TMPoint : Misunderstading or bad customer services

December : Start of all my problems
Last December, I moved to my new house so I want to transfer my previous telephone line+streamyx account to my new house. At the same time, because TMNet has a RM5 upgrade promotion, I want to upgrade my 512Mb combo package (RM90) to 1Mb combo package (RM95) which is cheaper than RM110 for new registration.

So, I went to TMPoint to get some advice. When I first came in, I ask a lady at the front counter (where you take ticket no.), and explain my problem. I explain to her that I'm moving to a new house and want to transfer my current streamyx combo account. I also exlpained her about my plan to take the RM5 upgrade promotion. I ask her, want should I do?

After a few minutes of checking my account, she advised me to terminate my previous telephone line and apply for a new line for my new home. But because it is a new housing area without any telephone cable installed, she explain that it will take more than a month to process my application because they need to wait for contractor to install the telephone cable first. She also said that my application will be on hold till they have enough application at my housing area before they can proceed.

So, I said "Ok" because I have no other choice. Then I ask about my streamyx account.

She suggest I downgrade to most basic package, 384kb, RM20 for 10h usage.

I ask her if I still eligible for the RM5 upgrade package, she said "Yes".

Thinking that better I sacrifice RM20/month for another 1 or 2 months than terminate my account and have to pay RM110/month (not include deposit and other processing fees) for another 2 to 3 years, I agreed. So, after I filled all the form and give it to her, I go back and wait.....

February : No telephone line
After 2 months (February), I still don't have internet access and still have to pay RM20/month. So I went back to TMPoint. This time another lady entertained me. Again after checking my account for several minutes, she explain to me that I have to wait till the contractor install the cable. So, I wait again...

April : Start installing cable
2 months later (April), I saw contractor start installing telephone cable. I wait patiently for another two weeks before going back to TMPoint. This time, I was really shocked when the lady told me they don't received any application for my new telephone line and streamyx account transfer. So again, I have to fill all the form. I also ask if I still eligible for the RM5 upgrade promotion, and they said yes.

May : Telephone line, ok. Streamyx, no ok
1 month later, which is at the end of last month (May), a contractor call me to confirm the time and date to install the telephone line in my house. Finally....

The next day after they installed the telephone line and I can receive and call out. I call 100 to ask about my streamyx account. Shockingly, the operator said in their system, I already terminate both my telephone line and streamyx account. WTF. I ask her to confirm if the info is correct or not, and of course she confirm it based on the system. I asked, "Can she do anything so I can activate my screamyx account", she answered that she can only help if there is an application. Because in their system I didn't apply for the streamyx, so she can't help. She advise me to go to the TMPoint again.

June : Start your engine, 4th visit
So, again for the fourth time, I go back to TMPoint. Then another news really make me want to burn the place, I'm not eligible for the RM5 upgrade package because it is only applicable for existing user with at least 1 year of subscription without any upgrade or downgrade during that period. Seriously, I really want to punch the guy face when I heard this. I explained to him all my problem and I said they have the worst customer service ever. They cheat my RM20/month money and expect me to accept it? This is the first time in my life I scold someone at customer service counter. WTF. 3 times I already came to their center but no one explain to me about this although I explained my situation all 3 times. I also shocked that the operator at 100 is wrong because my streamyx account still activate.

The guy also incompetent because every-time I ask an explanation, he will go to the office to discuss with his manager. 4-5 times..... Every-time when he came back, he will said he can't do anything. The 3rd times he came back, he said I have to subscribe for RM60 384kb package for a year before I can get the promotion package. I ask if the promotion still available after another year, he said yes.

Finally after more than an hour, I demand they paid back my money. I don't care what ever reasons, I want my money. After another slip trough his office, he said that they agree to give me the promotion package but for my upgrade from 384kb RM20 to 512kb RM65, not to 1Mb RM95. But first I have to upgrade to 384kb (unlimited) RM60 package before I can upgrade after I get my first bill and if only the promotion still on. :x Because I don't like 'gaduh-gaduh', I agreed.

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Actually, I don't really mind to wait for the contractor to install the telephone cable because I know it is based on demand. But what I really can't 'tahan' is how the TMNet can't really appreciate their loyal customer. I have been using streamyx for more than 6 years since I start working. And because I need to move to a new house, they treat me like a new customer although I still don't terminate the account.

Why a telecommunication company can't process customer request through telephone line or online like any other company? Why we need to go to their customer service center while in this modern time, everything can be done at home by online?

I see that for new customer, they received new wireless modem and telephone for free although I doubt it actually free. What happen to existing customer which already have modem and want to have the same benefit as new customer like combo plan? Previously, they offer different package for with and without modem. But now, like combo package, they don't give a damn thing about customer who don't need the damn extra modem.

Last time, when I change from standard package (without modem) to combo package, I didn't receive any modem. When I asked about this problem, they answered that I need to bring my old modem, they will change with new one which is wireless. They ask me to return back my own modem?

