rcshott wrote:OOOOOOOOH boy, I have an opinion

MY P8E900 ISSUES:
1. NOTHING has been resolved with my unit... NOTHING... AFTER PURCHASE TEN (10) LONG MONTHS AGO
2. The 'thing' doesn't come close to what the advertised and promotional material blurb suggests
3. The "ear phone V headset" issue has NEVER been resolved. HEADSETS ARE SHOWN on front & rear of device, on website description & photographs, in device internal information AND in written operator manual. CHEAP EAR PHONES ARE SUPPLIED IN PLACE of HEADSETS
4. Despite several complaints of 3. above, & receiving written and oral replies such as, "Please be patient, we're doing the best we can....." The bloody things WILL NOT FIT OR OPERATE AS INTENDED. They are TOTALLY USELESS, so when will ECTACO resolve THAT issue
5. English-Russian translation is often inadequate, numerous words in unit dictionary (when entered) give two or more words of COMPLETELY DIFFERENT meanings, IMO quite USELESS. I wonder at the IQ of the human "input translator". This also happens with other languages
6. One must do backflips to find an explanation to learn that not ALL speech is "NATURAL" as alluded to several times in advertisements/promotional material on the web site. MUCH is synthesis & OFTEN un-comprehendable.... both by me as English native speaking..... and (as extensively tested in my case) by a native Russian holding several language degrees from both the USA and England and able to converse fluently in SEVEN languages.
7. NOTHING has been resolved about the item not being compatible with APPLE. Too hard I suppose
8. Despite blurb of "Two-way" speaking.... every person I converse with in a foreign language, (those not understanding the English alphabet) CANNOT type into the device for a return message because the keyboard is ENGLISH ONLY. A 'lay-over' such as Russian/English or whatever would be EXTREMELY HELPFUL, it's sadly lacking

ADMIN/COMPANY ISSUES:
A. It appears the forum is so tightly controlled, like-minded forum "members" are not allowed to converse with each other (I've been admonished for trying).... that is WHEN THE FORUM IS ACTIVE, OFTEN IT ISN'T. NUMEROUS times it's OFF "For administration" or whatever the hell you call it. THAT IS NOT HOW A "FORUM" SHOULD WORK. I know, I run two & am a member of 3 others
B. ECTACO purport to have an Australia/New Zealand office. NOT TRUE. Emails sent to the "Australian email" address go DIRECT to New York. "FREE POSTAGE IN AUSTRALIA" as written in the web page is BS. It's ALL international mail from New York, meaning "To Oz/NZ" or anywhere else can be posted/sent to any country at no further internal country charge. Similar to ALL INTERNATIONAL MAIL
C. ECTACO inc. have NO REGISTRATION in Australia as is required under Australian law. The (deeply buried in the web site) address DOES NOT EXIST, a similar street name does but NOT the street number OR ANY ECTACO OFFICE in that street. It's a residential block of apartments. DISTURBING.
D. ECTACO company name does NOT exist on ANY corporate or government entity in Australia. The registered name "ECTACO inc." was DE-REGISTERED years ago. This means ECTACO inc (New York) operates ILLEGALLY in AUSTRALIA.
C. There is NO phone number in Australia where one can call & speak to a 'local'. After constantly asking for one via New York meets with a total blank.
D. If an advertised item, be it a Rolls Royce or a sheet of paper, does NOT perform as advertised/promoted the customer has EVERY right to a refund. My P8E900 and Jetbook reader are both in that category. "No answer" is the stern reply.


IN SUMMARY:
The seven day return compliance is IMPOSSIBLE to adhere to unless one lives in the neighbourhood of ECTACO. Phone calls and emails are repeatedly poorly (or not) answered to prolong the agony. Reading 'forum' complaints & speaking personally with other ECTACO device owners, it's clear ECTACO simply use the tried and true, "We've got their money, now let's just stall 'em (customers) until time runs out or they get sick of complaining". Having been CEO of 2 worldwide companies over many years, I find the attitude of ECTACO staff (and as an incorporated company) reprehensible. Not to mention operating under the cloudiest of ways. "The customer is always right" appears to have gone out of the window with this company. My issues have forced me to look elsewhere and amazingly I've found, very easily, millions of websites willing to give lessons in ANY language or dialect, both written and spoken for as long as the computer has power FOR FREE! The P8E900 and "Jetbook" reader is obsolete and both are WAYYYY more expensive compared to others on the market at the 'local store'. Yep, I found out too late. Going on past company performance, I won't be holding my breath for action. In fact I seriously doubt if (A) The company will allow this rant to be published unedited and (B) Someone will actually assist me (the customer) to cause action of my rights. I.E. return my hard earned. Don't worry I've a very thick file if this becomes a case of litigation, just remember ECTACO execs, "freedom of speech".

All I can say is, "Hope this helps".

Jerry wrote:

rcshott wrote:OOOOOOOOH boy, I have an opinion

MY P8E900 ISSUES:
1. NOTHING has been resolved with my unit... NOTHING... AFTER PURCHASE TEN (10) LONG MONTHS AGO
2. The 'thing' doesn't come close to what the advertised and promotional material blurb suggests
3. The "ear phone V headset" issue has NEVER been resolved. HEADSETS ARE SHOWN on front & rear of device, on website description & photographs, in device internal information AND in written operator manual. CHEAP EAR PHONES ARE SUPPLIED IN PLACE of HEADSETS
4. Despite several complaints of 3. above, & receiving written and oral replies such as, "Please be patient, we're doing the best we can....." The bloody things WILL NOT FIT OR OPERATE AS INTENDED. They are TOTALLY USELESS, so when will ECTACO resolve THAT issue
5. English-Russian translation is often inadequate, numerous words in unit dictionary (when entered) give two or more words of COMPLETELY DIFFERENT meanings, IMO quite USELESS. I wonder at the IQ of the human "input translator". This also happens with other languages
6. One must do backflips to find an explanation to learn that not ALL speech is "NATURAL" as alluded to several times in advertisements/promotional material on the web site. MUCH is synthesis & OFTEN un-comprehendable.... both by me as English native speaking..... and (as extensively tested in my case) by a native Russian holding several language degrees from both the USA and England and able to converse fluently in SEVEN languages.
7. NOTHING has been resolved about the item not being compatible with APPLE. Too hard I suppose
8. Despite blurb of "Two-way" speaking.... every person I converse with in a foreign language, (those not understanding the English alphabet) CANNOT type into the device for a return message because the keyboard is ENGLISH ONLY. A 'lay-over' such as Russian/English or whatever would be EXTREMELY HELPFUL, it's sadly lacking

ADMIN/COMPANY ISSUES:
A. It appears the forum is so tightly controlled, like-minded forum "members" are not allowed to converse with each other (I've been admonished for trying).... that is WHEN THE FORUM IS ACTIVE, OFTEN IT ISN'T. NUMEROUS times it's OFF "For administration" or whatever the hell you call it. THAT IS NOT HOW A "FORUM" SHOULD WORK. I know, I run two & am a member of 3 others
B. ECTACO purport to have an Australia/New Zealand office. NOT TRUE. Emails sent to the "Australian email" address go DIRECT to New York. "FREE POSTAGE IN AUSTRALIA" as written in the web page is BS. It's ALL international mail from New York, meaning "To Oz/NZ" or anywhere else can be posted/sent to any country at no further internal country charge. Similar to ALL INTERNATIONAL MAIL
C. ECTACO inc. have NO REGISTRATION in Australia as is required under Australian law. The (deeply buried in the web site) address DOES NOT EXIST, a similar street name does but NOT the street number OR ANY ECTACO OFFICE in that street. It's a residential block of apartments. DISTURBING.
D. ECTACO company name does NOT exist on ANY corporate or government entity in Australia. The registered name "ECTACO inc." was DE-REGISTERED years ago. This means ECTACO inc (New York) operates ILLEGALLY in AUSTRALIA.
C. There is NO phone number in Australia where one can call & speak to a 'local'. After constantly asking for one via New York meets with a total blank.
D. If an advertised item, be it a Rolls Royce or a sheet of paper, does NOT perform as advertised/promoted the customer has EVERY right to a refund. My P8E900 and Jetbook reader are both in that category. "No answer" is the stern reply.


IN SUMMARY:
The seven day return compliance is IMPOSSIBLE to adhere to unless one lives in the neighbourhood of ECTACO. Phone calls and emails are repeatedly poorly (or not) answered to prolong the agony. Reading 'forum' complaints & speaking personally with other ECTACO device owners, it's clear ECTACO simply use the tried and true, "We've got their money, now let's just stall 'em (customers) until time runs out or they get sick of complaining". Having been CEO of 2 worldwide companies over many years, I find the attitude of ECTACO staff (and as an incorporated company) reprehensible. Not to mention operating under the cloudiest of ways. "The customer is always right" appears to have gone out of the window with this company. My issues have forced me to look elsewhere and amazingly I've found, very easily, millions of websites willing to give lessons in ANY language or dialect, both written and spoken for as long as the computer has power FOR FREE! The P8E900 and "Jetbook" reader is obsolete and both are WAYYYY more expensive compared to others on the market at the 'local store'. Yep, I found out too late. Going on past company performance, I won't be holding my breath for action. In fact I seriously doubt if (A) The company will allow this rant to be published unedited and (B) Someone will actually assist me (the customer) to cause action of my rights. I.E. return my hard earned. Don't worry I've a very thick file if this becomes a case of litigation, just remember ECTACO execs, "freedom of speech".

All I can say is, "Hope this helps".

Hi,

Thanks for the message and sorry to hear about the issue, i will try and help you out as best i can. I read your entire post but i am still unclear of the problem (if any) with the unit itself. If the device is malfunctioning or not working i can try and help you resolve it. The majority of your message seems to be feedback. a review of your experience with us and the product. When feedback is provided the best we can do is take it into consideration when making improvements in the future to products and policy.

Here is some info that may be helpful:
1) If the device is malfunctioning or defective we will be happy to replace it with a brand new one (one year warranty).
2) The Text translation feature (for Eng-Rus) is over 95% accurate. Make sure their are no grammatical mistakes in your English input for the most accurate translation.
3) Service is available almost all the time. You have the opportunity to call us (1-728-728-6110) email us (support@ectaco.com) or even write to us using the forums as you are doing now and we will assist you.

I have used the product in 4 countries around the world and i can tell you from first hand experience nothing even comes close to the Partner 900 when speaking of a self-contained unit. No internet connection is required and it is loaded with resources. The Audio phrasebook pared with the text translation is great for communicating with people (it saved my butt a few times) and the Language Teacher, U-Learn and Flashcards (among others) are awesome for learning the language.

Feel free to contact us any time with any specific issues the problem is facing or to leave feedback.

Hope this helps!

rcshott wrote:

Jerry wrote:

rcshott wrote:OOOOOOOOH boy, I have an opinion

MY P8E900 ISSUES:
1. NOTHING has been resolved with my unit... NOTHING... AFTER PURCHASE TEN (10) LONG MONTHS AGO
2. The 'thing' doesn't come close to what the advertised and promotional material blurb suggests
3. The "ear phone V headset" issue has NEVER been resolved. HEADSETS ARE SHOWN on front & rear of device, on website description & photographs, in device internal information AND in written operator manual. CHEAP EAR PHONES ARE SUPPLIED IN PLACE of HEADSETS
4. Despite several complaints of 3. above, & receiving written and oral replies such as, "Please be patient, we're doing the best we can....." The bloody things WILL NOT FIT OR OPERATE AS INTENDED. They are TOTALLY USELESS, so when will ECTACO resolve THAT issue
5. English-Russian translation is often inadequate, numerous words in unit dictionary (when entered) give two or more words of COMPLETELY DIFFERENT meanings, IMO quite USELESS. I wonder at the IQ of the human "input translator". This also happens with other languages
6. One must do backflips to find an explanation to learn that not ALL speech is "NATURAL" as alluded to several times in advertisements/promotional material on the web site. MUCH is synthesis & OFTEN un-comprehendable.... both by me as English native speaking..... and (as extensively tested in my case) by a native Russian holding several language degrees from both the USA and England and able to converse fluently in SEVEN languages.
7. NOTHING has been resolved about the item not being compatible with APPLE. Too hard I suppose
8. Despite blurb of "Two-way" speaking.... every person I converse with in a foreign language, (those not understanding the English alphabet) CANNOT type into the device for a return message because the keyboard is ENGLISH ONLY. A 'lay-over' such as Russian/English or whatever would be EXTREMELY HELPFUL, it's sadly lacking

ADMIN/COMPANY ISSUES:
A. It appears the forum is so tightly controlled, like-minded forum "members" are not allowed to converse with each other (I've been admonished for trying).... that is WHEN THE FORUM IS ACTIVE, OFTEN IT ISN'T. NUMEROUS times it's OFF "For administration" or whatever the hell you call it. THAT IS NOT HOW A "FORUM" SHOULD WORK. I know, I run two & am a member of 3 others
B. ECTACO purport to have an Australia/New Zealand office. NOT TRUE. Emails sent to the "Australian email" address go DIRECT to New York. "FREE POSTAGE IN AUSTRALIA" as written in the web page is BS. It's ALL international mail from New York, meaning "To Oz/NZ" or anywhere else can be posted/sent to any country at no further internal country charge. Similar to ALL INTERNATIONAL MAIL
C. ECTACO inc. have NO REGISTRATION in Australia as is required under Australian law. The (deeply buried in the web site) address DOES NOT EXIST, a similar street name does but NOT the street number OR ANY ECTACO OFFICE in that street. It's a residential block of apartments. DISTURBING.
D. ECTACO company name does NOT exist on ANY corporate or government entity in Australia. The registered name "ECTACO inc." was DE-REGISTERED years ago. This means ECTACO inc (New York) operates ILLEGALLY in AUSTRALIA.
C. There is NO phone number in Australia where one can call & speak to a 'local'. After constantly asking for one via New York meets with a total blank.
D. If an advertised item, be it a Rolls Royce or a sheet of paper, does NOT perform as advertised/promoted the customer has EVERY right to a refund. My P8E900 and Jetbook reader are both in that category. "No answer" is the stern reply.


IN SUMMARY:
The seven day return compliance is IMPOSSIBLE to adhere to unless one lives in the neighbourhood of ECTACO. Phone calls and emails are repeatedly poorly (or not) answered to prolong the agony. Reading 'forum' complaints & speaking personally with other ECTACO device owners, it's clear ECTACO simply use the tried and true, "We've got their money, now let's just stall 'em (customers) until time runs out or they get sick of complaining". Having been CEO of 2 worldwide companies over many years, I find the attitude of ECTACO staff (and as an incorporated company) reprehensible. Not to mention operating under the cloudiest of ways. "The customer is always right" appears to have gone out of the window with this company. My issues have forced me to look elsewhere and amazingly I've found, very easily, millions of websites willing to give lessons in ANY language or dialect, both written and spoken for as long as the computer has power FOR FREE! The P8E900 and "Jetbook" reader is obsolete and both are WAYYYY more expensive compared to others on the market at the 'local store'. Yep, I found out too late. Going on past company performance, I won't be holding my breath for action. In fact I seriously doubt if (A) The company will allow this rant to be published unedited and (B) Someone will actually assist me (the customer) to cause action of my rights. I.E. return my hard earned. Don't worry I've a very thick file if this becomes a case of litigation, just remember ECTACO execs, "freedom of speech".

All I can say is, "Hope this helps".

Hi,

Thanks for the message and sorry to hear about the issue, i will try and help you out as best i can. I read your entire post but i am still unclear of the problem (if any) with the unit itself. If the device is malfunctioning or not working i can try and help you resolve it. The majority of your message seems to be feedback. a review of your experience with us and the product. When feedback is provided the best we can do is take it into consideration when making improvements in the future to products and policy.

Here is some info that may be helpful:
1) If the device is malfunctioning or defective we will be happy to replace it with a brand new one (one year warranty).
2) The Text translation feature (for Eng-Rus) is over 95% accurate. Make sure their are no grammatical mistakes in your English input for the most accurate translation.
3) Service is available almost all the time. You have the opportunity to call us (1-728-728-6110) email us (support@ectaco.com) or even write to us using the forums as you are doing now and we will assist you.

I have used the product in 4 countries around the world and i can tell you from first hand experience nothing even comes close to the Partner 900 when speaking of a self-contained unit. No internet connection is required and it is loaded with resources. The Audio phrasebook pared with the text translation is great for communicating with people (it saved my butt a few times) and the Language Teacher, U-Learn and Flashcards (among others) are awesome for learning the language.

Feel free to contact us any time with any specific issues the problem is facing or to leave feedback.

Hope this helps!

"Hi. Thanks for the message" & "Hope this helps" gets a bit tiring for no constructive answers. YES jerry there IS a problem with both the device AND associated equipment AS STATED ABOVE & a plethorer of mail & calls to no help "tech help". You speed read & miss the point. Read it again.....slowly, if you can!

"I have used the product in 4 countries around the world..." WOW! America & Canada included? I've been to 11 countries this year alone & tried the device MANY times to the point of sheer frustration that I now use the FREE online languages.... No stupid waiting for an app to open, No stupid games & stuff to wade through. No battery to run down quickly. No stupid tech to call for equally stupid answers. No stupid extra junk beside a computer to lug. No stupid "re-set" button to worry about & then lose all my previous settings. No stupid American constitution to clog the memory. No stupid... darn it... that'll do, OTHER readers will get the point. ECTACO P8E900 doesn't even go in the bag now. What a waste. NO HELP REQUIRED EITHER! All those poor frustrated people I read about in this "forum" too, I wonder what the percentage is of total buyers?

Hope this helps