacks, upgrades. It only wastes your time. Look at their tech is too old. They are ZERO compared to other countries – 3G mobile phones – existed 5 years ago. ZERO can’t be adjusted, right! That is it. Even Macbook / MiniMac (iChat) does much better and almost the same price as VPAD’s MRSP.

FYI. the founder was just a puppet controlled by his hearing brothers! “big time investors” for many years – therefore, it’s not a real deaf-owned business. That’s why, they (brothers) don’t know the reality of deaf market is.

Hi Edward,

I am Purple, and when MVP comes out, I will buy it. They offered an option – get it free as long you are Purple, and do four things before getting a free MVP, or Buy it Now option. Once it is ready, I’ll buy it.

I believe buying products and want to compare these two.

We all buy stuff – TV’s, computers, pagers, food, supplies, cars, houses, etc… and that is what I do to maintain my economic power, so that I can voice compliants, and file with the Better Business Bureau.

I understand that many of you are not happy with VPAD, and I am looking forward to the firmware updates because I know they are supposed to provide that very soon. I want to give this company a benefit of doubt.

If you are not happy with the device. Call THEM and request for the refund. That is something you can do. Let them know you are not happy, and be as specific as possible, sometimes they will offer solution to the problem. If not, then they will refund you with money within 14 days.

As for misleading advertising – you have many ways to complain about misleading/fraudulent advertising. Contact the company in writing about your concerns, document this, and give the company the timeline to respond to your letter, then you can submit these documents to the appropriate agencies who handles fraud.

Don’t sit on your chair, typing on the keyboard to complain or telling all of the horror stories online without any proper action.

Thanks,
Amy Cohen Efron

I am not giving up with my new vpad.

In fact, MVP and Viable VPAD have no big differences. But at least, MVP is better than nothing.

Small Differences as follows:
MVP has:
1. Free
2. Smaller, real portable 7 inches
3. Complete accessories
4. Made in South Korea, too. (Quality = ???)
5. Require IP address with access permit

All IP broadband videophones requires DMZ IP address to be enabled. I am sick of this.

It means, you can’t bring MVP or Viable VPad to anywhere where you want. Starbucks, FREE Wifi areas won’t give you permit to take their IP address to enable DMZ. No way! EXCEPT you buy AT&T or Sprint USB Modem to attach MVP or laptop computer – $60 monthly unlimited plan, but 3G is not surrounded around US areas fully yet. Low quality.

If sales representatives say you can use that videophone anywhere and can use it in starbucks. You have to ask them – Asides from indoor wifi. What company that provides wireless internet outside? It costs $$$. Simple. How about DMZ IP address – will Starbucks allow this way? They can’t fool you anymore.

I believe all IP broadband videophones will be phased out next year. They are TOO OLD devices. Just wait for 3G mobile phones OR iphone version 2.0 (with iChat and Xmeeting) both video webcam surfaces. OR even the better ones.

Mobile Phone linked to Multimedia system – constantly growing in the world market. It means, coming soon! So, we have to wait. 🙂

J –

Excellent points you have made about “rights”, and using ‘tokenism’ approach to give products to Deaf people because of economic disadvantage. I am so glad that you have this stimulating discussion in your school where you work. I did have that kind of heated discussion too.

I think its time for all of us to really take a close look at the differences between client and customer approaches. We need to be more vocal about what kind of products we truly need.

Look at the other companies (i.e. Harris Communications) which still sells TTYs for over 400 dollars each. We know that we can have them at much less price because this technology is so outdated and we can communicate through different text-based communications instead of TTYs. That is puzzling to me.

Please look at my last sentence on my blog, if we ever become an actual customer, we will have a strong voice for the video relay industry. We need to show the Federal Communications Commission and maybe in the future, the state’s communication commission that we are customers to this industry! Not clients.

As many of you may not realize that in next 4 or 8 years, the FCC does not want to continue to reimburse for VRS services. The FCC do really want to relinquish their control back to the states.

Imagine each state has to handle this? That’ll be a lot more problems ahead of us. Let’s jump into the customer bandwagon and start using our “VOICE” to speak out our “RIGHTS” to have an equal communication access that is functional equivalent and effective too.

Amy Cohen Efron

People paid $99 for BETA testing versions of VPAD? That make me wonder! Why makes me wonder? Many times hearing companies do “market testing” on new product but they offer test product FREE to groups of people in different places to try for a while, then send feedback for to improve the product. These people can keep the test product, free, sometimes company will send improvements for more testing. Confused me that Viable charges for people to test their product that is in BETA stage!

For VPAD users, all are Beta Testers on purpose. Viable was a small company and didn’t have many many workers in recent past. Today, it is implementing better – needing engineers and interpreters, Customer Representatives, installers (maybe). Viable needs your help is FEEDBACK at all.

*Remember that Viable is a Deaf-owned company whose John Yeh’s is.

I bought the VPAD for $99 at the DeafNation expo and I’m VERY disappointed because it DOESN’T WORK with Sorenson VRS.

The VPAD should be interoperable with ALL VRS.

VPAD dont have built in wifi and battery.. have to pay to add on the outside which is not a good idea….

I went to Omaha Ne deaf expo in April, boy wow alottaaa ppl there, super long lines to get VPAD lol… i did not stand in line or buy a VPAD at all. i just went to deaf expo mostly for socialization and meeting old friends…