In October 1999 I purchased a Tiny computer, but only after receiving
confirmation from the salesperson at the Crawley branch that the
computer was MIDI compatible, i.e. would allow me to connect a
musical keyboard to the computer for music-writing purposes (I
am a music teacher).
I was not able to either purchase or use such equipment for quite
a while, due to several reasons, but when I was, I found that
the computer was not compabible, and, as my warranty had run out,
Tiny would not cover me for a BIOS update, a very risky proceedure
for one to carry out oneself.
In short, Tiny admitted, over the phone (at a cost of £9.00
to myself) that the computer had NEVER been compatible, and there
was no way any of the equipment I wanted to use with the computer
would ever have worked, without this update, and even with this
update, it was almost certain that there would be a time-delay
because of the inferior soundcard, which would render the software
useless.
I reported this back to the customer adviser, who tells me that
my 'challenge' is with the keyboard manufacturer (musical keyboard,
that is), not them, even though
1. the keyboard works with other computers at work, and
2. Tiny's own technicians have admitted the computer was never
MIDI compatible, and that the in-built soundcard is not right
for what I need it for.
I face a bill for a computer technician to update the BIOS, and
fit a new soundcard, if the computer is ever to work with music
software. Tiny are unwilling to help, ignore the detatails of
my letters, are rude on the phone, and seek to lay the blame elsewhere,
even though it was clear that I was wrongly advised from the outset.
Other customers need to know that Tiny behaves this way, and
they should get IN WRITING details about compatibility, should
they wish to use their computer for specialist purposes (or better
still, buy elsewhere, from a company which supports its customers).
I am in the ludicrous position where the company has written to
me stating that the computer is compatible, yet the technicians
tell me what I now know, that it isn't!!
There is an industry standard for MIDI called UART MPU.401, and
my computer doesn't have/support this, contrary to what I was
told when I handed my money over. More frustrating than not being
able to use music software is Tiny's attitue to my complaint -
i.e. 'it is your problem, not ours'.
I hope others get to read this,
Dave
Other Tiny Computer: Link1; Link2;Link3
