topic Re: MODEM in PCs & Accessories

MODEM

imbuda — Tue, 24 Aug 2004 09:52:31 GMT

I have tried 3 PC card modems in my Vaio X505. Now Sony say I need a PCV-LX1 External USB Modem made by Sony. But these seem to be impossible to get.

Anyone know where I can buy one?

Cheers...

Re: MODEM

kee-lo_ — Tue, 24 Aug 2004 13:09:58 GMT

Try www.dabs.com

What are you trying to do exactly? Can you not use a PCMIA card?

Re: MODEM

TygerTyger — Tue, 24 Aug 2004 16:33:27 GMT

It has to be made by Sony. That's BS I say, I can't think of a reason why only their brand would work. It is possible I'm wrong lol so don't just rush out and buy a Netgear but get back to Sony and ask them to explain the unique feature contained in a Sony modem that means no modem by another manufacturer will work. I am looking forward to hearing what they say. Oh yes.

Yes and explain why an internal card won't work please, see if someone can help you out. External USB modems are a pricey alternative.

Re: MODEM

kee-lo_ — Tue, 24 Aug 2004 16:44:08 GMT

USB modems are a disaster

Re: MODEM

imbuda — Wed, 25 Aug 2004 10:17:47 GMT

I tried three different pcmcia card modems all return a registry code error. I restored the system with the same result.

I do have a netgear wireless card installed - THIS WORKS!!

BUT I do need dial-up access while travelling.

This is the email I received from customer support:

Thank you for your email.

Unfortunately, we cannot recommend any 3rd party hardware or software,
therefore, I can only suggest that you call the Sales line, or
Sonystyle-Europe as we discussed, to purchase a Sony card.

We can only guarantee that your VAIO will work correctly with a Sony card.

We are continuing to monitor your case, and as soon as any
solution is available, I will contact you immediately.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our VAIO-Link Response Centre on the following telephone number: 0870 240 24 08. Our Call Centre is open from Monday to Friday, from 08h00 to 18h00.

Best regards,

Seamus Toomey
SONY VAIO LINK SUPPORT TEAM
SUPPORT: http://www.vaio-link.com/
SONY ONLINE SHOP+VAIO ACCESSORIES: http://www.sonystyle-europe.com/
This is the email I received from customer support:

Re: MODEM

kee-lo_ — Wed, 25 Aug 2004 13:55:32 GMT

Seems to me Sony are being unfair and not allowing 3rd party cards to work with your VAIO.

This is a pretty new idea to me, and I can't say I have come across this before, but I have heard rumours foul play does happen in other companies.

Re: MODEM

TygerTyger — Wed, 25 Aug 2004 15:18:58 GMT

This stinks. If it's a registry error that implies to me that the Sony version of XP isn't allowing non-Sony products. OR it's a coincidence and Sony are simply trying to get you to spend your money on a modem with them, which a good few companies try.
If it's the first one then trading standards not to mention industry regulators would go ballistic if that's what they were up to.
I notice in the email they say they can't guarantee 3rd party software. Now almost all software you have on your computer will be 3rd party, and obviously works. So if that's the logic they carry across to your modem problem that says to me they are simply trying to get you to buy from them as opposed to helping you get what you actually need to work.

Can you email them and ask for a detailed explanation as to why only a Sony product will work? They will no doubt reply along the lines of "Unfortunate hardware/software incompatibilies when other manufacturers products are used alongside Sony products" which isn't unacceptable.

Ordinarily I'd say one manufacturer over another, there's no big deal. But in this case it's giving you a really rough deal. Ask for a detailed explanation of why it is impossible for a 3rd party card to work on your computer and stand your ground.

Additionally, you asked for support from them and they have provided no support at all, merely said it won't work and suggested you buy from them. What kind of support just says "Sorry won't work" without an explanation, and then tries to sell you something? I am completely disgusted, be sure to come back and keep posting updates.

