The first iPhone ever bought was an iPhone 4S. I ran over it one day and upgrade to an iPhone 5. Shortly after that I wound up leaving iOS going to android. I miss some of the features of the iOS and some specific apps and the abundance of accessories everywhere, but I really like the android operating system.
Since changing to android I've had several different phones ranging from LG, Samsung, HTC and Motorola. Most recently I have on a Motorola Z Droid. Recently I started having Bluetooth connectivity problems with it dropping connections with my android watch and completely erasing the profile of my truck. On top of that, everyone keeps tell me to go buy an iPhone. So I bought an iPhone, Peer pressure.
I looked around at different models of iPhones. I debated home buying a new iPhone 7, but instead I have found a really good deal on an iPhone 6 Plus 128GB. So I bought it. So I decided I was going to test it out cold turkey. I put my SIM card in and started loading apps.
It's a pretty phone it's a little slick that needs a case to keep from falling out of my hand. The more I use it the
more and more I am wanting to go back to my old android. Although I said I was going to try at least for a week I don't know if I can last that long.
First I noticed it dropping a lot of calls where I normally don't drop calls. This could be a service provider issue but I'm not quite sure. Next one of the applications I use the most is my password manager. I use LastPass. I really miss it popping up to fill in passwords on most every app. On the iPhone I'm constantly having to swap between the application I am in and going back and forth to look up a password and then swap back applications. This may be fine for some people that use the same password over and over, but I use a different password on every website. It's a major annoyance.
Another problem I have is the apps I use. They are the same apps but a different layout. I really miss being able to sit in a chair with one hand holding my android phone and being able to control Facebook and other social apps without having to take my hand from the bottom of the screen to the top and screen.
The worst thing about the iPhone is the stupid proprietary lightning cable. I mean why Apple. This cable sucks. Where is the fast charging too?
It hasn't all been bad though. I really do like how long the battery life is on this iPhone. Also the voice transcription is a whole lot better than Google has ever been.
Here is a comparison of the two on PhoneArena.
My Droid is lighter, better screen resolution, Higher MP camera on front and back, more RAM and expandable storage. The iPhone advantage is more radio frequencies, newer Bluetooth and a slightly larger battery.
Price from Verizon: Droid Z = $624.99 ; iPhone 6S Plus 128 GB $749.99
So, as I finished typing I keep asking myself, is there something I am missing?
8.29.2016
Mevo camera review
I got asked to live stream and record a wedding. I started doing some research and found out I could rent equipment for around $600 with included 2 hours of live streaming. Me being the cheapskate started looking around for other options. And there is was, Mevo by live stream. A small compact camera that records and live stream. Even better, it will live stream to Facebook live for free, so I pre-ordered. Next problem, I needed a iphone 5s or newer to run it. I looked on Groupon and several sites. Then I found out US Cellular had the iPhone SE for $199 on prepaid. SCORE!
The day my Mevo arrived, I was like wow. It is even smaller than I thought. Cool box. I played with it at home, just recording a few videos and not live streaming.
Fast forward to this Sunday. A buddy of mine text me to bring my Mevo to church. So I grab it and my extra battery. I tell him to get a mic stand setup.
When I get to church, I run and drop my daughter off in the nursery and head to the sanctuary. Within a minute or two I had it setup and broadcasting to Facebook. After a few minutes, my iPhone popped up and said there wasn't fast enough internet and I needed to lower the resolution. My thoughts were let's drop the streaming resolution to low. It will record HD to the SD card and the upload the HD version, like my phone does. WRONG. It streamed at 360p and recorded at 360p.
Well, I am sure that I did something wrong. I check the settings and can't find it so I go to their website and cannot find anything either. I reached out to them on Facebook Messenger. Less than an hour later I get the response, it records at the same quality it streams. Another issue I had was audio quality. When our band was playing, you hear some weird pop. It went along with the beat so I assume it is a volume limiter of some sort. It made the sound less than stellar.
For my use, a phone will Facebook Live will work better than the Mevo. We are rural and upload speeds are lacking around here. With the phone you loose the ability to have the camera in one spot and control it in another but I can stream and later upload in HD or edit the video in HD. Luckily I am still in the return period and hopefully they will not charge me a restocking fee.
Let me say that I am not saying anything bad about Mevo, it just didn't fit my situation.
Let me say that I am not saying anything bad about Mevo, it just didn't fit my situation.
8.05.2013
Dumb ol Redneck from Alabama that doesn't know anything - Education
Education now days is horrible. It is not about teaching students, it is teaching to pass a test. Kids are disrespectful. Parents are disrespectful. They teach their kids to be disrespectful. Kids who have simple discipline problems are on meds. When they misbehave or don't do their work, it is the teacher's fault.