But today, they improved a little bit, existing customer also can get the free modem.

Why most Watch Ads show the time as 10:08?

Just now I read some watch brochures to find a replacement for my 12 years old broken Casio watch. Bought for RM125 in 1998 and it last longer than I expected. The original battery lasted almost 5 years and the replacement only last 2 years each. So now the hunt begins.

I still remember when my friend ask me “Why most Watch Ads show the time as 10:10?” I never realized it before and because back then I have no source to find the answer (internet still not available and library still the best place for source gathering), I just answer “I don’t know, but probably because it looks nice.”

So now, more than a decade later, I stumbled again with the question when reading the brochures. It is true, all the analogue watch showed the same time but to be exact, it is not 10:10, but 10:08! For digital watch, they also set at 10:08. A quick Google search give me this answer:

10:08, 8 minutes past 10, is roughly the time to which analog watches are set in most advertisements[dubious – discuss], though actual times shown vary between about 10:08 and 10:10. There are several reasons offered by watch companies, many of them psychological, and none of them verifiable as the actual origin of the practice:

• The position of the hands does not obscure the date on watches with a date function at 3 o'clock or any other functions at 9 or 3 o'clock.
• The position of the hands does not obscure the company logo, which is often printed under 12 o'clock. In fact, it highlights the logo by underlining it and placing it at the center of the delta formed between the clock's hands.
• The hands are nearly symmetrically balanced on the face of the dial at 10:08. The minute hand is 48° right of vertical, while the hour hand is 56° left of vertical. Exact symmetry would be achieved at 120/13 minutes past 10:00, approximately 10:09:13.8. Other symmetrical times would not meet the needs above.
• The form of the hands has a positive effect on the viewer: the short hand pointing at 10 o'clock and the long hand pointing at 8 minutes is reminiscent of a check mark, which commonly means "ok" or "fine." Some observers further identify this appearance with a smiling face. [citation needed]

Oddly enough, 10:08 is also the time at which a 12-hour digital display will have the maximum number of digit "segments" turned on. However, digital watches in commercials are more often set to 10:58. Early (mid-1970s) LCD clock ads would often show 12:08, which has a large number of "on" segments (one fewer than 10:08), showcases four different digits, and is not 10:08—a virtue in its own right, as digital clocks were marketed as a break with the past.

Urban legends are frequently heard to the effect that the watches are set to commemorate the hour at which some famous person died: often Abraham Lincoln or John F. Kennedy. All such stories prove to be several hours off when calculated.

Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:LarryMac/10:08

IMHO, the second reasons probably the most cause for the selection of 10:08.

How to install Windows 7 using usb?

Yesterday I finally manage to fork out some money to buy Intel i3 530 system. So after installing all part, it time to install OS. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my Windows 7 Installer DVD. All I had was an .iso (DVD image) file, a laptop capable only to write CD and a 4GB USB drive.

I remember there are many article out there explaining step by step guide how to install Windows 7 using an USB drive. But most of them require me to execute several command line in Command Prompt. Fortunately, there are also a few way to use simple program.

1. UNetbootin (Please visit this link)
2. Microsoft's Official Tools (download)
3. UltraIso

I pick the 3rd option because I already have the software and here the steps.

What you need:

• 4Gb USB drive
• UltraIso (trial) download here
  
• Windows 7 Installer images files

If you don't have installer images file, you can create one using UltraIso.

The steps:

1. Start UltraISO as administrator
2. "Burn" the iso image to the USB stick by following these steps
   - Open the image of Windows 7 with UltraISO
   - Under BOOTABLE tab choose WRITE DISK IMAGE
   - Choose your USB stick under "Disk Drive"
   - Choose a method (It's recommended to use USB-HDD+)
   - Tick Verify
   - Press Write
3. After finish "Burning", restart you computer.
   
4. Make sure to change your BOOT order in BIOS to boot from your USB drive first

PDair 5800 Flip Leather Casing

Pros:
1. High quality leather.
2. Really can protect your phone with it thick leather.
3. Have camera hole at the back.
4. Right and Left side button easy to access.

Cons:
1. It block charger port, multimedia button and the 3 button hard to press.
2. Clip can block the camera when applied.
3. Hand to close with one hand.
4. Belt clip design is so bulky.
5. Expensive

Today my PDair 5800 Flip (Black) Leather Casing arrived at my door step, after a month of waiting. I bought this leather casing from a bulk purchase manage by jameslee_84 from lowyat.net.


The leather case comes in a nice box. It comes with 1 X leather casing, 1 X belt clip and 1 X belt clip screw. I found that the built are superb and I like the stitching line.

Installation



I already applied full body Invisible Shield on my 5800 so it really tight to slide my phone inside the leather casing. I believe, if without IS, the installation will be much easier. I also took out the plectrum so it look nicer with out the plectrum hanging out from the phone.


