Re: No more X10 at Radio Shack?

["Robert L Bass" <robertbass1@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

"sylvan butler" <ZsdbUse1+noZs_0612@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:slrnen9f9d.qm6.ZsdbUse1+noZs_0612@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> On Mon, 4 Dec 2006 13:08:33 -0500, Robert L Bass <robertbass1@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>> needs oil changes and periodic maintenance.
>>> Some of them don't even work perfectly
>>> "out of the box", and have to visit the
>>> dealer several times to get their quirks
>>> ironed out.
>>
>> This is where we disagree, Jeff.  I've purchased three new cars and
>> two new motorcycles in the past three years.  All of them require
>> periodic oil changes (something I choose not to DIY).  None of them
>> required any tweaking "out of the box" to be able to use
>
> No warranty fixes or corrections?  Any dealer-prep items either before
> or after you took delivery of the vehicle?

Nope.  Other than to install a security syystem in the Fiat, the only times I've brought any of them in were for standard service --
oil chancge, etc.  Oh, there was one thing.  I brought the Odyseey in for oil, etc., recently and was informed that there was a
service bulletin on the brakes.  They said they were wearing unevenly or too fast (I forget which) so Honda replaced them at no
charge but there was no apparent problem from our perspective.

> (and if you say 'no', it means you don't
> understand the role of a car dealer very well)

Or possibly I just bought a few good cars.  :^)

>>> So if one accepts this from a $20,000 item...
>>
>> Ah, but I don't.  I bought an Odyssey van last year.  It has satellite
>> radio, a touchscreen GPS navigation system and lots of other
>
> So having priced Odyssey's in late 2004 / early 2005, I know yours was
> closer to $40,000 than $20,000.  Stripped down they didn't even get down
> to $20,000 sticker, but perhaps if you could find a bare model the
> dealer might take a loss just to get rid of the low-end inventory.

How would that apply to the discussion at hand?

> Further, your Honda is reputed to be one of the brands with the fewest
> number of post-delivery issues.  Many people have a different
> experience, even with premium brands like Jaguar or Mercedes.

Why would I want a Mercedes?

> Comparing the purchase experience of a > $30,000 vehicle (with
> its associated dealer setup and delivery) to a mail-order or Radio Shack
> provided system for well under $300 you should have different
> expectations.

You bumped it up to $20,000.  However, the Camry cost something like $25,000.  There were no problems at all with the Camry either.

> With that said, my X10 system is misbehaving, and yes, it is
> frustrating!  :)

Bingo!  I can understand your willingness to deal with X10's problems and failures.  You know how to do it and you've made the
decision to maintain it.  My point is that most users just don't want the hassle.

> However, at my price point it is X10 or nothing, so
> X10 it is.  And I have corresponding expectations.

Only you can make that decision.  You're the user and it's your pocketbook.  It kind of parallels my use of VoIP when I go to
Brazil.  The service isn't as good (yet) as POTS, but it's much more affordable and it offers services like call transfer to/from
the USA.  I put up with it because it's the only way to get what I want within budget.  However, I don't recommend it for most folks
because it's quirky and sometimes unreliable.

> IMHO X10 does themselves a disservice by
> hiding the troubleshooting information and
> even the official documentation of potential
> problems behind their "Pro" site.

That's probably a marketing decision.  If people knew in advance what they were getting into, many would buy something else.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-866-1100
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>