While on the topic of education, politicians have to be some of the stupidest people... Especially in NC.. They do everything they can to get new companies to move into the area including huge tax breaks. It is very easy to get new businesses in the area. It all starts with the K-12 school system. As the old saying goes, if you build it, they will come. If you have one of the best education systems around, businesses will flock into areas with "free" public schools that offer great education so they do not have to pay the astronomical prices of some private schools. It is a trickle up effect. Good education brings businesses and wealthier people who can afford to move. This brings in more tax revenue. More tax revenue means more money to help improve other areas. Now I am not saying that we take all tax revenue and pump it into the education system, because face it if you have a great education system and poor crime prevention and infrastructure, you might as well not have anything. But I am just a dumb ol redneck from Alabama that doesn't know anything and I have an education from Mississippi.
Restart
I have decided to restart my blog with a new series called "Dumb ol Redneck from Alabama that doesn't know anything".
4.04.2011
Alltel Complaints again.
I have been waiting to get the Froyo update for my HTC Desire since January. I was told the update would be coming as soon as test was done. Other carriers released the update over a month ago. Now I find out that other Alltel customers are getting the update. I call to inquire and I get a different story every time. I have been told that the Desire will not be update ever, it is in the testing phase, no one at Alltel has the update yet and now it is only available in selected markets and you are not one.
Why don't I have the update? How come since Alltel is part of ATN has customer service as well as phone service degraded to one of the worst of all carriers? Why can't tech support get their story straight?
I am to the point of leaving Alltel after close to 10 years to find another carrier who cares about their customers.
Why don't I have the update? How come since Alltel is part of ATN has customer service as well as phone service degraded to one of the worst of all carriers? Why can't tech support get their story straight?
I am to the point of leaving Alltel after close to 10 years to find another carrier who cares about their customers.
2.07.2011
Alltel Disappointment
I am getting more and more disappointed with Alltel. I have always been under the impression that Alltel has a 30 return policy. In fact I have never been made aware of any difference until today.
Last month I upgraded to a HTC Desire and paid $249.99 after fighting with the retentions department since I had problems with over 9 BlackBerries in the last 2 years. I really like the phone and it has solved the problem that I had with my service. The biggest disappointment with the phone is the lack of memory space for application. This has been addressed with updates in the Android OS but Alltel has not put put an update. I waited for close to the 30 days to see if Alltel would release the update. I called today to see how I could return the phone and I am informed that there is only a 14 day policy now and I am out of luck. Now to add insult to injury, Alltel is now offering the HTC Desire for free.
Last month I upgraded to a HTC Desire and paid $249.99 after fighting with the retentions department since I had problems with over 9 BlackBerries in the last 2 years. I really like the phone and it has solved the problem that I had with my service. The biggest disappointment with the phone is the lack of memory space for application. This has been addressed with updates in the Android OS but Alltel has not put put an update. I waited for close to the 30 days to see if Alltel would release the update. I called today to see how I could return the phone and I am informed that there is only a 14 day policy now and I am out of luck. Now to add insult to injury, Alltel is now offering the HTC Desire for free.
3.19.2010
VOTE NO!!
Everyone, you need call your represenatives and tell them to vote NO to the health care bill. Here is what your are not being told. First, this is not a health care bill. It does nothing to improve health care. It will hurt health care. It is a governmental take over of the health care system.
Look at Massachusetts where the democrats keep telling you it is working. Guess what. It is costing them substantially more than expected. The CBO numbers released on Thursday show that the bill helps reduce the deficit. Well, the bill also includes a take over of student loans. Yes it has nothing to do with health care, but it is in there. That is where the money comes from that helps reduce the deficit. It is implying all loans being paid back with interest.
Also, the figures are based on a immediate tax increase but the plan doesn't kick in for another 4-6 years. That means you are going to be paying 10 years for 4-6 years of outcome. Why not look at the cost after 20 years... your are 4-6 years in the red.
The bill is unconstitutional and will be in the Supreme Court. That means that you start paying taxes immediatly and then when the Supreme court says it is unconstitutional your taxes will be used for things other than health care.
Insurance is a privilege, not a right. The Democrats keep saying that people cannot get health care. The fact is that if you are having a heart attack and call an ambulance do they ask you if you have insurance or a credit card? No they come and administer care. If you walk into a hospital with a broken arm, they cannot turn you away because you do not have the money to pay. It is against the law and they could be fined $50,000+ for doing that.
Doctors do not want this. Despite what Obama wants you to thing, they do not want it. I work for anesthesiologist and government insured patients account for close to 50% or more of their business but is less that 20% of their income. You think that doctors make a lot of money, but they do not make near the amount that most people think.
Most people (including me until I started working with doctors) only think about what a doctor charges. Well, think about this. Doctors charge a higher fee than they would like to. Why? The government insurance plans pay about 10-20% of the amount. They have to make the difference somewhere. Insurance companies take a discount. The higher the fee, the higher the discount, the higher the reimbursement. If you have no insurance, most doctors will give you a discount if you ask.
