I think the idea of a thirty-day code email is an excellent one! I
don't really see any problem with it. And whether the unit freezes
completely or just bugs you every so often upon not submitting a
payment I suppose would be completely up to humanware, but I think
it's definitely a worthwhile suggestion.
Cheers,
Amanda
On 11/17/09, Kieran Little <[email protected]> wrote:
> isn't this a Braillenote list?
> I'm sure there is a GWmicro list out there.
>
> chat soon
>
> Kieran
>
> ---
>
> Email: [email protected]
> Msn: [email protected]
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> clango: kieranlittle12
> skype: little_kieran46
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "denise avant" <[email protected]>
> Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 10:04 PM
> To: <[email protected]>
> Subject: FW: FW: [Braillenote] customer viability in the
> faceofplannedobsolescence
>
>> Hi,
>> I know the hw execs are aware of what companies like gw micro are doing.
>> And
>> it seems that good business sense and good customer relations would give
>> them reason to take a hard look without users having to say anything.
>> But that being said, I know there are some humaware dealers and execs who
>> look at the list. Sometimes I do see posts from Maurice. The other thought
>>
>> I
>> have is that perhaps those of us who use hw products should send an e-mail
>> to [email protected]. I think as I was listening to the presentation
>> last night, hw staff constantly told people to write to the support list
>> with problems or suggestions or whatever.
>> So, some kind of payment plan in the u.s. or wherever could be suggested.
>> I
>> don't know if other users from other countries face the same costs issues
>> as
>> those of us in the states. But if you do, you can make this suggestion to
>> hw
>> as well. For those of us who can get to conventions and shows, perhaps we
>> can talk to hw about coming up with a payment plan. Or perhaps we can ask
>> our advocates ACB OR nfb to stand behind such an idea as this is present
>> in
>> the sighted mainstream market.
>>
>> I know the rep in my area, and he is going to show me the apex tomorrow.
>> And
>> while he can't do much about anything, maybe he will pass along my
>> suggestions, and the hw team will look at it.
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: [email protected]
>> [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Evelyn
>> Weckerly
>> Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 2:59 PM
>> To: [email protected]
>> Subject: Re: FW: [Braillenote] customer viability in the faceofplanned
>> obsolescence
>>
>> AHi,
>>
>> GW Micro has a payment plan for Window Eyes. They control it though
>> becaused it is software. If you can't make a payment, it reverts to
>> demo mode until you resume payment.
>>
>> The National Federation of the Blind has a low-interest loan program,
>> 3 percent.
>>
>> Evelyn
>>
>> t 02:20 PM 11/17/2009, you wrote:
>>>Hello,
>>>
>>> Well stated, Denise! I, too, have mentioned the issue of a lack of
>>>a payment plan. Here is what I think the problem Humanware might have
>>>with a payment plan is. $6100 is a lot! of money. I think the fear is
>>>that once a down payment is made and the apex is given to the party in
>>>question, who is to say that the payments will be made regularly? Here
>>>in New Jersey now, for example, you can't have an operation unless you
>>>pay in full. I think it's the same issue here.
>>> The only way I could see a self-made payment plan being made is
>>>if the purchase was made with a hefty credit card, and that was paid
>>>off in installments. That's something many Americans, especially
>>>nowadays, can't really afford to do. I am proud of whatever assistive
>>>technology companies have payment plans, as they are probably
>>>attracting a large customer base because of it. As I've said numerous
>>>times before, state-funded agencies are not always going to foot the
>>>bill for our expenses, which is something I think many people,
>>>marketers and consumers alike, take for granted.
>>> Were Humanware to make out some sort of payment plan, I think
>>>they would be better off. But as the fear of not having money
>>>increases, so does the will to be flexible, at least in my opinion.
>>>Even if there was a payment plan, I would imagine that the first down
>>>payment would be something like half the price. That is how many
>>>colleges work out their payment plans. The consequence for not paying
>>>up being that the student is de-registered from their classes and is
>>>unable to obtain credits for those classes until they pay their due.