Re: MODEM

kee-lo_ — Wed, 25 Aug 2004 15:27:57 GMT

Additionally, you asked for support from them and they have provided no support at all, merely said it won't work and suggested you buy from them. What kind of support just says "Sorry won't work" without an explanation, and then tries to sell you something? I am completely disgusted, be sure to come back and keep posting updates.

Yes imagine if we did that, we'd get a lot of hate.
Saying something won't work is defeatist specially if it can if a reg tweak is needed. I really wonder why this has happened.

Trying to sell a product instead of support is a bit low.

Re: MODEM

TygerTyger — Sat, 28 Aug 2004 20:54:23 GMT

*bump* I don't want to lose track of this one.

imbuda, do you have any updates on what's going on?

Re: MODEM

imbuda — Sun, 29 Aug 2004 18:22:16 GMT

I am awaiting the sony brand USB Modem...

It seems that none of the usual suppliers have this item in stock.

Sony tech support will only support Sony hardware and "can only recommend Sony accessories".

The tech support guy told me to get the Sony modem and contact them again if there still is a problem. He also mentioned that they were working on a patch to fix a known problem but that I should get the Sony modem rather than wait for this fix as the waiting time would be 'unknown'...

What else can I do?

Re: MODEM

kee-lo_ — Sun, 29 Aug 2004 19:00:57 GMT

Not much can be done really...
I just hope they get a move on and write the patch.

Re: MODEM

TygerTyger — Sun, 29 Aug 2004 19:15:54 GMT

A hastily written patch so that people can spend money with competitors? We won't being seeing that anytime soon I reckon. I stand by my distaste with this case.

Re: MODEM

kee-lo_ — Sun, 29 Aug 2004 19:30:43 GMT

This case is really bad

Re: MODEM

imbuda — Tue, 07 Sep 2004 09:22:10 GMT

I have solved the problem. There was no com port installed. Went into install new hardware (select from list) and installed a new com port. Now my generic pc modem works!!

I think I should be a Sony technical support tech!!!

Thanks!:smileyhappy:

Re: MODEM

wozbacca — Tue, 07 Sep 2004 09:47:48 GMT

i've got a vaio pcg-651m (pcg r600-hmpd)

i've been trying for the last week trying to find drivers for the modem and wifi but the downloads available on the vaio-link site are terrible and i've tried so many other drivers and none work

can anyone help me out?

Re: MODEM

TygerTyger — Tue, 07 Sep 2004 09:49:19 GMT

Oh for crying out loud. That was it? So not only could the gorillas at Sony tech not solve a freakin basic problem, they tried to sell you something you didn't need, specifically bought from them and of the Sony brand? Or maybe they could solve the problem but wanted to sell you something? Either way it's pathetic. Forgive me if I sound enraged but you seem to have not only solved your own problem, but also saved yourself money only by ignoring the advice Sony gave you.

Anyway I'm very glad you got your generic card working instead of the Sony USB, and thank you very much for coming back and letting us know. I for one have seen enough of this crap to know it will be a cold day in hell before I recommend a Sony to anyone ever again unless they have sufficient computer knowledge to do without the amatuerish incompetant after sales service.

Sincerely, Tyger, hacked off on your behalf.

Edit: Despite two recent posts, this thread doesn't show up in the recent threads section? Is it the same for anyone else?

Re: MODEM

kee-lo_ — Tue, 07 Sep 2004 14:08:59 GMT

Oh for crying out loud. That was it? So not only could the gorillas at Sony tech not solve a freakin basic problem, they tried to sell you something you didn't need, specifically bought from them and of the Sony brand? Or maybe they could solve the problem but wanted to sell you something? Either way it's pathetic. Forgive me if I sound enraged but you seem to have not only solved your own problem, but also saved yourself money only by ignoring the advice Sony gave you.

Makes me sick this does - a simple step by step analysis by Sony could have saved hours of work for all of us! I have to agree Tyger, it's pathetic and makes my blood boil!

Good on you for fixing the issue - a gold star for you