Interesting Piece:

My brother and I each own an Apple iBook and a Motorola RAZR -- you could chalk it up to genetics, because we never discussed these purchases beforehand. That makes two genetically similar brothers, two identical laptops, two identical cellphones, and one key difference: I'm able to create my own ringtones, and my brother is not. That's because I use Cingular for my cell service, and he uses Verizon.

Earlier this week, he showed me how the RAZR he bought from Verizon last month blocks your ability to transfer files into its Audio folder, in an apparent brazen attempt to force users to buy ringtones rather than creating their own tones from CDs or from scratch. We stayed up late that night trying to figure out how to get the files onto the phone and around Verizon's blockade, which bans users from transferring MP3s and other data from their computers to their phones using either the Bluetooth or USB connections.

I find it abhorrent that Verizon disables the transfer of MP3s onto a phone that is advertised as having that feature. People are signing two-year service contracts for hardware that's been intentionally, knowingly, and deceptively crippled by their cellphone provider. I think Verizon should be forced to put a sticker on each of its new RAZRs explaining that it has disabled the MP3 ringtone function.




Why do people even bother doing business with Verizon. I have heard numerous horror stories of them crippling expensive phones in order to sell premium services on their network. Cellular Service is not the best here in Costa Rica, but at least the National Phone Company does not cripple your phone.

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Posted by: bigfattmottebatte at January 15, 2007 06:03 AM