Why don't they give you a discount if you have insurance? Lets say you have a bill for $100 and you have insurance and doctor has a contract with your insurance carrier they take a 20%. $80 is the allowed amount. Now say you have a plan with a 20% coinsurance. The insurance company will pay $64. You now owe the remaining $16 to the doctor. If the doctor writes that off, they are supposed to report that to the insurance company and then they would have to give the insurance company the same % amount which would be an additional 16%. So now what that doctor bill $100 for, if you make your copay they collect $80 but if they write off your 20% copay they then only collect $51.20. That $16 discount turned into $28.80. On a $1000 bill that $160 write-off turns into $288.
Now lets look at other reasons the charges are so much. How many other professions do you start out several hundred thousand dollars in debt? Doctors have huge bills. They have continuing education. They have enormous malpractice premiums. And in the case of my physicians, their business is at the mercy of other physicians.
If this is such a great plan, how come some many Americans are against it? How come there is not a single republican for it? How come are there all kinds of back-room deals being done to convince democrats to vote for it? Why is there already new revisions to be voted on after is passes? Why can't they be in the bill? If it is important then why is it taking 4-6 years to even start?
Finally pre-existing conditions and mandatory enrollment. Why do insurance companies deny pre-existing conditions? For the same reason that you cannot get insurance on your house once it is on fire or get auto insurance after being in an accident. Insurance is something that you pay for in hopes that you never need it. How can the government also require you have insurance? There is no difference in making you have health insurance than them telling you that you can only drink milk anymore because it is good for you. (Yes some states require you to have auto insurance but that is liability insurance to protect others not you.)
Please, call you Representative and make sure that they know that you do not want this bill. We need health care reform, not governmental takeover!!
Look at Massachusetts where the democrats keep telling you it is working. Guess what. It is costing them substantially more than expected. The CBO numbers released on Thursday show that the bill helps reduce the deficit. Well, the bill also includes a take over of student loans. Yes it has nothing to do with health care, but it is in there. That is where the money comes from that helps reduce the deficit. It is implying all loans being paid back with interest.
Also, the figures are based on a immediate tax increase but the plan doesn't kick in for another 4-6 years. That means you are going to be paying 10 years for 4-6 years of outcome. Why not look at the cost after 20 years... your are 4-6 years in the red.
The bill is unconstitutional and will be in the Supreme Court. That means that you start paying taxes immediatly and then when the Supreme court says it is unconstitutional your taxes will be used for things other than health care.
Insurance is a privilege, not a right. The Democrats keep saying that people cannot get health care. The fact is that if you are having a heart attack and call an ambulance do they ask you if you have insurance or a credit card? No they come and administer care. If you walk into a hospital with a broken arm, they cannot turn you away because you do not have the money to pay. It is against the law and they could be fined $50,000+ for doing that.
Doctors do not want this. Despite what Obama wants you to thing, they do not want it. I work for anesthesiologist and government insured patients account for close to 50% or more of their business but is less that 20% of their income. You think that doctors make a lot of money, but they do not make near the amount that most people think.
Most people (including me until I started working with doctors) only think about what a doctor charges. Well, think about this. Doctors charge a higher fee than they would like to. Why? The government insurance plans pay about 10-20% of the amount. They have to make the difference somewhere. Insurance companies take a discount. The higher the fee, the higher the discount, the higher the reimbursement. If you have no insurance, most doctors will give you a discount if you ask.
Why don't they give you a discount if you have insurance? Lets say you have a bill for $100 and you have insurance and doctor has a contract with your insurance carrier they take a 20%. $80 is the allowed amount. Now say you have a plan with a 20% coinsurance. The insurance company will pay $64. You now owe the remaining $16 to the doctor. If the doctor writes that off, they are supposed to report that to the insurance company and then they would have to give the insurance company the same % amount which would be an additional 16%. So now what that doctor bill $100 for, if you make your copay they collect $80 but if they write off your 20% copay they then only collect $51.20. That $16 discount turned into $28.80. On a $1000 bill that $160 write-off turns into $288.
Now lets look at other reasons the charges are so much. How many other professions do you start out several hundred thousand dollars in debt? Doctors have huge bills. They have continuing education. They have enormous malpractice premiums. And in the case of my physicians, their business is at the mercy of other physicians.
If this is such a great plan, how come some many Americans are against it? How come there is not a single republican for it? How come are there all kinds of back-room deals being done to convince democrats to vote for it? Why is there already new revisions to be voted on after is passes? Why can't they be in the bill? If it is important then why is it taking 4-6 years to even start?
Finally pre-existing conditions and mandatory enrollment. Why do insurance companies deny pre-existing conditions? For the same reason that you cannot get insurance on your house once it is on fire or get auto insurance after being in an accident. Insurance is something that you pay for in hopes that you never need it. How can the government also require you have insurance? There is no difference in making you have health insurance than them telling you that you can only drink milk anymore because it is good for you. (Yes some states require you to have auto insurance but that is liability insurance to protect others not you.)
Please, call you Representative and make sure that they know that you do not want this bill. We need health care reform, not governmental takeover!!
12.06.2009
Charter has been providing me with TV service for over a year now. I have even made them my Internet provider and telephone provider. I have also had a TiVo and used a Cable Card. Charter pretty much hates supporting Cable cards and in the past year they have replace mine twice and it is acting up again.
