iOS 5 update crash

So, I tried to update my iPod Touch to version iOS 5.  At about 25% install, the process crashed, Windows expressing a USB error, resulting in turning my device into a temporary paper weight.  After rebooting and failing again, it was time to pay more attention to the error from Microsoft.

The Setup:
I was updating my device via the USB hub, built into my Dell monitor.  Computer - Windows XP, ASUS mainboard.

The Reason:  
Not enough voltage/power was being produced to complete the upgrade.

The Solution:
Connect your device via its provided cable into a USB port directly on the system.  Preferably the back port, as the front USB may be divided such as a monitor hub.

The Mystery:
Why can I sync data this way, but not commit to an OS update?  Why do other USB devices warn you its not going to work properly if low power is detected; yet the mighty Apple device does not?

Sippy Cups

I'm not sure what's worse.  The fact that our society has created a market for one-time-use (take and toss) sippy cups, or the fact that they actually work better then most of the child cup brands on the market.  In fact, I couldn't get liquid out of some of the "reusable" cups. 

My advice, save you recepts.  I've also found the take and toss cups are highly reusable and wash well in the dishwasher.

Cuisinart - 3 Years and OUT!

I've been communicating with a Cuisinart Rep about my blender that lasted about 3 years...and died while crushing frozen ice. Yes its the blender that can't blend.  In the end, we both lost. Cuisinart will not stand by their product line, nor will I ever buy their product.  While looking for a replacement, found some reviews on a similar product, pathetic.

For gory details...

Bad Apple

It would seem someone in the mass media finally wrote an article about the inaccuracies Steve Jobs touts around in all his presentations. This article references the latest iPad keynote speech, seen in full at CNN-Money.

Watching an Apple keynote these days is comparable to watching Fox News. Your simply dished a spoon of bull with every viewing. Both Apple and Fox news would call this 'Marketing'. Again, like Fox News, looking at the comments in the CNN article, people just don't care they are being lied to. Even when the evidence is right in front of them. The majority of the comments throw hate at the author, and lots o love for Apple.

My biggest issue I have in this case, Apple doesn't have to lie like this. They have the better product in the mobile OS tablet market (Note: I didn't say tablet market). Unlike most Americans, I'm not content with the lies and distortions. I'll stick with my tablet touch PC that is fairly unknown.

Gray Matters

I generally have no problem saying 'no' to things. Its generally a given for any man that is both a father and husband. So, going for the annual oil change generally isn't an issue for me to say "no" to all the extra crap they want to service you for.

To my surprise, though, I was told it was time to change the air filter to the cabin. This is not the air filter that protects the engine from dust and improves on fuel efficiency, but rather a filter in the the glove compartment that assures clean air in the passenger cabin. When the tech pulled out the 2 filters, it was a bit of a surprise just to see how nasty these things looked. Completely discolored.

Anyone that changes out the other air filter in your car, or say, the air filter to a house furnace, knows you can generally eyeball these things. If its caked in dust, you replace it. If its discolored, you replace it. However, since the tech was over on the passenger windows (remember filter comes out of the glove compartment), I could not tell at that time, the filter's original color...is gray! It wasn't until the new filters (which were also gray) were being shoved in, that I realized this all stinks.

It does raise the question, what prevents the entire industry from making all gray air filters for everything? Just another thing to say 'no' to next time.

GM Dealerships Hurt Sales

So I'm one of the rare folks actually looking to buy a car, possibly new. Given the current economy and GM news, I had thought I would be a rare shopper. However, after talking/visiting 2 Chevy dealerships in the Lansing area, they have been happy to give the feel that business is good.

I don't fault them here, I can understand the need to make customers feel like they'll be around for a long time, and your making a good investment in their store. Its the life blood of capitalism. But the dealerships seemed to lay it on a little too thick.

For instance:
They gave me this quote:

"People still have jobs, and you don't see anyone walking into work yet"
(actually I do know a few)

Meanwhile, another sales rep was happy to tell me about his 4 corvettes he owns and how they can't keep cars in stock.

Something to understand when buying a new car, you generally will get a fixed price, and some GM incentives. This makes senses, as it prevents undercutting other dealerships, and its not just the auto industry that did this. However, if you plan a trade-in then you can haggle a bit between the different dealerships.

So here's my rub. The price we're getting quoted for our Nissan Maxima is $1,500. The sales rep then went into a 15 minute diatribe (complete with arms flailing) about how their cautious with buying used cars, because if they can not resell them, it goes to auction. There was also a contradiction regarding how well the market is. So, if your buying from them, the market is strong, but if your selling to them, suddenly the market/credit sucks.

