Jul 08
13

Viable VPAD

13 Comments

image Recall the Viable VPAD I blogged about, where I actually drove all the way down to Los Angles to buy it? Will be reviewing it sometime this week or the next as soon as I have switched over to Comcast. I haven’t been able to test it since I bought it (bad high speed internet connection due to bad telephone wiring (DSL) here prevented me from testing it).

But recently signed up with Comcast. They were here today, but apparently there’s no cable wiring from the main cable to the house (Wow, this house has NEVER had cable? Crazzzzy.) — so they had to reschedule the installation for a week from now. Guess I’ll have to wait longer to review the VPAD.

But I definitely can tell you: I wish I had never bought it. That was the worst $100 I ever spent in my entire life. Wireless is NOT included. The AC adapter is too short. It doesn’t come with batteries. Viable informed me that I’d have to *purchase* the wireless card and battery *separately*. The touch pad interface is glitchy. In other words, I’d definitely recommend AGAINST purchasing it. I can’t even use the thing as a digital picture frame. So basically, I have a very expensive paperweight taking up space now.

Posted in Deafness technology by Don. 13 Comments

13 Responses to "Viable VPAD"

  • anonymouscoward says:
    July 13, 2008 at 10:27 am
    Reply

    And what’s even worse is that the HOVRS MVP is going to be free…

  • Don says:
    July 13, 2008 at 10:29 am
    Reply

    Got a message from someone via the Digsby Widget on my blog:

    “ok I am waiting for your response of my question.
    Please email me at … I just wonder if VPAD is having wireless .. I cannot remember what it is called. Wireless II something name of wireless.”

    I already emailed my response, but I thought I’d share my response in case if there’s any other people out there wondering the same thing.

    “No, the Viable VPAD does not come with wireless. You have to buy the wireless card separately from Viable VPAD’s vendor Clearview. The name of the wireless card is “CVI USB WiFi Adapter”. You can contact Clearview by calling them at: 410-467-3308 or 1-800-351-9578 and ask for the Wireless card. It costs $29.99. The battery costs $89.99. I’m not sure what their business hours are, but I suggest calling them between Mon-Fri during daytime.

    Their website is at: http://www.clearviewinnovations.com/

    Let me know how it works out for you!”

  • Don says:
    July 13, 2008 at 10:31 am
    Reply

    @anonymouscoward-

    Ahh, free? That I didn’t know. I’m interested in getting my hands on the MVP then so I can review it then! I think I will contact HOVRS about that. :-)

  • Peachlady says:
    July 13, 2008 at 10:44 am
    Reply

    Problem with MVP? You have to make many videophone calls thru HOVRS to get a free MVP!

  • Don says:
    July 13, 2008 at 10:49 am
    Reply

    @Peachlady: Ah, I see. Do you know if they will also be making the MVP available for purchase?

  • Rikka says:
    July 13, 2008 at 12:58 pm
    Reply

    If you guys interested in a free MVP and become purple with HOVRS. You may email me at robligacion@goamerica.com so email me anytime!

    HOVRS rep-Rikka

  • Don says:
    July 13, 2008 at 1:02 pm
    Reply

    Already am a Purple member. But I’ll send you an email requesting more information. :-)

  • anonymouscoward says:
    July 13, 2008 at 10:09 pm
    Reply

    @PeachLady: That’s not true.

    @Don: Yes. And the MVP is supposed to have everything that the VPad doesn’t have, including wireless.

  • Don says:
    July 13, 2008 at 11:03 pm
    Reply

    @ANONYMOUSCOWARD: So you’re saying the MVP would be available for purchase? What’s your source for information, if you’re willing to share? I’d like to contact the source with inquires of my own. :-)

  • anonymouscoward says:
    July 14, 2008 at 9:28 pm
    Reply

    It’ll be free. Trust me.

  • adel makkar says:
    May 8, 2009 at 1:31 am
    Reply

    i’m deaf love video good you please need need need viable yes or not?????????????????????????????

