Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 32

After receiving and email from YadaYada about their new software version 3.1, I thought this might be designed to fix the shutdown problem with the Minstrel S modem. Nope. The first time I went into the Powerswitch application to turn off the modem, the "Fatal Exception" error popped up.

The only changes I've seen so far involve the start page in the YadaYada browser and when you first put in the Minstrel modem. Plus, another nice feature is the incredibly long delay I now get when I hit the home icon to switch to another application.

This wasn't a great upgrade.

Brad

Registered: Oct 1999
Location:
Posts: 231

I wouldn't even call it an upgrade!

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Urbana, IL
Posts: 99

Let's face it : YadaYada 3.1 is a kind up upgrade I would expect from Microsoft. In other words, a downgrade.

The old softare let me keep all the big apps on the Minstrel S,and run them off it. Not so anymore, and everytime I install the module, it copys all the pograms over to the Visor's RAM (a la OmniSky).

This is totaly bogus. One of the best things with the Minstrel S is that it has plenty of memory to put programs into.

Thankfully, the "upgrade" doesn't remove FileMover, so I can still keep AIM,Blazer, and some other Internet apps on the modem, and run them. Just not Yada Broswe or that stupid Yada Launcher.

Man is that thing a pain. It's really slow, and it auto loads when CardWelcome runs, instead of the Minstrel program. Thankfully, you can click "Cancel" in the begining to avoid loading that nasty program.

Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 8

It killed mine....

I got the email for the Yadayada software update. I use a Minstrel S. I downloaded the software and installed it on my Visor Prism. After inserting the modem, I tapped the upgrade icon. The upgrade process commenced by wiping the flash memory of the modem and then writing the software to flash. Just before the bar reached full a warning box came up saying something like memory chunk 4550 corrupt with a reset button. The reset button would not work and the visor was "frozen" and I was unable to get any response from it. I couldn't even get the reset button to respond. I removed the modem and reinserted it. It came up with the Fatal Exception Reset box and now does so everytime I insert it. I called Yadayada tech support and still no response. Anyone else had the same problem?

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 276

Wow... I don't have that problem. But, I share your frustration. I was so excited with the upgrade thinking that they were actually working on a solution for the Fatal Exception errors all of us have been receiving. I installed it, it loaded... AND THE ONLY CHANGES I NOTICE IS A NEW ANIMATION AND LESS MEMORY ON MY VDX.

What is with this company? WTF was this upgrade for? To make sure we use their sh**ty launcher?? Give me a break.

I told them on Monday, find a solution for my problems or YY and I will have to face a couple outcomes.

1) RMA the Minstrel and leave your software off it.
- or -
2) I will send it back, and notify my CC company that if they ever see anything from YY to dispute it.

He said they will call back in a couple days. HAS ANYONE received a call back? I have heard that line so many times its funny. First from Handspring, now from YY. Do all companies that get overwhelmed promise more than they can deliver. They shouldn't. Be realistic... tell me you are releasing an upgrade and to hold tight and maybe it will solve my problems. Well, the surprise during the couple day wait led me to forget about past problems but now afterwards it only multiplies them. I truly don't want to get rid of the modem or the service... but can I justify waiting on hold and talking to customer service for a solution and then pretend it is ok to sell me a cr**py product? Come on... I am giving YY over 500 dollars for one years of service and if they expect me to live with this Fatal Exception error I am forced to live out #2.

__________________
what?<br>

Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 32

Slow Home Problem Caused by Launcher

After deleting Yada's launcher, I no longer have the long delay when I hit the home icon. Deleting it also freed up some memory space.

I really can't believe that they can't fix the problem. I think the real company to blame for the fatal exceptions is Novatel, since they make the modem. Yada deserves them blame for poor customer service.

Did anyone read the YadaYada review on this site? I can't believe the "occasional soft reset" issue was buried on the last page of the review in the pros and cons section. Considering how many people have had this problem, the issue should have been prominent in the body of the review.

Brad

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: Alive and well on VisorCentral.com
Posts: 861

I also stopped using it and am very happy (I did try it though, but for me it has two problems, 1, doesn't show PQA's, 2, You can't use graffiti to jump alphabetically to your programs (a feature I use a great deal).. I also wish I had the option to dump the crap if I don't want it..don't shove it down my throat please, I can handle the "cutesy" animation when plugging in the module, but the launcher is plain annoying. I can see it all of this as a good thing for newbies, but at least give advanced users the option to turn it off..

Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 8

I agree with what has been said here about the YY software. I found that a lot of the java based sites in the YY browser with pull down lists cause the exeception error. The response from YY tech support was "Oh really, we didn't know that" I was not using the YY browser because it was so unreliable. Also, I found that the YY email program would not check multiple POP accounts.

They have not responded to the latest wipeout (reported above) despite me calling them on Tuesday night to report it. The techs did not take my last call and have not called me back. When I have emailed the techs, their response has been "Please call us" I am thinking about an RMA and not accepting charges as well.

Even worse, we are here discussing it here and not on a YY customer support page so they can get feedback and modify the product as part of the "beta"

Registered: Sep 2000
Location: Cascade, MD
Posts: 74

This message is now on the YY site, under the Download/Upgrade Software:

"For Handspring� Visor� Deluxe, Platinum or Prism with Novatel Wireless Minstrel S� Modem, we are still perfecting YadaYada 3.1.Please check back soon for the full upgrade."

Maybe they are listening...?

__________________
Life is not a dress rehearsal!

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 95

Yada should make the original version available for download on their site, so customers who aren't happy with 3.1 can go back to the previous version. Has anyone ask them if it's possible for them to email the previous version of Yada to you? After reading about 3.1 I think I'm going to pass up on this new version.