>>>Unless there is some equivalent made in the case of Humanware's
>>>products, I don't see that happening. It's not like someone can come
>>>to your house and physically take back your apex if you don't continue
>>>paying. If I am totally off in thinking in this way, please do give me
>>>your thoughts and opinions, as I think this to be a likely reason why
>>>there is no payment plan. And if there is a way to calm Humanware's
>>>nerves about not receiving their money, I think it should be
>>>addressed. I'll stop rambling for now.
>>>
>>> Kind regards,
>>> Amanda
>>>
>>>On 11/17/09, denise avant <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> > Hello,
>>> > I as many others had hoped humanware would hold the price down on any
>> new
>>> > notetaker, particularly since the stream whose price is affordable for
>> most
>>> > people has been wildly popular.
>>> > Humanware has stated that the apex though newer and sleaker with more
>>> > features is the same costs as an empower, and they were glad about
>>> > being
>>> > able to do that.
>>> > It would be helpful if humanware had a payment plan as a couple
>>> of assistive
>>> > technology companies are doing. That is how sighted people
>>> generally pay for
>>> > large purchases like this one. given the economy in the u.s., many
>>> > households are trying to stay away from large purchases.
>>> > I wonder if State and federal agencies here in the u.s. are going to
>>> > purchase the devices for their customers given the tight budgets and
>> poor
>>> > econmy.
>>> > I also kind of liken this as a car that maybe you might have for so
>>> > many
>>> > years. After a while, you can't get it serviced any more. And the
>>> > unfortunate reality is that At some point, you have to trade it in or
>> sell
>>> > it.
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > -----Original Message-----
>>> > From: [email protected]
>>> > [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
>>> > [email protected]
>>> > Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009 9:42 PM
>>> > To: Keith Bundy; Rose Combs; 'Earlene Hughes';
>>> > [email protected]
>>> > Subject: Re: [Braillenote] customer viability in the faceofplanned
>>> > obsolescence
>>> >
>>> > Hi Keith and All,
>>> >
>>> > I must add my voice as well! I purchased my BrailleNote in July 2003.
>> I
>>> > have been delighted with it, and like you, stuck up for it when other
>> blind
>>> > folks around me were bashing it for various reasons. My sighted
>>> > husband
>> is
>>> > a retired Elementary school music teacher, and we live on both his
>>> > retirement income and his Social Security. We have all of the regular
>>> > expenses including rent, utilities, upkeep on our house and car,
>>> and I could
>>> >
>>> > go on and on! We aren't in the poor house, but neither do we have the
>> kind
>>> > of disposable income to support purchase of a new Apex! I am a Total,
>> and
>>> > an avid Braille reader! I can't begin to express my great joy at
>>> becoming a
>>> >
>>> > BrailleNote owner and user! No one assisted with my original
>> BrailleNote
>>> > purchase, or with the money we paid for the mPower transplant. Or for
>> that
>>> > matter, for the service contracts and SMAs we have kept current. I am
>> as
>>> > excited about the new Apex as anyone around, but honestly, there is no
>>> > possible way that I could or would prevail upon my husband's extreme
>>> > generosity to now pay $4,000 more to obtain one! Especially after the
>>> > braille display fiasco! I certainly don't expect Humanware to
>>> give me a new
>>> >
>>> > Apex for free, but I think those of us who have been loyal customers
>>> > for
>> so
>>> > long should be better rewarded than $2,200.00 off the full
>>> purchase price of
>>> >
>>> > a new Apex, when my current unit will be obsolete before long! How do
>>> > I
>>> > know that even if I were to take the plunge and buy an Apex, I wouldn't
>> be
>>> > finding myself in a similar position a couple more years down the road?
>> I
>>> > am in the position of having to continue to use my mPower until it
>>> > absolutely doesn't work anymore, and at that time I guess I'll have to
>> go
>>> > without! I'm sorry to those of you who don't want to hear complaining,
>> but
>>> > all I can figure is that many of you have agencies purchasing
>>> your equipment
>>> >
>>> > for you, or there would be more of an uproar! I don't post much
>>> here, and I
>>> >
>>> > promise to go away now and not continue to spoil the party, but I just
>> felt
>>> > I had to speak out for those of us out here who have to purchase our
>>> > equipment on our own! Sadly slinking away!