Recently Charter has been advertising to call them to lock in a special price for 2 years. Also AT&T has been advertising U-Verse. So today I deiced to see what deal I could get. Charter gave me no problem and a price around $135 per month for 2 years. AT&T U-Verse is a total different story.
I priced U-Verse online and I come up with a price of $171 / month. I decide to online chat with their sales department and this is what I am told (all chats took place on 12/5/2009):
AT&T product specialists are happy to assist you with your questions. Click below to begin your live text chat. Chat representatives will not have access to your personal account. This service is provided to you under AT&Ts Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Welcome to AT&T. My name is Jeff S..
Jeff S.: I will be happy to answer your questions regarding AT&T U-verse products. To start, could you please tell me which state you're located in and the zip code?
Ryan: NC 28655
Ryan: I currently have no ATT service. I have everything through charter
Jeff S.: I would like to thank you for visiting AT&T!
Jeff S.: How may i assist you today?
Ryan: Charter has offered me a plan on a fixed price for 2 years. They are not my favorite in may aspects and I waited over 2 years now on Uverse.
Ryan: I want to see what kind of plan you can offer me similar to their setup.
Ryan: I currently have Basic and Expanded through them. I also have HD and their price included the extra HD channels and DVR service.
Ryan: I also have unlimited local and long distance on telephone and the price they offered includes 10 meg Internet.
Jeff S.: You can also go to www.2wire.com and hit speed to check the speeds you are receiving now.
Jeff S.: Were you able to take a look at the site?
Ryan: yes
Ryan: I am currently on a different network than my home network so the results are not accurate.
Jeff S.: No problem. For TV there is the U200, Internet the Elite 6.0 Mbps would be similar and the U-voice comes with unlimited calling.
Ryan: I would need the 12Mbps plan. I need the upload speed and I used to have the 6 meg service from att and it was part of the reason I went to charter. I work from home and have to send a file to my office every evening and it kills my connection.
Ryan: What is the best price I can get on the U200 With all the HDs + DVR + an extra box with 12M and Phone?
Jeff S.: The best price would be offered online.
Jeff S.: The price would be about $159.
Ryan: So I figured that at 171/month
Ryan: Charter is offering everything at a fixed price of 135/ month.
Jeff S.: I'm sorry for the delay. I'll be right with you.
Jeff S.: You can receive lock in the U-verse service for 12 months as well with the $30 discount.
Ryan: So that would be the U200+HD+HD Premium Tear+extra box+12M+Telephone for 141/month with 12 month commitment?
Jeff S.: That is correct.
Ryan: let me run this by my wife.
Jeff S.: Sounds good.
Ryan: Thanks for your assistance.
After I talk it over with my wife, I decide to go with AT&T. I go online to do the order, but I cannot find the $30 discount for the 12 month commitment. So I do another online chat:
AT&T product specialists are happy to assist you with your questions. Click below to begin your live text chat. Chat representatives will not have access to your personal account. This service is provided to you under AT&Ts Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Welcome to AT&T. My name is Mickey.
Mickey: I will be happy to answer your questions regarding AT&T U-verse products. To start, could you please tell me which state you're located in and the zip code?
Ryan: Hi Mickey. I spoke with Jeff earlier about service and I told him I would come back after I talked to my wife.
Mickey: Could you please tell me which state you're located in and the zip code?
Ryan: NC 28655
Mickey: Are you an existing AT&T Home Phone customer?
Ryan: No. I am looking to move all my services from Charter.
Mickey: Are you interested in AT&T U-verse Voice online today?
Ryan: I need voice, Internet, and TV
Mickey: That's great!
Mickey: Thank you for sharing this information and considering AT&T U-verse Services online today.
Mickey: Have you decided on a plan that you would like to order online today?
Ryan: We looked at the U200 with HD + DVR with 2 receivers, 12MB Internet, and unlimited phone.
Mickey: That's a really great choice!
Ryan: With Jeff I figured it to be 171 / month but I decided to leave the $5 HD Premium off.
Mickey: Please click on "Build Your Own Bundle" to select the plans of your choice.
Ryan: The thing that sold me on the package is Charter is offering me a similar package for $135 month but Jeff said "You can receive lock in the U-verse service for 12 months as well with the $30 discount.
Mickey: If you order U200 + Max Internet + Voice Unlimited online today with me you will get $400 back and there is no contract with AT&T U-verse services.
Ryan: That was available when I spoke with jeff earlier too.
Mickey: I can understand. At this time, there are no such promotions; however, if you order U200 + Max Internet + Voice Unlimited online today with me you will get $400 back.
Ryan: The way I am looking at it is Charter is offering me $135/month locked for 2 years. Which come to $3240. You are offering me $166/month -$400 which comes to a 2 year cost of $3584.
Mickey: I can certainly understand your concern. Prices are regular with no contract.
Ryan: The way I was figuring it earlier with Jeff was $141 / month for the first year then $171 / month for second year -$400 with a 2 year cost of 3344
Ryan: I am not willing to pay an additional $300 over 2 years on TV.
Mickey: AT&T U-Verse U-200, Voice Unlimited and Max package with 2 additional receivers HD service would be around $173 a month online today.
Ryan: Thanks but no thanks.
Mickey: I can offer additional $50 back (from my department) on top of $400 back. So you will get total $450 back with me.
Mickey: To offer you that additional $50 back please provide me with your order confirmation number, full name, address with zip code and name of the AT&T U-Verse plans at the end of the chat.
Mickey: How does that sound to you?
Ryan: That is still more than I am willing to pay.
Mickey: AT&T U-Verse U-200, Voice Unlimited and Max package with 1 additional receivers HD service would be around $166 a month online today.
Ryan: Unless I can get the service for $141 or less per month with the $400 back it is a no deal. U200+HD+DVR with 2 receivers, 12 MB Internet + unlimited telephone.
Mickey: U200 + Max Internet + Voice Unlimited + one additional receiver + HD service would be around $166 a month.
Mickey: By ordering online you will get $10 off on Internet for 6 months.
Mickey: You can save $10 more for six months by going with Paperless Billing. You will just need to Enroll in Auto-pay and paperless billing at U-verse Central after U-verse installation.
Mickey: There is no contract with AT&T U-Verse service. This means you can cancel at any time without penalty.
And my computer battery died.
So AT&T apparently does not want me as their customer so I guess I will stay with Charter.
Here is another Chat that I had.
AT&T product specialists are happy to assist you with your questions. Click below to begin your live text chat.
Chat representatives will not have access to your personal account. This service is provided to you under AT&Ts Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Welcome to AT&T. My name is Lance.
Lance: I will be happy to answer your questions regarding AT&T U-verse products. To start, could you please tell me which state you're located in and the zip code?
you: 28655 NC
Lance: Thank you for sharing this information and considering AT&T U-verse Services online today.
Lance: Are you an existing AT&T Home Phone customer?
Ryan: No
Lance: Are you interested in AT&T U-verse Voice online today?
Ryan: I am interested in the whole package.
Lance: I'd be happy to assist you with that.
Ryan: Let's start with TV.
Lance: In order to better assist you, allow me to ask you a few questions.
Ryan: I need HD and DVR. No movie Channels. Local and TLC, Discovery, And Animal Planet.
Lance: Are you interested in premium movie channels like HBO & Cinemax?
Lance: I'd be happy to assist you with that.
Lance: What do you (or will you) use the Internet for in your home (i.e. downloading music, watching videos, gaming, pictures)?
Ryan: I need the fastest internet.
Ryan: I need telephone.
Lance: How many computers are you looking to connect?
Ryan: 4
Lance: Thank you for answering all my questions.
Lance: Based on your needs, I recommend that you order, AT&T U-Verse U-200, Voice Unlimited and Max package is only $149 a month online today.
Lance: Does that sound like something you would be interested in?
Ryan: It is.
Lance: Let's go ahead and place your order today online.
Ryan: Ok. I have been going through the site and adding everything. I have everything in my cart.
Ryan: I am at $166. beacuse I added HD and an additional reciever.
Ryan: I spoke with someone on chat earlier and I was told that I could get an addional $30 off a month if I did an annual commitment. How do I get that?
Lance: If you order online AT&T U-Verse U-200 Triple Package(TV, Internet, Voice) or any above Triple Package. Your order qualifies for the $400 Visa Reward Card.
Lance: How does that sounds to you?
Lance: The $30 Off for the Internet has expired.
Ryan: That might be the deal breaker. The reason behind this is that Charter has offered me a simialr package for $134.99.
Ryan: A previous rep told me today that if I did an annual commitment I could get an additional $30 off which would bring me to $136 a month with ATT
Lance: Our offers are hotter than ever and won’t last forever and bound to change anytime! Remember, we offer plans with no term commitments. This means you can cancel at any time without penalty
Lance: I understand and you are right. But, currently the offer you are looking for has been expired and a new promotion is been released out.
Lance: If you order online AT&T U-Verse U-200 Triple Package(TV, Internet, Voice) or any above Triple Package. Your order qualifies for the $400 Visa Reward Card.
Lance: If you order online AT&T U-Verse U-200 Double Package(TV, Internet) or any above Double Package. Your order qualifies for the $350 Visa Reward Card.
Lance: How does that sounds to you?
Ryan: So you are telling me that the offer I was offered a couple of hours ago is no longer valid.
Lance: Yes, the offers are bound to change anytime. I suggest you to take advantage of the new promotion. Before, you miss out these hot on going promotion.
Ryan: I will stick with what I have. Apparently ATT does not whant my business.
Lance: I apologize for the frustration that has been caused.
Lance: Due to my limitations I am unable help you with that.
