Less Than Smooth Install
Written: Jan 09 '04
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Pros: Helps the IM-addicted move away from the computer, for a brief while anyway.
Cons: Installation problems couldn't be solved by Motorola.
The Bottom Line: If you understand the limitations and don't have installation problems, it is a good product. But it's not a replacement for a PC running AIM.
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| gus_v's Full Review: Motorola IMfree™ Personal Instant Messenger |
I finally got it working, but it was not easy. And dealing with Motorola's tech support was a nightmare.
The product is appealing to people who are truly addicted to IM. In my house, that means it is used by teenagers who have their own computers and wanted it so they could check their IMs while watching TV at the other side of the house.
The display is dim and you are limited to only 6 buddies at at a time. But it is very portable and now that I have gotten it installed, it's reliable. It is re-chargeable with its own AC adapter, so you don't have to buy batteries. (The base station plugs into the PC's USB port and the remote handheld device connects to it to display AIM messages.)
I had been concerned about interference because we have a WiFi network and had to replace our cordless phone to solve an interference problem in the house. But we never had a problem with the WiFi network or cordless phone.
My installation problem forced me to give up the PC I planned to install it on. That PC is a 6-month old HP/Compaq, running Windows XP (with the latest upgrades), with plenty of hard disk space, a fast processor and no software that should cause a conflict. The problem is that the base station would connect with the handheld for only 30 seconds at a time and then it wouldn't connect, unless we re-booted the computer. On my first call to Motorola tech support, they told me the unit was defective and should be returned. So I drove to CompUSA and got another. The second one would connect for maybe 60 seconds before it would stop. This time, the Motorola tech support guy said he didn't know what to tell me, other than "try the usual things like un-installing and re-installing." I had already done that several times.
Dealing with Motorola was also frustrating because they kept connecting me to the wrong department. I got the feeling only 3 people in the company know they sell this product and none of them know anything other than what's in the manual. Motorola's web site has no information about possible problems. (I should point out that I'm a big fan of Motorola cell phones; I think they're the best. But I've never had any reason to get tech support from Motorola before and sure I hope I never have to again.) And I am used to installing all types of PC equipment, including networks.
Rather than face another drive to CompUSA and a wait on their return line, I decided I had one more option. I installed it on a 5-year-old Dell computer and it worked just as it was supposed to. The only thing I had to do was download and install AIM software on this computer. I feared that the IMfree and AIM would interfere with other software on this computer (it's used by adults with limited interest in IM). But so far, it is not causing any problems.
Now that it's running, my teens seem to use it mainly so that they can watch TV and still monitor "who's on IM." Often, when they see someone they want to IM with, they'll just walk to the other side of the house and use the computer to type an answer. (The tiny keyboard makes it hard to do more than a word or two.) I guess at least they're getting more exercise while they stay on IM. I don't think it would be effective as a complete replacement for an IM computer.
I'm glad I got it to work out. But I'm writing this to help others who may have the same problem and don't know where to turn for help.
If I ever find out what the problem was on that computer, I'll post it here.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 99
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Epinions.com ID:
gus_v
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Location: Darien, CT
Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 1 member
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