[piperpilot]

Originally Posted by mbranscum

Since they enabled the "download protection" <scam> several months ago, I have purchhased a whopping 2 titles from their site.

Ditto here. If possible, I buy directly from the developer and keep a copy of the program on my hard drive in case I need to reinstall it. I am planning on doing a hard reset on my Axim x51v just to clean it out and I don't need the added hassle of my applications being held hostage by Handango until I pay the "ransom."

[piperpilot]

Originally Posted by mbranscum

Since they enabled the "download protection" <scam> several months ago, I have purchhased a whopping 2 titles from their site.

Ditto here. If possible, I buy directly from the developer and keep a copy of the program on my hard drive in case I need to reinstall it. I am planning on doing a hard reset on my Axim x51v just to clean it out and I don't need the added hassle of my applications being held hostage by Handango until I pay the "ransom."

[jgrnt1]

I also keep copies of all my software on my hard drive. However, updates are the issue for me. Most of my software was purchased through Handango. I have always been able to update the software by supplying my email address and order number. In fact, Handango's emails said to get updates this way.

Two weeks ago, I bought a new device, the Cingular 8525. I wanted to skin it with Wisbar Advance, using juni's SWDeluxe skin suite. I had an older version of the skin suite, which would not have worked properly on a phone device. Handango wanted money for the download. Luckily, I emailed Juni's site and they had already set up a backup method for downloading his stuff. His stuff is unique in that it is not sofware which requires a registration code, so you can't just download a trial version and install it over the old version on your PPC.

I hope other developers will follow juni's example, since I have a lot of software with free updates, most of which came from Handango. I will also stop purchasing software from them. ARE YOU LISTENING, HANDANGO?!?

[Jason Dunn]

So have I mentioned that our primary software store is with Mobihand? :wink: The best thing you guys can do is to make sure the companies/developers that have the product you want to buy are listed with Mobihand - it gives you another choice of where to buy your products from.

[Oh, and as much as I agree with the basis of Chris' rant (I think the download "protection" is ridiculous), backing up your data is the real solution here, not relying on someplace letting you re-download things again. What if Handango went out of business? Take a look at Carbonite (affiliate) for keeping your backups...$5 a month is a small price to pay for having a backup of all your data.]

[piperpilot]

In addition to not buying from Handango, we should also be more vocal with Handango and let them know WHY we're not buying from them any more. They can't change if they don't know why they're losing business.

[stlbud]

Software protection used to be free. I've used it a couple of times. Now though, it seems like extortion to pay nearly as much as the download for their "aid".

[Chris Spera]

Originally Posted by Jason Dunn

[Oh, and as much as I agree with the basis of Chris' rant (I think the download "protection" is ridiculous), backing up your data is the real solution here, not relying on someplace letting you re-download things again.

I completely agree; and was doing something like that. However, I lost my backup too. Unusual, yes; but it happens. I don't think I should have to pay anyone $4.99 to $6.99 PER ITEM PURCHASED to redownload something I've already purchased, especially when those fees aren't shared with the developer. In this case, I had to pay $6.99 to redownload a copy of MS Voice Command 1.6. If it were any other title, any other vendor, I would have contacted the developer for assistance.

[larrywms45]

I just bought a new X51v Axim and wanted to move over the software I had on my X50 before I cleaned it off and give it to my wife. Three of the programs I wanted to reload on my X51 cost me $3, $3 and $6.99. Not a bad profit on something that resides on their server. It takes them more effort and causes more customer disatisfaction that one could image. I believe that maybe Exxon/Mobile must own Handango. ops:

[karen]

Isn't it ridiculous? Handango is becoming one of those companies who you just know has a mission statement that reads:

If it weren't for Customers, we'd be Happy. Let's do our best to get rid of them.

[yawanag]

I consider myself a software junkie. I have a file of all my purchases and each time I add something I'm shocked at how high that folder is.

I have been ordering from Handango since I got my first PDA in 2000. Naturally, I was trying to build up points with them.

It's amazing how many times I have tried to order on a different site and what popped up but HANDANGO. I thought is there any other site? Sure there is Pocket Gear. I have purchased from them, too, but not nearly as much as from Handango.

I made a recent purchase from Pocket Gear and had to pay through Pa Pal. I had a bad experience once with Pay Pal and that is why I stayed mainly with Handango. My last purchase with Pay Pal turned up with my email address and debit card being changed and charged with phony company names. I had to get a new debit card.

Now I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place.

Thanks, Jason, I will certainly try out Mobihand.

[martin_ayton]

Is it just me, or is there something darkly ironic in the word Handango uses to describe this 'service?' Protection. I recall other groups offering similar services under similar names in the past: 'Protection' for which you had to pay 'protection money.' I believe the law enforcement authorities involved tended to refer to it as a 'protection racket.'

Handango's Marketing Department... I don't know, not only is this an idea guaranteed to annoy repeat customers, but the title they chose demonstrates a level of ignorance which is breathtaking.

Or perhaps they aren't ignorant - they are aware of the implications and they really do hate their customers. :roll: