Customer or Client: You Decide

Hello everyone!

Whew, I just recuperated from the all-day event at DeafNation Expo in Atlanta, Georgia. I’ve witnessed something really amazing.

A very large number of deaf people had lined up for a couple of hours to purchase the videophone, Viable’s VPAD.

Viable is the only deaf-owned company which made THE big leap to sell their mobile videophones. Unfortunately, there are some people who thought that selling videophones will be a great economic disadvantage to the company.

Well, I think differently. It is time for the Deaf Community to use our economic power and purchase video-telephony products, and then we will have a STRONG customer voice within the video relay industry.

This video is almost 5 minutes long.

[div hVlog style=”text-align: left”] [vPIP class=”hVlogTarget” type=”video/quicktime” onclick=”vPIPPlay(this, ‘name=qt’, ”, ”); return false;”]
Play Quicktime version
4.43 minutes long
[/div]

For some people who cannot view this video above, here’s YouTube video below.

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/zlynz362Vi0" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

Did you like this? Share it!

60 comments on “Customer or Client: You Decide

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

WOW!

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

What are the advantages of Viable VP? (I have Sorensen VP200, but it causes an uncontrollable blur
on TV. Where can I buy Viable? I live in D.C.

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.

Excellent points, Amy! Deaf Nation exploded with VPADs in the LA area last month. The lines in getting them all were like what you’ve shown. Brings back memories of how I got my first sidekick at a steal. Now pagers draw us with rebate hassles. Japan sell cell phones functioning far more in technological advances in Japan for only $100. Yeah, being a customer of the only videophone company willing to sell directly to customers drives a new revolution from being client to customer in the deaf community! Maybe now I can get those waterproof hearing aids!?!?

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.

and amy. don’t forget sending ims to viablehelp and see how long its before they answer. they dont answer me for days at a time. just almost the same for emails. you are not truly empowered until you buy the real vpad complete with features coming later and when you pay retail price rather than the discounted deaf cost.

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

Hey Amy,

Can I buy one from you since you got two? That way you will be the STRONG seller, besides the STRONG customer… How’s that? 😉

~Vans

Amy,

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

Interesting about raising the point between client and customer making us think but I need to challenge that… are we really classified as customers where we have access to purchasing the VPAD?

We may not exactly have economic power 100% since there are no other competing similar products on sale (unless I am mistaken since HOVRS is coming up with a similar but better product) at this point and that to get one, it is not made available on orders through catalog or internet. To me, that is not having complete access to economic power.

Ouch for them driving hours and hours hoping to get the Viables but went back home empty-handed and money wasted for gas. Again, that is not economic power but economic manipulation.

I agree with Barb DiGi about economic manipulation!!!

I look at the tubevideo that wonderful deaf people use asl. worthy true deaf people need to it. canada dont have it. i wonder canada will coming new viable pad? Ilive in Kitchener, Ontario. Canada
when new viable pad coming in Ontario, Canada?

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, its nice to have a VPAD but in reality does it work? Tell me how many has “successfully” tested it and came out “GREAT”. So far, I have seen no comments from the deafread after VPAD customers purchased it from California, Nebraska, Ohio and now newly Atlanta. When there are no comments being stated, it may meant there are some problems or struggles. This may not always meant that way, but usually there are customers stating in their blog orvlog comments when something excited is shown and it works! or fails! To date, not much has been commented. In fact, I got a call from one of the “customer” who purchased a VPAD, this person asked me all indepth questions because it failed to work and no luck to get technical support at Viable to help out. Nothing has satisfied the person to date after the purchase. I advised the person to still contact the technical support for assist or elsewise contact the Consumer Bureau for your complaint if nothing is solved. What irked me was the huge cost drop. From a steep $699.00 to a measly low $99.00. Come on! Gotta be some hidden agenda to sell it that low. All in all its entirely up to the customer to buy or not to buy. That’s business. I agree with you about the economic power.

My belief is that 60% of the customers that purchases wireless devices are not networking or an expert in setting up the wireless when they bring it with them on travels or to hotels. You have to be an expert to get through networking set up if you want to successfully work. Take for example, Ojo. how many has successfully worked it through. I am sure, there are experts out there already know who to work it through. My concern are the customers already purchased it.

I just hope the vendors who “sells” know what they are doing to make sure it will WORK for an inexpert networking customers to get their money worth. I hope someone can vlog or blog about the VPAD’s success via Deafread.

Amy, since you have already bought 2, you may give us an insight of how successful it worked.

Thanks!

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 🙁

the v-pad company should have put into consideration that there were going to be more than just 30 people. they should have brought a wal-mart-sized truck full of vpads, then afterwards if we like, we keep then buy additions. if we dont like, then we give it away to a deaf person who hasnt already got a vpad. that is kind of like “random acts of kindness”. hopefully next year there will be MORE freebies, meaning full truckloads from the different compaines.it can be done! “ask and you shall receive” meaning the companies should ask God to help them give away LOTS and LOTS of freebies. before we actually buy things, we would like to try things out first.