  • Don Cullen says:
    May 8, 2009 at 11:05 pm
    Reply

    Unfortunately I do not work for Viable. You can visit their website at http://www.viable.net. If I remember correctly, their VPAD costs $100. You would have to contact the company to buy the product from them. Good luck.

  • B.H. says:
    July 26, 2009 at 4:16 pm
    Reply

    Do you remember…

    …Viable’s new VPADs released at DeafNation Expo in April and May of2008?

    …The advertisement on DeafNation Expo’s website: “Buy VPAD for $99 at Deaf Nation Expo! If you’re not happy with it, we’ll give you a full refund.”?

    …Many, many deaf customers were not happy with their defective VPADs?

    I have been an employee at Viable for three years. Because of my confidentiality contract with Viable, I couldn’t discuss issues with anyone other than Viable staff. I am very disgusted at both Viable, Inc. and DeafNation, Inc. for misleading and cheating deaf buyers last year. I prefer to release this post and remain anonymous from any possible lawsuits until the process of Class Action against Viable and DeafNation is done.

    Viable VPAD is a 10.2-inch touch screen, an USB port, audio/visual ports, and allows for one-click connection to ViableVRS. The VPAD is the first WiFi-enabled and portable videophone to be developed for VRS users. See VPAD demo – http://www.viable.net/product/vpad.

    John Yeh was fully aware that the all VPADs were already flawed and defective before they were sold at DeafNation Expo last year. The touch screen was not correctly functioned.

    When a new, upgraded device VPAD+ (VPAD Plus) successfully functioned, John Yeh had no money to manufacture VPAD+. He was worried and had to fire some of his employees and figure out with many, many “junk” VPADs in stock.

    In late December 2007 Viable Founder John Yeh and two Viable executives urgently invited DeafNation co-founders Joel Barish and Jed Barish to the confidential meeting near the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, in January of 2008.

    John Yeh and Joel Barish are well-bonded fraternity brothers and former business partners of WebbyNation, Inc. Their partnership information can be found at http://www.jdcc.org/site/2001/nov-dec/business.htm.

    After hours of private deliberation in John Yeh’s hotel suite room, John Yeh couldn’t say no to Joel Barish’s dreadful offer to sell “Junk” VPADs at DeafNation Expo in April and May of 2008.

    DeafNation intentionally contracted an undisclosed arrangement with Viable, Inc. to get rid of all “junk” VPADs at DeafNation Expo in April and May of 2008, to mention hidden charges at DeafNation Expo and to earn big commission per VPAD sold.

    DeafNation intentionally agreed with Viable, Inc. to put “Buy VPAD for $99 at Deaf Nation Expo! If you’re not happy with it, we’ll give you a full refund” advertisement on DeafNation Expo’s website and to take it down after 30 days.

    Viable intentionally agreed to change their refund policy after VPADs were purchased.

    Thousand “junk” VPADs were sold out at DeafNation Expo: Pomona, California, on April 12, Omaha, Nebraska., on April 19; Columbus, Ohio, on April 26; and Atlanta on May 3.

    That was only 22 days…That was LESS than a month!

    DeafNation Expo took down the “Buy VPAD for $99 at Deaf Nation Expo! If you’re not happy with it, we’ll give you a full refund” advertisement from the website and advised all customers that VPAD were sold and non-refundable.

    Many, many victims grew anger and lost a lot of money on VPADs. Not many of them can afford to hire an attorney to handle this fraud case. It’s very sad that several “dirty” VRS companies and DeafNation Expo made millions of dollars out of the deaf community.

    Viable thanked DeafNation for all the dirty efforts and wrote them checks in the amount of $425,000 for commission.

    Last June I bumped Joel Barish at Puerto Rico DeafNation Expo. He chuckled and winked. My emotion crumbled into widespread disgust.

    SHAME on Joel Barish!

    SHAME on Jed Barish!

    SHAME on John Yeh!

    SHAME on DeafNation, Inc. and DeafNation Expo!

    SHAME on Viable, Inc.!

    Viable, Inc. – http://www.viable.com
    DeafNation, Inc. – http://www.deafnation.com

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