MODEM

[imbuda]

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...

[kee-lo_]

Try www.dabs.com

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

[TygerTyger]

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.

[kee-lo_]

USB modems are a disaster

[imbuda]

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:

[kee-lo_]

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.

[TygerTyger]

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.

[kee-lo_]

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.

[TygerTyger]

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

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

[imbuda]

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?