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?

I agree with Barb Digi about the economic manipulation.

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.

Most hearing prefer client.

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.

amy. now you see. literacy is quite a problem in the deaf community. many don’t know how to read big print let alone the fine prints. many in for a rude awakening.

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 didn’t ask to be deaf so sometimes it is okay to expect freebies once a while and it also depends on what it is. If you don’t like getting free things then you don’t have to accept it.

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.

I learned that with VPAD you can not make outgoing call with ip address, only incoming call from other ip address. Any of you have that problem, too?

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.

dan. i’m not sure how you can be credible enough here if you bought five vpad without a hint of what you claimed happened. problems you claimed happened is too awful for you to overlook before buying. i think you appear too smart to buy that many if you knew firsthand from earlier beta reports aired. if you knew what you were getting into why buy five of them? something about u seems so fishy.

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. 😉

Amy,

We are waiting for ur reply after u use ur vpad!
🙂

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

screw viable up that i am not pleased with vpad after purchased it at deafnation my vpad could not turn on while the charger feed
VPAD is toy!!!!

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

Amy Cohen Efron here…

I wanted you to know that I am able to make VRS calls with Viable and Snap!VRS just fine. The other companies… they did not approve my calls. I asked Viable about why I couldn’t call other companies.

Their response was:

Viable fully supports the FCC mandate on interoperability and is committed to enhancing communication access for VRS users. Interoperability is a two-way street and involves two or more companies and their systems. The VPAD is able to connect to other VRS providers’ systems and Viable is working with certain providers to accomplish the last segment of the VPAD call – from their system to their interpreter. We encourage you to contact the relay providers that you are attempting to use and notify them about this problem as well. All VRS companies need to work together to ensure interoperability.

So is it Viable’s fault or is it other providers’ fault for not letting their system work with the Viable? That is something we need to check this out with other companies why they cannot connect with Viable’s VPAD?

Makes me wonder…..

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!

Amy: I’m not too sure about your comment. The D-Link DVC-1000 videophone was available for purchase, however customers/clients preferred the “free” version, which was Sorenson VP-100. At that time, the VP-100 was restricted to only one provider, while the DVC-1000 allowed the freedom to choose whichever VRS provider. (That was until a few years later when FCC ordered providers to become interoperable). So talk about empowered?

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.

sorenson did just that. they stalled until fcc forced them then sorenson saved face announcing their support and cooperation with fcc’s mandate for interoperability. when a vrs becomes bigger they might reverse position and play the stalling game on the new kid on the block. it’s all a vicious cycle. speaking of viciousness its so interesting to learn that ridor’s sister is employed by viable in customer support.

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 Amy

are you thinking about join Purple to get free MVP?

: )

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

Thanks for vlog about VPAD, I learn lot through comments.

When MVP coming out, I choose Customer. 🙂

I am not giving up with my new vpad.

Without a doubt, Viable’s tech folks are professional and polished. I like that.
Beta Tester? I sure didn’t see anything about THAT prior to the release of the devices and have yet to see anything indicating that “this product is not complete, and your purchase of this device will be considered a BETA test.”
If I’m missing the fine print, will someone kindly show where I can see that for myself?
If I wanted to be a BETA tester, I’d apply as a consultant.
Having spent 5 days and at least 20 hours working on this device, and with customer support,I feel a bit taken advantage of.
THAT, I don’t like.
Hope they get their product working as it SHOULD.

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. 🙂

Hi Amy,

I was referred to your vlog because way up north in Canada, we don’t have the Viable Vpad yet… its really interesting to read all the comments following your vlog on “customer or client you decide”.

We had some interesting discussions at the school I work at about the whole thing. Seems there are two views about this: “empowerment” and “rights”… My right to have things that other people can afford! Things we need as Deaf people, most of the time they’re so costly, and most Deaf people make minimum wage at their jobs and really have to save save save to make any big purchases. Its our right to be able to access the things we need at a cost we can afford – just like hearing people! Our right to get them for as low-cost as possible, cuz everyone loves a good deal, right? Even hearing people! Look at all those people buying houses they can’t afford and ending up shopping in box-plazas for discounts for the next 20 years!

My point is, its good to be able to buy with your own hard-earned money, something that is usually just given away for free as a token because we’re Deaf…or steeply discounted because… yea, we’re Deaf and usually don’t make as much as most hearing people do… now, heres the problem – as i see it. Media saavyness… the sad fact is the majority of the population, Deaf or not, if they are not literate and aware of the media’s influences as well as how to read the “fine-print” or follow up on their dissatisfaction for a product… they don’t know how… and oftentimes they get taken for a ride.