However, (in my best Stone Philips voice) remember that time when I mentioned how the sales person was bragging about owning 4 Corvettes? It seems to me that if GM needs to sell vehicles, they will need the dealers to also take a hit. If that means the sales person will have to cut back on buying Corvettes, then so be it. There are several sites that will give you data on what to expect for a trade-in. Websites, I've looked at indicate $2,200 for my trade-in.

These days of uncertainty, every dollar counts. Given that, if dealers can not offer the expected trade price, then they loose a sale for GM. GM goes down the toilet. Chevrolet sales guy out of a job.

CompUSA & Citi Bank

It seems almost useless to complain about a company that basically washed up these days, however, they are still technically around in southern states and mail order. During the CompUSA downsizing, the company decided to change their rebates from sending the consumer a check, to sending them Debit cards via Citi. The result was a $30 in 2 different cards.

But here lied the problem, while I could clearly see the expiration date of the card on the front, I overlooked the small print on the back that basically described a "maintenance fee" of $3 a month. So the result for me, a balance of $0. I'm sure I have no case, but the practice is cheap, and turns me off from putting a single penny to either company.

While I will continue to utilize rebates from other companies, my advise to anyone that gets such cards, to quickly take them to the bank, and ask for cash back.

Gevalia Products Tank

A year and a half ago, I received a Gevalia coffee maker by signing with their membership and coffee mailing program. While their coffee is just above mediocre, the coffee maker line is nothing more than cheap plastic waiting to break. Given how poorly they are put together, I fear I had actually mixed water and electricity with their devices. Here are the case studies.

First was our coffee maker at work, unknown on its age, the rubber seal broke, leaving the drip process unstoppable.



Second, is my own personal coffee maker. In this case, the power button broke, as it was nothing more then a flimsy piece of plastic. Lasted about 1.5 years. When I inquired for a replacement, the response:

"We do apologize for what has happened to your coffeemaker.

Please be aware that we do offer a one year warranty on the coffee maker, however; your warranty period has expired. If you would like to purchase a new unit, please visit our web site or call our Customer Service Center to place your order."

Luckily, I never had any electrical issues with the coffee makers, however, when I removed the black bottom, I found some stain marks, from liquid seepage from the burner. I'm a bit offended they think I would actually considering buying another. Considering, both were free, I'm not upset on a financial level, however, from an environmental stance, its simply bad business. For me, its back to my trusted Mr. Coffee maker...that I've had for 10 years.

Apple Hot Air

This week, the great Apple company has announced a new innovation to transform the computer markets everywhere. Its a super light weight laptop. I said...its a super light weight laptop!!!!With a cool Apple logo on it. So light weight, they call it the 'Air'. Revolutionary.

Alas, the Apple marketing beast has done it again. They are pushing us more of the same technology thats existed for some time. Toshiba Portege R200, or Sony X505, or TZ to name a few. The two new models Apple Air go from $1700 for PATA (traditional) hard drive, to $3000 for a solid state hard drive. sorry folks, SSD are nothing new, and certainly not $3000 new.

Plus buyer beware. The Air is missing many elements that make computers...er ...computers:

No optical Drive (sold separately)
No removable Battery
Multiple USB ports (just one)
Removable memory
No modem
No data card access (ie can't use your current Sprint mobel cards)
No EVDO (built in cell dial-up)
No VGA out (Dongle required)
No Ethernet port (Dongle required)

There's a general rule I've learned...Never travel with something worth more then $500. Ever. I can't wait to see these things go through the security in Detroit airport. Even my shoes come out damaged over there.

Westinghouse Cheap

Its been a while since I've written a consumer complaint. Heck, its one of the reasons I started this blog....to publicly bitch about companies that tried to screw me.

This time it was a ceiling fan by Westinghouse called the "Turbo Swirl". Sounds like something a bully would do to you in high school. Anyways, bought it from Menards on sale. After opening, I found the main piece was scratched up with ripped internal elements to it, ie, fire hazard.

After taking it back, and waiting in return lines, I was able to pick out a replacement no problem. Course, this time I checked the condition, before leaving the store.

During the install, I noticed the motor rotary part did not spin evenly. In addition, it actually made a rubbing noise when turned. So, back to the store, in more return lines. To Menards credit, they were happy to replace it...again. The dude also mentioned they had issues with a "shipment". Would have been nice if they pulled them from the shelves. Although, he insisted on taking back just the broken piece, so now I have all these extra screws and fan blades. This round was a win, and now its up.

Overall, I was pleased with Menards no question replacement policy, however, it did piss me off that they have this courtesy monitor telling you the 6 names of all the reps that are happy to serve you that day, while waiting in line for the one worker to help you out, while the 5 other dudes sit on their asses with clipboards. As for Westinghouse, big name, still means cheap shit. Plus it requires a proprietary light bulb... I hate that.