Hardware that wants software monies as ransom
What’s the deal with Bluetooth drivers? Several of the laptops around here have adaptors, either built-in or dongles. Oddly enough, drivers seem to expire after a certain number of weeks.
I can’t think of any other piece of hardware that demands a payment to keep on running (in the laptop world). I can see adding software to do things more efficiently; creating optical media jumps to mind. I can accept that I might want commercial software to handle those obscure things like sending virtual fax messages. But from what dark hole of the imagination did Bluetooth decide that simply being there requires additional payment?
Microsoft doesn’t have this one figured out. The array of various test programs show that the hardware component will function with drivers from more than one manufacturer. I am annoyed that my newest computer wants a payment to keep on using Bluetooth.
We’re into a new month, and I’m going to have to come to grips with this whole holiday spirit mess before too many more evenings go by. I’ve already heard an undercurrent of tension dealing with some sort of tree. My name has been added to a hat draw, even though I don’t wear hats. Even the mood music has changed. On the bus, at the bus stop, on hold with certain companies. Enough!
I placed a service call to the Apple people today (issues with a laptop in one of the schools). Odd. The website invited me to register and fill out a short questionnaire. Then, the option of them calling me was offered – until I put in my phone number complete with extension. They don’t call extensions. Next idea: call one of the support numbers. The educational number ended up being “no longer in service”. The retail number (I had to try several times) randomly spoke to me, had me key in numbers, transferred me into voicemail hell or simply dropped my call. When I did get through to a real live human named Stephanie, I discovered that AppleCare is actually a synonym for “pay for parts”. Yes, I think you’re a different sort of company.
