"The Microsoft .NET Passport you used to sign in is valid, but we cannot locate your bCentral account"

When I attempt to convert again, I get message over again. I still can't get through on phone and cannot afford to spend much more time trying.

They have not answered my queries sent to support and now I've gone two weeks without sending my newsletter out. I sent a post to LinkExchange Digest, but of course as a Microsoft sponsored publication, they won't publish my complaints.

I'm locked out of my account, I have only a two month old subscriber list for backup and I can't get any attention. This is most absurd thing I've seen since trying to change registrars from Network Solutions to a helpful and reasonable vendor that charges less and actually talks to me when I need help.

We're forced to use passport, but then can't convert from our previous account when we establish a passport. This behavior could only come from a corporate behemoth that doesn't give a flying @#$% about individual customers. Only mass market. And then only when they don't complain.

I found a page at bCentral for support phone calls and found that phone support costs $9.95 monthly with a minimum commitment of one year! or you can save $20 and pay for year in advance. So, in essence, you can pay us now or pay us more now. But wait, at bottom of page it says following:

bCentral Subscriber Phone Support is available to current subscribers of:

Traffic Builder Commerce Manager Customer Manager

So truth is that you can't even PAY to talk to them about ListBuilder! Does anyone find this in least bit objectionable? I've never seen worse customer service for paying customers anywhere!

Can you imagine signing up for .NET passport zwallet and getting this kind of help when they have control of your money at (if they get adoption they are hoping for) HUNDREDS or even thousands of sites across web? This ought to be a warning call for those considering handing over personal information to passport and .NET and a clear signal that they won't provide customer support when you have trouble with it.

The folks at ZDNet have created a guide to help you decide which PDA models are best for you. While you're there, you can view a list of most popular models and user reviews and even shop online for best prices:

http://www.zdnet.com/products/stories/reviews/0,4161,2581305,00.html

Using Your New PDA

All PDA models come bundled with two most important organizing functions: Address book and Calendar. If you use Microsoft Outlook on your desktop computer, you can import all of your current entries with ease via your new handheld's syncing function.

Creating new entries is also a cinch. You have option of tapping an on-screen keyboard with your stylus or "writing" text using your device's built-in handwriting function (called "Graffiti" on Palm based systems). Graffiti takes a little bit of getting used to, but it's pretty easy to master. Most users tend to fluctuate between two entry systems.

There are thousands of third-party software programs that you can download into your new PDA - many of them are free. My personal favorite is AvantGo, which allows me to carry movie listings from every theater in my local area. These update automatically whenever I sync my handheld to my desktop.

Each of major PDA manufacturers carries software links. You'll also find much to choose from at these sites:

http://www.palmgear.com http://www.handango.com/ http://www.pilotzone.com/ http://www.zdnet.com/downloads/ http://www.memoware.com/

Bear in mind that you are limited by amount of RAM included in your device. If you find yourself running out, you should look into adding a new memory module.

Technology writer Mark Kellner offers following advice on getting along with your new PDA:

1. Synchronize and backup at least once per day. 2. Watch your batteries. The more inexpensive models tend to use AAA-sized batteries - make sure you have a steady supply. 3. Protect your device with a case. Chances are, your new PDA came with a catalog of third party vendors offering a wide variety of products. Check them out. 4. Get a screen protector. These are thin sheets of plastic that use static to adhere to screen.

I received my new Handspring Visor as a Christmas gift and I love it. Because it fits right into my handbag without adding much weight, it is as constant a companion as my wallet and cellular phone. I'm trying out some expense tracking and vehicle expense software, as well as a diet and exercise log and feel good about my prospects of meeting this year's resolutions... I'll let you know in a couple of months!