>>> >
>>> > Desi
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > ----- Original Message -----
>>> > From: "Keith Bundy" <[email protected]>
>>> > To: "Rose Combs" <[email protected]>; "'Earlene Hughes'"
>>> > <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>
>>> > Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009 7:45 PM
>>> > Subject: Re: [Braillenote] customer viability in the faceofplanned
>>> > obsolescence
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >>I lurk about the list and seldom comment, but I must agree with these
>>> >>posts. I got my BrailleNote in December, 2000, and have recommended it
>> to
>>> >>many in our state. I have also done quite a bit of training for
>>> >>Braillenote users.
>>> >>
>>> >> I had to replace a braille display and transplant to an mPower,
>> spending
>>> >> another three thousand dollars or more to keep my machine functional
>> and
>>> >> current.
>>> >>
>>> >> Now we're being told that the BN will soon be obsolete. And, as a
>> working
>>> >
>>> >> individual who is blind and has a family to support, I cannot lay out
>> the
>>> >> $4,00 needed for an upgrade to the Apex. As I have a good job, I
>>> >> seriously doubt whether I can get any assistance from rehab.
>>> >>
>>> >> I have always been a very strong supporter of Humanware and have
>> quietly
>>> >> supported them when others complained rather vociferously on this
>>> >> list.
>>> >> However, I am now beginning to question Humanware and its commitment
>>> >> to
>>> >> the braille users who have been loyal to them while using a great
>> product
>>> >> on the job.
>>> >>
>>> >> I suppose there isn't much we can do about this. However, I think
>>> >> Humanware needs some grassroots customers on their team to help them
>>> >> to
>>> >> better relate to both the working and non-working general public who
>> are
>>> >> blind.
>>> >>
>>> >> Keith
>>> >>
>>> >>
>>> >> -----
>>> >> From: "Rose Combs" <[email protected]>
>>> >> To: "'Earlene Hughes'" <[email protected]>;
>>> >> <[email protected]>
>>> >> Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2009 11:10 AM
>>> >> Subject: RE: [Braillenote] customer viability in the face ofplanned
>>> >> obsolescence
>>> >>
>>> >>
>>> >>>I saw my first Braille Note in November 2000 and I went into debt to
>>> >>>assure
>>> >>> that I got one, it was wonderful, I used it every single day for
>>> >>> years
>>> >>> and
>>> >>> until the past year or so never regretted the purchase. However,
>>> >>> when
>> I
>>> >>> too
>>> >>> was informed my transplant could not have a service agreement with no
>>> >>> notice, then informed I could upgrade but had to send the full
>> purchase
>>> >>> price and they would write me a check later, and then this last
>> upgrade
>>> >>> to 8
>>> >>> which offered me nothing I needed, because I don't want chat, would
>> look
>>> >>> for
>>> >>> a very small device to carry if I wanted GPS instead of a heavy
>> Braille
>>> >>> note, and the lack again of better Word support, I doubt I will be
>> buying
>>> >
>>> >>> an
>>> >>> Apex and it is sad because the vision Pulsedata brought to the
>> industry
>>> >>> was
>>> >>> so very good, what has happened over the past two years breaks my
>> heart.
>>> >>> Once the customer truly mattered, service was reasonable, now, we'll
>> just
>>> >>> look at this list and listen to people saying it takes 3-6 weeks for
>>> >>> a
>>> >>> battery replacement, and you get the picture I am seeing.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> I am near tears because I truly did think Braille Note was the future
>> for
>>> >>> many blind people, I convinced friends to buy them, and I still use
>> mine
>>> >>> but
>>> >>> mostly now for reading and note taking that I don't have to show to
>>> >>> anyone
>>> >>> or that I can retype into Word where it formatted properly. It takes
>> me
>>> >>> forever to fix a document that is in Word XP, 2003 or 2007 to be even
>>> >>> close
>>> >>> to usable so I avoid it whenever I can but so much learning is done
>>> >>> through
>>> >>> my fingers. What was a wonderful product now meets only part of my
>>> >>> needs.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Sad, Sad, and Sad.
