PDA

View Full Version : This Really Ticks Me Off

owlyn
05-05-2007, 05:45 AM
I've had Lifescan meters for years now, and have been using the One Touch Ultra since it came out. Every now and then, I'll hook it up to my computer and download the data. I also use the software to customize the meter. So, some months ago, I get a new PC, and opt to not get a serial port. Wasn't thinking about the meter. Anyway, I now can't connect my meter to my PC. So, I call Lifescan, and ask them if they have a USB cable. Yep, for $29.95, no deals, no swaps, sorry.

Now, I know I could have gotten a serial port, but I am also in I.S., and I knew what my options were. How about the majority of people who don't know that today's PCs don't automatically come with serial ports any longer? They'll have to pony up $29.95. Lifescan should really offer to swap the old cables for free, or maybe some nominal fee to cover shipping. :mad:

I guess I'll have to see if I can grab a serial port card out of one of the old PCs at work. :mad:
Cyborg
05-05-2007, 02:52 PM
You could always get a USB to serial adapter (http://sewelldirect.com/usbtoserial.asp).
JediSkipdogg
05-05-2007, 03:01 PM
Call your doctor's office...ask for the local Lifescan rep's number, and tell them that. You'll have a cable free in no time at all. That's how I got mine. Well, I saw my local rep in Walmart one day and saw he was giving out free cables. I asked for one and explained my situation and he said he didn't have many left but asked if I wouldn't mind waiting till he could send me one. He did, and now I do it via USB.
owlyn
05-05-2007, 09:55 PM
That's cheaper than I've seen them elsewhere., but Jediskip's got an even better idea...
owlyn
05-05-2007, 09:56 PM
Jediskip,

Great idea! I'll give it a try.
ClaireZk
05-05-2007, 10:12 PM
I've had Lifescan meters for years now, and have been using the One Touch Ultra since it came out. Every now and then, I'll hook it up to my computer and download the data. I also use the software to customize the meter. So, some months ago, I get a new PC, and opt to not get a serial port. Wasn't thinking about the meter. Anyway, I now can't connect my meter to my PC. So, I call Lifescan, and ask them if they have a USB cable. Yep, for $29.95, no deals, no swaps, sorry.

Now, I know I could have gotten a serial port, but I am also in I.S., and I knew what my options were. How about the majority of people who don't know that today's PCs don't automatically come with serial ports any longer? They'll have to pony up $29.95. Lifescan should really offer to swap the old cables for free, or maybe some nominal fee to cover shipping. :mad:

I guess I'll have to see if I can grab a serial port card out of one of the old PCs at work. :mad:

Don't you hate it when people try to make you pay for stuff everyone else gets for free?! :laugh:

But on a more serious note... yeah, you should follow Jedi's advice and ask someone else.
JediSkipdogg
05-06-2007, 03:21 AM
Jediskip,

Great idea! I'll give it a try.

It sometimes works if you have a cool rep. I'll say that Lifescan wouldn't give away an instruction manual for free if you said you lost yours. And to think, they send me an updated one every year because of "required FDA changes."
xMenace
05-06-2007, 05:16 AM
You could always get a USB to serial adapter (http://sewelldirect.com/usbtoserial.asp).

They should ship these standard. I have tons of useless converters that go the other way.