Ryan: Here is part of what I was told earlier:
Ryan: Ryan: Charter is offering everything at a fixed price of 135/ month.Jeff S.: I'm sorry for the delay. I'll be right with you.Jeff S.: You can receive lock in the U-verse service for 12 months as well with the $30 discount.Ryan: So that would be the U200+HD+HD Premium Tear+extra box+12M+Telephone for 141/month with 12 month commitment?Jeff S.: That is correct.Ryan: let me run this by my wife.
Recently Charter has been advertising to call them to lock in a special price for 2 years. Also AT&T has been advertising U-Verse. So today I deiced to see what deal I could get. Charter gave me no problem and a price around $135 per month for 2 years. AT&T U-Verse is a total different story.
I priced U-Verse online and I come up with a price of $171 / month. I decide to online chat with their sales department and this is what I am told (all chats took place on 12/5/2009):
AT&T product specialists are happy to assist you with your questions. Click below to begin your live text chat. Chat representatives will not have access to your personal account. This service is provided to you under AT&Ts Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Welcome to AT&T. My name is Jeff S..
Jeff S.: I will be happy to answer your questions regarding AT&T U-verse products. To start, could you please tell me which state you're located in and the zip code?
Ryan: NC 28655
Ryan: I currently have no ATT service. I have everything through charter
Jeff S.: I would like to thank you for visiting AT&T!
Jeff S.: How may i assist you today?
Ryan: Charter has offered me a plan on a fixed price for 2 years. They are not my favorite in may aspects and I waited over 2 years now on Uverse.
Ryan: I want to see what kind of plan you can offer me similar to their setup.
Ryan: I currently have Basic and Expanded through them. I also have HD and their price included the extra HD channels and DVR service.
Ryan: I also have unlimited local and long distance on telephone and the price they offered includes 10 meg Internet.
Jeff S.: You can also go to www.2wire.com and hit speed to check the speeds you are receiving now.
Jeff S.: Were you able to take a look at the site?
Ryan: yes
Ryan: I am currently on a different network than my home network so the results are not accurate.
Jeff S.: No problem. For TV there is the U200, Internet the Elite 6.0 Mbps would be similar and the U-voice comes with unlimited calling.
Ryan: I would need the 12Mbps plan. I need the upload speed and I used to have the 6 meg service from att and it was part of the reason I went to charter. I work from home and have to send a file to my office every evening and it kills my connection.
Ryan: What is the best price I can get on the U200 With all the HDs + DVR + an extra box with 12M and Phone?
Jeff S.: The best price would be offered online.
Jeff S.: The price would be about $159.
Ryan: So I figured that at 171/month
Ryan: Charter is offering everything at a fixed price of 135/ month.
Jeff S.: I'm sorry for the delay. I'll be right with you.
Jeff S.: You can receive lock in the U-verse service for 12 months as well with the $30 discount.
Ryan: So that would be the U200+HD+HD Premium Tear+extra box+12M+Telephone for 141/month with 12 month commitment?
Jeff S.: That is correct.
Ryan: let me run this by my wife.
Jeff S.: Sounds good.
Ryan: Thanks for your assistance.
After I talk it over with my wife, I decide to go with AT&T. I go online to do the order, but I cannot find the $30 discount for the 12 month commitment. So I do another online chat:
AT&T product specialists are happy to assist you with your questions. Click below to begin your live text chat. Chat representatives will not have access to your personal account. This service is provided to you under AT&Ts Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Welcome to AT&T. My name is Mickey.
Mickey: I will be happy to answer your questions regarding AT&T U-verse products. To start, could you please tell me which state you're located in and the zip code?
Ryan: Hi Mickey. I spoke with Jeff earlier about service and I told him I would come back after I talked to my wife.
Mickey: Could you please tell me which state you're located in and the zip code?
Ryan: NC 28655
Mickey: Are you an existing AT&T Home Phone customer?
Ryan: No. I am looking to move all my services from Charter.
Mickey: Are you interested in AT&T U-verse Voice online today?
Ryan: I need voice, Internet, and TV
Mickey: That's great!
Mickey: Thank you for sharing this information and considering AT&T U-verse Services online today.
Mickey: Have you decided on a plan that you would like to order online today?
Ryan: We looked at the U200 with HD + DVR with 2 receivers, 12MB Internet, and unlimited phone.
Mickey: That's a really great choice!
Ryan: With Jeff I figured it to be 171 / month but I decided to leave the $5 HD Premium off.
Mickey: Please click on "Build Your Own Bundle" to select the plans of your choice.
Ryan: The thing that sold me on the package is Charter is offering me a similar package for $135 month but Jeff said "You can receive lock in the U-verse service for 12 months as well with the $30 discount.
Mickey: If you order U200 + Max Internet + Voice Unlimited online today with me you will get $400 back and there is no contract with AT&T U-verse services.
Ryan: That was available when I spoke with jeff earlier too.
Mickey: I can understand. At this time, there are no such promotions; however, if you order U200 + Max Internet + Voice Unlimited online today with me you will get $400 back.
Ryan: The way I am looking at it is Charter is offering me $135/month locked for 2 years. Which come to $3240. You are offering me $166/month -$400 which comes to a 2 year cost of $3584.
