Viewsonic Trying to Get it Right

[Jason Dunn]

I have to give credit to Viewsonic for trying very hard to correct the mistake they made by not including the amount of available RAM. Here's the latest update from them on the issue:<br /><br />"I am e-mailing you to provide an update to our efforts in clarifying the memory capabilities of our Pocket PC V35. We have made changes to our website, marketing collaterals and user documentation to reflect the qualification for the user accessible memory of the V35. Also, we are currently in the process of notifying all sales personnel at our retail and reseller partners of the need to clarify the memory specifications.<br /><br />However, despite our best efforts to make the changes, a few batches of previously prepared catalogs and print advertising involving the V35 will appear without any qualification on the portion of the 64MB of memory that is available to the user. Specifically, an ad brochure in for CompUSA noting the 64MB figure will run on Sunday, December 15. <br /><br />Because of the interest you have shown in this issue, I wanted to make you aware of the situation and assure you that there has been no reversal of our commitment to our customers to clarify the V35 memory capabilities in any and all documentation.<br /><br />We expect no further advertisements without the qualification for memory actually available to the user. <br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br />Trevor Bratton <br />Public Relations Specialist <br />ViewSonic"

[GoldKey]

A friend of mine was just in CompUSA in Tallahassee, FL. The information sheet in front of the Viewsonic still had the old information.

[KyleC]

I have to say that I am very impressed by Viewsonic. Now I actually think that it was an honest mistake and that they are doing everything in their power to correct the issue, short of putting in 64MB of user-useable RAM.

[Chris Spera]

I agree that ViewSonic is trying hard to correct the documentation error. However, (and I think this of all manufacturers who somehow glossed over this issue, not just VS) I think the best and ultimate solution is to rework the PDA so that the full 64MB of RAM is available, as it is for other PPC 2002 devices.

I don't necessarily think this would filter down to the current user base; but I find it hard to believe that its impossible to offer a low cost, true 64MB PDA with other hi-end features for under $300.

I mean, Dell, DID do it...why can't other OEM's?

Just my opinion...


Christopher Spera

[Ed Hansberry]

Woo hoo! Top notch Viewsonic. When was the last time a company changed their stance in just 24/48 hrs after an issue was made known? :way to go:

[PapaSmurfDan]

I don't necessarily think this would filter down to the current user base; but I find it hard to believe that its impossible to offer a low cost, true 64MB PDA with other hi-end features for under $300.

I mean, Dell, DID do it...why can't other OEM's?

Does anyone here know how much CompUsa, et. al. are marking up the PPC devices? Maybe the reason why Dell can pull it off is becuase they don't have greedy middle men *cough*CompUSA*cough*.

But it is nice to see that ViewSonic is attempting damage control. However, CompUSA is to blame in some of this mess too. When I went there to play with some of the new devices, the IPaq 1910 card did not mention that only ~42 megs is availble to the user.

-Dan

[Janak Parekh]

However, (and I think this of all manufacturers who somehow glossed over this issue, not just VS) I think the best and ultimate solution is to rework the PDA so that the full 64MB of RAM is available, as it is for other PPC 2002 devices.
They might in a future release, but the design and testing costs of slapping NOR ROM into the existing devices would be just too great.

--bdj

[Numsquat]

Nice to see a company do this vs the deny-deny-deny-play dumb-deny-deny-blame someone else-etc.

[GregWard]

Jason,

Good on you - for publishing their note too. Quite rightly you were quick to criticise their mistake. Good to see you equally quick to help them when they do seem to be trying to correct things.

:D

[ThomasC22]

Nice to see a company do this vs the deny-deny-deny-play dumb-deny-deny-blame someone else-etc.

I agree, very much so in fact. I wish companies like Toshiba would ask themselves, what did they get for denying the xscale performance issues? The same result was obtained (e.g. they had to admit a mistake) and they soured many customers on every using their products again.

Same with Compaq and the dust and many others...cop to your mistakes, try to make ammends, move on...in business, it's the best policy.

[Janak Parekh]

Same with Compaq and the dust and many others...cop to your mistakes, try to make ammends, move on...in business, it's the best policy.
Human nature is to deny. Actually, Viewsonic may have just made up a marvelous excuse, but at least they are willing to say "we're wrong", nevertheless.

--bdj

[Jason Dunn]

Good on you - for publishing their note too. Quite rightly you were quick to criticise their mistake. Good to see you equally quick to help them when they do seem to be trying to correct things.

Just like that Quaker Oats guy used to say "It's the right thing to do."

[Janak Parekh]

Just like that Quaker Oats guy used to say "It's the right thing to do."
Hmm, didn't Quaker have biz trouble a few years ago? 8)

Seriously, even though I don't own a Viewsonic PPC, I do own a Viewsonic LCD and recommend them to everyone. The company makes great products. :)

--janak

[JonnoB]

I applause ViewSonic for stepping forward in a public way. Now, I don't give them an automatic pass. I have to wonder now that they are either
1) completely asleep at the wheel and did not realize the significant design differences or
2) tried and lost at skating this out unnoticed.

[DrtyBlvd]

Let's hear it for VS. :beer:

[Jonathon Watkins]

:scatter: Well, one boot up the VS backside for getting it wrong in the first place - but two pats on the back for correcting it so quickly. My respect for VS has increased. But still, please don't do something like this again (just make a V40 with a SD AND CF slot :wink: )