I’ve my PC and like a lot of other users out there, it’s a 64-bit machine and in a lot of cases, as it pertains to software, it‘s fine, but this is seriously handicapped when you’re talking about hardware. It’s a whole new ball game when your talking new hardware; it’s about the hardware drivers.

I was in the market the other day for a new TV tuner, and I was really looking to try to get one to review and see if it’s going to be something I wanted to keep.

As the more I dug, and looked at all the items, I realized that basically NONE of the manufacturers were disclosing their compatibility with 64-bit systems. Mainly Vista and Windows 7.

So as a customer, with a 64-bit system, looking to buy a piece of hardware, how am I to know if it works or not? Unless I research it via the web right then and even so, what if the site doesn’t say so… hmmm…

I’m going to use ATI/AMD as an example. I was going to buy an ATI TV Wonder™ HD 600 Hi-Speed USB product, but I couldn’t find a single thing about this item that would tell me if it works with my system; it just says compatible with Vista and Windows 7. Instantly I’m thinking this is only for 32-bit systems.

Now according to Microsoft documentation, in order for a software vendor to use the phrase ‘Works with Vista’ – “Applications must be tested on Windows Vista Release Candidate software or later. *The application must be tested on both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista.*”

The actual document from Microsoft can be download’d here. Complaints have started to be filed [swlogo@microsoft.com] with Microsoft over this issue.

It wasn’t until later, when I received back to a computer,  that I researched it and found that I could use it with Windows Vista, but there are no drivers for Windows 7 64-bit.

Having this information, this is what I wrote them [through the customer contact form]:

…I was in a computer store the other day; I was interested in purchasing your TV tuner [USB] product[for doing a product review], there were several on the shelves, and the items that I looked at, the system requirements are inconclusive; your packaging doesn’t clearly say you’re compatible with Windows Vista 64-bit, nor Windows 7 64-bit.

According to Microsoft any statement to say ‘compatible with…’ any of their Operating Systems is subject to their testing/development policies to include both 32 & 64 systems [I can provide a link if required]. And according to your item packaging and website you only offer ONE product for the TV tuner that’s 64-bit compliant… Without disclosing the proper specification/requirements for the items your selling.

By observation, your misleading the customer in to thinking a product is compatible, when it may not be. How does ATI/AMD respond to this type of inquiry/comment? Did ATI/AMD realize you were doing this; is it intentional? And if not, how is ATI/AMD going to fix it going forward?

..edit cut..

 

Stepping back a second…

I don’t know about you guys, but I get angry when I buy something for my PC and I get it home, hook it up and just to find it doesn’t work by no fault of my own.

And ATI is not the only one like this, but I’m using them as my example.

How are customers supposed to make an informed decision if they’re not provided the information to read? Are they really expecting customers to purchase it, get pissed and take it back? OR call support? Do they think it’s fun?

I had a similar issue with a webcam purchase and an idiot at Fry’s telling all their webcams worked with 64-bit; I’m here to tell you that man was a liar and if you can’t see it in print- don’t trust it.

I don’t  think it’s fun having to go back to a place to return something only to be treated like some sort of scum/idiot cause it didn’t work. And now there’s an issue of was it opened, did you use it, what was the problem with it and all those type questions.. I don’t think anyone enjoys this…

Have you guys run in to this and what did you think or do to deal with it?
Am I right?

Thanks for reading!

Thanks,
LHenryJr.
www.lehsys.com

Similar Posts:

• Microsoft: Windows 7 Does Look Just Like Crap
• Microsoft doesn’t want users to downgrade to XP
• Public Poll: Vista has the Lowest Rating
• Producers need money: Windows 7 takes the stage early
• The 64-bit Count Down for Windows