Mickey: I can certainly understand your concern. Prices are regular with no contract.
Ryan: The way I was figuring it earlier with Jeff was $141 / month for the first year then $171 / month for second year -$400 with a 2 year cost of 3344
Ryan: I am not willing to pay an additional $300 over 2 years on TV.
Mickey: AT&T U-Verse U-200, Voice Unlimited and Max package with 2 additional receivers HD service would be around $173 a month online today.
Ryan: Thanks but no thanks.
Mickey: I can offer additional $50 back (from my department) on top of $400 back. So you will get total $450 back with me.
Mickey: To offer you that additional $50 back please provide me with your order confirmation number, full name, address with zip code and name of the AT&T U-Verse plans at the end of the chat.
Mickey: How does that sound to you?
Ryan: That is still more than I am willing to pay.
Mickey: AT&T U-Verse U-200, Voice Unlimited and Max package with 1 additional receivers HD service would be around $166 a month online today.
Ryan: Unless I can get the service for $141 or less per month with the $400 back it is a no deal. U200+HD+DVR with 2 receivers, 12 MB Internet + unlimited telephone.
Mickey: U200 + Max Internet + Voice Unlimited + one additional receiver + HD service would be around $166 a month.
Mickey: By ordering online you will get $10 off on Internet for 6 months.
Mickey: You can save $10 more for six months by going with Paperless Billing. You will just need to Enroll in Auto-pay and paperless billing at U-verse Central after U-verse installation.
Mickey: There is no contract with AT&T U-Verse service. This means you can cancel at any time without penalty.
And my computer battery died.
So AT&T apparently does not want me as their customer so I guess I will stay with Charter.
Here is another Chat that I had.
AT&T product specialists are happy to assist you with your questions. Click below to begin your live text chat.
Chat representatives will not have access to your personal account. This service is provided to you under AT&Ts Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Welcome to AT&T. My name is Lance.
Lance: I will be happy to answer your questions regarding AT&T U-verse products. To start, could you please tell me which state you're located in and the zip code?
you: 28655 NC
Lance: Thank you for sharing this information and considering AT&T U-verse Services online today.
Lance: Are you an existing AT&T Home Phone customer?
Ryan: No
Lance: Are you interested in AT&T U-verse Voice online today?
Ryan: I am interested in the whole package.
Lance: I'd be happy to assist you with that.
Ryan: Let's start with TV.
Lance: In order to better assist you, allow me to ask you a few questions.
Ryan: I need HD and DVR. No movie Channels. Local and TLC, Discovery, And Animal Planet.
Lance: Are you interested in premium movie channels like HBO & Cinemax?
Lance: I'd be happy to assist you with that.
Lance: What do you (or will you) use the Internet for in your home (i.e. downloading music, watching videos, gaming, pictures)?
Ryan: I need the fastest internet.
Ryan: I need telephone.
Lance: How many computers are you looking to connect?
Ryan: 4
Lance: Thank you for answering all my questions.
Lance: Based on your needs, I recommend that you order, AT&T U-Verse U-200, Voice Unlimited and Max package is only $149 a month online today.
Lance: Does that sound like something you would be interested in?
Ryan: It is.
Lance: Let's go ahead and place your order today online.
Ryan: Ok. I have been going through the site and adding everything. I have everything in my cart.
Ryan: I am at $166. beacuse I added HD and an additional reciever.
Ryan: I spoke with someone on chat earlier and I was told that I could get an addional $30 off a month if I did an annual commitment. How do I get that?
Lance: If you order online AT&T U-Verse U-200 Triple Package(TV, Internet, Voice) or any above Triple Package. Your order qualifies for the $400 Visa Reward Card.
Lance: How does that sounds to you?
Lance: The $30 Off for the Internet has expired.
Ryan: That might be the deal breaker. The reason behind this is that Charter has offered me a simialr package for $134.99.
Ryan: A previous rep told me today that if I did an annual commitment I could get an additional $30 off which would bring me to $136 a month with ATT
Lance: Our offers are hotter than ever and won’t last forever and bound to change anytime! Remember, we offer plans with no term commitments. This means you can cancel at any time without penalty
Lance: I understand and you are right. But, currently the offer you are looking for has been expired and a new promotion is been released out.
Lance: If you order online AT&T U-Verse U-200 Triple Package(TV, Internet, Voice) or any above Triple Package. Your order qualifies for the $400 Visa Reward Card.
Lance: If you order online AT&T U-Verse U-200 Double Package(TV, Internet) or any above Double Package. Your order qualifies for the $350 Visa Reward Card.
Lance: How does that sounds to you?
Ryan: So you are telling me that the offer I was offered a couple of hours ago is no longer valid.
Lance: Yes, the offers are bound to change anytime. I suggest you to take advantage of the new promotion. Before, you miss out these hot on going promotion.
Ryan: I will stick with what I have. Apparently ATT does not whant my business.
