* * * * *
                                        
                                  A disconnect
                                        
R stops by my desk and drops off a new [DELETED-toy-DELETED] unit to [DELETED
play with-DELETED] test. It's a network device you can plug a POTS (Plain Old
Teleophone Service) line into and make calls over the Internet. I guess we're
testing the [DELETED-toy to play with-DELETED] unit to see if our phone
network features work with it.

It's a nice looking device and as R hands it to me, I see that's it still on
(yes, it comes with both an internal battery and a wall-wart). The tests
aren't complicated, but I do need to read the manual to figure out how to run
a few of them (involving conference calling, and forwarding phone calls
elsewhere). R also hands me the box the [DELETED-toy to play with-DELETED]
unit came in.

As I searched through the box for the manual, I come across a USB (Universal
Serial Bus) cable, still in it plastic wrap. Okay, the unit comes with a USB
port; what doesn't these days? I then find the manual and start flipping
through it. There's the diagram of the [DELETED-toy to play with-DELETED]
unit with a description of each port and button on it. I notice the USB port
has a note:

> **NOTE:** Never place a USB-based device into the USB port of the XXXX
> XXXXX XXXXXXX under any circumstances. Doing so may damage the device and
> negate its warranty. The port was designed for diagnostic purposes only; it
> is not intended for customer use.
> 

So, not only is there no sticker over the USB port saying “removal of this
sticket voids warranty” but they give you a USB cable **not** to plug into
it!

Methinks there is a disconnect between manufactoring and packaging at the
factory that makes these [DELETED-toys to play with-DELETED] units.


Email Sean Conner at sean@conman.org

.