End up paying the money for little satisfaction. Its a shame that has to happen when it does… but education is the key… teach them well and they’ll be okay. Keep them ignorant and believing word of hands only and they’ll continue sittting on their asses complaining about ineffiecency instead of being a CUSTOMER and letting the company know about their dissatisfaction. Thats what being a customer is all about, I think. 🙂

Just my 2 cents.

J

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

Amy and J. You are right. Use our Voice.

But unfortunately, US government never consider it as one of important issues. US economics keep going down in the near future and majority of politicians = hearing people.

1) Where is deaf congressman?? deaf senators?

Non-government Organization??? = comfort zone. Advocacy = Joke.

2) How many and what percent of deaf population that uses ASL as VRS users? compared to hearing people. Very tiny! less than 1 million, compared to the 300 million population.

3) Will politicians be interested with amount of deaf voters? They will just say deaf is cute. They won’t depend it. Hispanic / Seniors are more important than deaf people.

It doesn’t matter if we use our Voice or Not at all. US government is listening to all bigger $$$ tax payers and majority of voters. It’s common. Not a surprise issue.

Just accept the reality. This world and time is very cruel and competitive. Dogs eat dogs. Most powerful thing is MONEY + POLITICS. We need more deaf politicians to involve US government. We need deaf-owned multinational corporations.

All VRS corporations are hearing-based corporations. Plus, they are tiny compared to others in hearing industry world.

FYI. In Japan. Japanese deaf people are buying VP-200 for $800 each. Paying monthly for VRS providers which is provided by Telecommunication corp. Not government. Majority of them, prefer to have 3G mobile phones. Cheaper and better than VP-200. They have extra funds = power. It matches your issue. Customer has a power. But it doesn’t affect Government! So what! Still minority. Customer is not suitable for US deaf community (Majority) due to SSI benefits – jobless. Hope it helps you guys to get a picture of World reality.

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!

I take back what I said in #46. The Viable Tech people who worked on my router actually TURNED OFF the ability to receive incoming calls!
When they are trying to “help” you with their product, they are screwin’ up the ability to receive incoming calls on your OTHER VP’s!

SO BE AWARE.

not-so-Lucky

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.

It’s my understanding, many companies usually giving out to people who are become beta testers for free before they start selling for final release. Since I have done beta testing with so many different kinds of hardware & software, none of these I have paid..? It doesn’t really make any sense for selling VPad that is not even release yet.

Question: When you are seeing people are SO excited to buy VPad, are they aware that it is still beta..?

I have asked several people who bought VPads, they haven’t been told that is beta. That made me wondering, why on earth Viable representatives didn’t warn them that is still beta before they buy? I have seen so many people who have bought it and regretted it. They ended up selling in eBay.. Also, some of them felt they are guinea pigs. I don’t think they are asking for testing. They just wanted to have it “ready-n-go”. Personally, I have tested VPad just for one day, it looked not so bad but blue paint-sprayed and of course, it’s sorta big and heavy. I would give VPad is an F! Why? I don’t think it’s very good idea to sell them that is NOT even 75% or above ready, it’s still beta!

In my opinion, Viable should select people who are worth for becoming beta testers, it’s because they have their knowledge in tech. and etc.. But look at these people the one you showed on video are so exciting to buy VPad, are they really beta testers or guinea pigs?

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- make sense to sell for $99 dollars instead of $399-$699. Their quailty looks good on the outside but for inside, that’s bad and worst! No phone numbers.. go by ScreenName, Ip addy…. Also dont work on making calls using different VRS. Alot of bugs that VPAD is working to upgrade firmware….This is worst product I had seen other than Sorenson/OJO…

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

I need getting vpad i like it where buy it please infor me ok smile

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…

I REALIZE THAT MANY DEAF PEOPLE ARE NOT HAPPY WITH VPAD AND MVP. I RECOMMANED THAT THEY SHOULD GET ANY BRAND CHEAP LAPTOP WITH WIRELESS BUILDIN. I HAVE TWO LAPTOPS FOR BUSINESS AND PERSONAL. YES I HAVE VERZION EXPRESS CARD. SIXTY DOLLARS PAYMENT FOR UNLIMITED PLAN. I DID INSTALL VIALBE VISION SOFTWARE INTO MY HP LAPTOP AND VIDESIGN 2.5 INTO MY APPLE LAPTOP. THEY WORKED VERY GOOD. YOU CAN SWITCH ATT OR SPRINT OR VERIZON USB TO FREE WIFI AT ANY COFFEE CAFE. BE A SMART FOX. I RECOMMEND THAT DEAFIES HAVE TO GET JOBS IN ORDER TO GET NEW MINI LAPTOPS WITH WIRELESS BUILDIN. YOU DO NOT NEED MVP OR VPAD AT ALL. I HOPE THAT I DO NOT OFFEND THOSE DEAFIES FRUSTRATED WITH THEM.

Leave Comment

three × two =