Lance: I apologize for the frustration that has been caused.
Lance: Due to my limitations I am unable help you with that.
Ryan: Here is part of what I was told earlier:
Ryan: Ryan: Charter is offering everything at a fixed price of 135/ month.Jeff S.: I'm sorry for the delay. I'll be right with you.Jeff S.: You can receive lock in the U-verse service for 12 months as well with the $30 discount.Ryan: So that would be the U200+HD+HD Premium Tear+extra box+12M+Telephone for 141/month with 12 month commitment?Jeff S.: That is correct.Ryan: let me run this by my wife.
12.03.2009
Fast Customer Service from Amazon.com
It amazes me how fast and usually great Amazon.com Customer Service is. Today I sent them a complaint about a package not being delivered timely. Actually this is the second package this week. In a matter of minutes they responded.
Complaint (from their web email):
Comments:This is the second item that I have ordered in the past week that has failed to be delivered on time. This is very upsetting to me as I have never had this problem with Amazon before. The first item that I order was last Friday and was supposed to be delivered on Saturday but was not delivered until yesterday. The extra shipping was refunded but I still had to go and purchase the item somewhere else and then return Amazon package. This particular item was shipped overnight because it is for my father's computer and someone was scheduled to install the item tonight. According to UPS, this item has not even made it into his state. This not only looks bad on Amazon but for me too, especially after I bragged about how great of a company Amazon is. I have been a Amazon Prime member for 2 years and my 3rd year is set to start this month. I have been debating on renewing if after these incidents. I know that you will look into my claim and rectify this to the best of your ability.
Response:
Hello,
I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. I've checked the tracking on your order #105-1110509-XXXXX and see that your order was shipped by carrier UPS and it's scheduled to be delivered by December 3.
You can view the available tracking information from the Order Summary in Your Account at the address below: (Retracted) I'll keep track of your package and send another e-mail by December 4, if I see any delivery problems. Right now, your package is on time and in transit. UPS may not location scan all of their shipments, which occasionally limits the available tracking data. Tracking information may not appear until the package has been delivered. I've contacted UPS to get more information about where your order might be. As soon as we hear back from them, we'll send you an update by e-mail. I expect that we'll have more information for you within short time, but if it's taking longer than expected, please feel free to follow up with us again. Please visit the following link to provide the information we requested: (retracted) Also, I'm forwarding your feedback about this issue to our shipping department--I know they'll consider your feedback as we plan for further improvements of our service. We're aware that our choice of delivery services reflects on our business as a whole, and we appreciate your feedback.
Again, I'm very sorry for the trouble with your recent orders. Thanks for your patience and understanding while we look into this issue. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Please let us know if this e-mail resolved your question: (Retracted)
Please note: this e-mail was sent from an address that cannot accept incoming e-mail.
To contact us about an unrelated issue, please visit the Help section of our web site.
Best regards,
Srilatha K.Amazon.com
We're Building Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company
Complaint (from their web email):
Comments:This is the second item that I have ordered in the past week that has failed to be delivered on time. This is very upsetting to me as I have never had this problem with Amazon before. The first item that I order was last Friday and was supposed to be delivered on Saturday but was not delivered until yesterday. The extra shipping was refunded but I still had to go and purchase the item somewhere else and then return Amazon package. This particular item was shipped overnight because it is for my father's computer and someone was scheduled to install the item tonight. According to UPS, this item has not even made it into his state. This not only looks bad on Amazon but for me too, especially after I bragged about how great of a company Amazon is. I have been a Amazon Prime member for 2 years and my 3rd year is set to start this month. I have been debating on renewing if after these incidents. I know that you will look into my claim and rectify this to the best of your ability.
Response:
Hello,
I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. I've checked the tracking on your order #105-1110509-XXXXX and see that your order was shipped by carrier UPS and it's scheduled to be delivered by December 3.
You can view the available tracking information from the Order Summary in Your Account at the address below: (Retracted) I'll keep track of your package and send another e-mail by December 4, if I see any delivery problems. Right now, your package is on time and in transit. UPS may not location scan all of their shipments, which occasionally limits the available tracking data. Tracking information may not appear until the package has been delivered. I've contacted UPS to get more information about where your order might be. As soon as we hear back from them, we'll send you an update by e-mail. I expect that we'll have more information for you within short time, but if it's taking longer than expected, please feel free to follow up with us again. Please visit the following link to provide the information we requested: (retracted) Also, I'm forwarding your feedback about this issue to our shipping department--I know they'll consider your feedback as we plan for further improvements of our service. We're aware that our choice of delivery services reflects on our business as a whole, and we appreciate your feedback.
Again, I'm very sorry for the trouble with your recent orders. Thanks for your patience and understanding while we look into this issue. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Please let us know if this e-mail resolved your question: (Retracted)
Please note: this e-mail was sent from an address that cannot accept incoming e-mail.
To contact us about an unrelated issue, please visit the Help section of our web site.
Best regards,
Srilatha K.Amazon.com
We're Building Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company
9.18.2009
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