Button Accessibility

All the left and right side button can be access easily. The key lock slider also can be slide easily without any hindrance.



However, because the leather is too thick, the 3 button below the screen are not easy to press. The multimedia button is also covered by the leather. To press the multimedia button, I have to press the leather on top of it and it is not always successful.



Design

I sadly to say that I don't really like the design. Although the camera hole at the back fits nicely, I have to take out the belt clip because it can be seen in the screen. If PDair move the clip a bit lower, I think it will solve the problem.


I also found that the charger port is block by the clip and it hard to close with one hand.


The front cover is empty. Although it might have professional look, but for me, I like if the PDair logo printed at the front.

Conclusion
This is my first day of using the leather casing so my judgment may be change due time. But I believe PDair should redesign specially at the phone screen. I'm afraid I can't give final opinion right now and probably will write it after a few weeks.

Added on 10th April 2009:

After a week of use, I found that PDair leather casing is good choice to protect your phone. The belt clip is a good accessory if you want to put your phone horizontally on the table to watch movie. So, need to use a stand.

However, the front design (screen) need to be change. I think I will cut the red circle area for better accessibility. The charge port is not a big problem.

Invisible Shield for 5800

I have a habit tucking my phone inside my pocket with keys. As a normal right-handed person, I use my right hand more in my daily routine. I believe it more to reflex when most of the things I hold with my hand will go to my right-hand-side pocket instead of left-side. So, my pocket usually full with things from morning to night. My old phone end up with lots of scratched here and there so I don't want the same thing happen to my precious Tube.

5800 is a new launched phone so it lack of 3rd party accessories such as pouch and also silicon case. Actually, I hate silicon case as it make my phone bulky. I end up looking for a good screen protector. Among the screen protector I found were BestSkinEver and Zagg. Both of the brand claimed to be scratch proof because both use the same technology, but the later has higher price and come with life-time warranty.

From ZAGG website:

"The invisibleSHIELD™ is created from an ultra-tough, patented film that is exclusive to ZAGG for covering consumer electronics. Transparent and amazingly thin, the invisibleSHIELD™ is designed to precisely match the contours of every device, providing unbeatable scratch protection. ZAGG's invisibleSHIELD is the world's first and best solution of its kind, and the patent-pending application process will keep gadgets looking great."
With lifetime warranty, and the availability of the screen protector, I choose Zagg invisibleSHIELD™ with full body protector.

The Package

The invisibleSHIELD™ come in black-red book size box. It comes with install squeegee and SHIELDspray™. I received the SHIELDspray™ in bad shape as the liquid only leaft ¼ of the bottle. As I'm too eager to install and have no patient to wait for a replacement, I just continue to the installation.

Price
I bought it from local seller for RM60. In ZAGG website, the price is USD24.95 (RM92). But if you buy more than USD100, you'll get 30% discount. So if you buy 4 invisibleSHIELD™, they will cost you RM255.50 or RM64 each. The larger the quantity, the bigger discount you'll get. Sometime, ZAGG will give you 50% discount.

Installation
It took me almost 3 hours to install. Your thumbprint is your worst enemy! So apply SHIELDspray™ on your finger as much as you can .

Some tips:

1. Switch off your device.
   
2. Work in dust free environment. Some people suggest in bathroom where the humidity is high and less dust.
   
3. Wipe you phone with dust-free towel/cloth not tissue. I used tissue (although it claim dust free). The result, some of the tissue's dust manage to slip under the screen protector.
4. Don't peel off invisibleSHIELD™ from it paper completely, instead slowly peel and apply SHIELDspray™ and apply it on your phone. So, your will touch invisibleSHIELD™ less.
5. Reuse paper backing if you don't wear glove and you need to touch the adhensive side of the invisibleSHIELD™.
6. To hold your phone, you can use SHIELDspray™ hole in the box. It fix firmly.
7. To practice, apply back cover first.

Result



I installed front cover first, with lack of practice, so some dust from the tissue manage to slip under the shield. From the picture below, you can see that there also some bubbles but in due time, the bubbles will completely gone. What left is the dust.


After a few weeks

Dust easily attract to the edge of the shield. I believe this is normal for all screen protector. As long as it not go under the shield, it is okay. In the picture, this is my mistake as I touch this edge to peel off the shield from its paper backing. My advice, avoid touching with bare hand, use glove!

All the front protector were badly installed. Actually, this is the only part that I don't like the design. You can see from the picture bellow, my phone will be protect from scratch except the conner part. Plus, this is the only part that mostly will collect dust and it also made my phone ugly. Beside that, I feel my phone well protected by invisibleSHIELD™.


Conclusion
Albeit all the defect of the shield, I'm satisfy with it performance. No scratch so far and also the shield glued firmly with my phone. I believe, if I have a second package ready to install, the result will be much better.

For more picture, please visit my picasa photo album.