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Rose Combs
>>> >>> [email protected]
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>> -----Original Message-----
>>> >>> From: [email protected]
>>> >>> [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Earlene
>>> >>> Hughes
>>> >>> Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2009 8:22 AM
>>> >>> To: [email protected]
>>> >>> Subject: RE: [Braillenote] customer viability in the face of planned
>>> >>> obsolescence
>>> >>>
>>> >>> I agree with the post below. I said I wouldn't purchase another
>>> >>> BrailleNote
>>> >>> when HW without notice, wouldn't renew my service contract for my
>>> >>> transplanted EmPower. But, I wanted Sendero's GPS, so I bought a PK.
>>> >>> I
>>> >>> really like my PK, and I'm disappointed that there isn't going to be
>> an
>>> >>> upgrade plan for it. The reason I am posting my thoughts here, is not
>> to
>>> >>> complain; I hope someone from HW will read enough comments from some
>> of
>>> >>> us
>>> >>> and find some way to accommodate their whole customer base in their
>>> >>> business
>>> >>> model.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Have a good day all.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> --Earlene
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>> -----Original Message-----
>>> >>> From: [email protected]
>>> >>> [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Cheree
>> Heppe
>>> >>> Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2009 10:20 PM
>>> >>> To: [email protected]
>>> >>> Subject: [Braillenote] customer viability in the face of planned
>>> >>> obsolescence
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Cheree Heppe here:
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Listening to the ACB Radio presentation on the new Humanware product,
>> the
>>> >>> APEX, last night made me worry.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> The plan, as I understand it, is to offer two more upgrades, SMA's or
>>> >>> whatever they're supposed to be, for existing MPower and PK
>> Braillenote
>>> >>> devices. After these two final SMA's, no more will be forthcoming
>>> >>> and
>>> >>> these
>>> >>> MPower and PK devices will become legacy technology to force
>> transition
>>> >>> to,
>>> >>> and purchase of, the next generation.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> How long will it be until the next generation, multi-thousand dollar
>>> >>> productivity Braille input/output device with eight gigs of hard
>>> >>> drive
>>> >>> and
>>> >>> no mention of improved Word support will also become obsolete?
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Forced obsolescence and similar tactics make me less and less willing
>> to
>>> >>> even try to acquire such devices.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Those of us blind people who work find it hard enough to buy
>>> >>> equipment
>> on
>>> >>> our own or leverage such purchases by jollying along our employers or
>> the
>>> >>> various rehab agencies with the latest benefits of the latest and
>>> >>> greatest.
>>> >>> They buy these because why? Do they really think we are achieving
>>> >>> parity?
>>> >>>
>>> >>> And the ones who don't work because they can't leverage the
>> technology,
>>> >>> maybe, well, they don't count at all.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Then, thousands of dollars and a learning curve or two later, maybe
>>> >>> in
>>> >>> two
>>> >>> or three or four years, we go through the same song and dance, the
>> same
>>> >>> financial strictures to upgrade because our gadgetry is obsolete?
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Why not develop modular design to allow plug in upgrades of drives,
>>> >>> firmware
>>> >>> and other replaceables around a re-usable refreshable Braille matrix.
>>> >>> Would
>>> >>> a modular design, preserving a refreshable Braille display and
>>> >>> machine
>>> >>> matrix as the base for changing firmware and such perhaps reduce the
>> cost
>>> >>> and increase the flexibility and longevity of these specialized
>> devices?
>>> >>>
>>> >>> We can chase Microsoft and computer design and have a hope of staying
>>> >>> current with it because the cost is low enough, tailored for the mass
>>> >>> market.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Braille technology represents niche usage. Most blind people willing
>> and
>>> >>> capable of using refreshable Braille should have the real choice to
>> use
>>> >>> this
>>> >>> valuable technology.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> What solution could be realistically sought to fit the expense and
>> usage
>>> >>> more closely to the user population?
>>> >>>
>>> >>> I use a PK and like it. I don't wish to change. I like the small,
>> quiet
>>> >>> Braille input keyboard and the PK's small size. So, I'm going to be
>>> >>> using a
>>> >>> legacy Braille device before long, it seems.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> I can keep current with mainstream technology, but some must still
>> feel
>>> >>> that
>>> >>> our Braille is still second class.
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Regards,
>>> >>> Cheree Heppe
>>> >>>
>>> >>> ___
>>> >>> 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
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>> ___
>>> >>> 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
>>> >
>
> ___
> 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
>
>
--
Amanda Christine Chokov
___
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
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