October 1st, 2007NEVER buy an HP Laptop
This is the sad tale of how, over 53 days and three HP laptops, I was unable to receive a defect-free computer from HP and was left holding a carrying case, a USB mouse and a 1-year accidental damage repair plan with no computer for my daughter’s Christmas/graduation present. (On Feb 21, I received a rebate check for the extended warranty after sending an email message to HP’s CEO.)
The following should be read with the understanding that I spent six years in the US Navy as a computer technician and I have owned a number of brands of computers since 1983. I have never seen three defective computers in a row from IBM, Compaq, Dell, Gateway or Tandy.
Aside from transfers to the wrong departments and an illiterate voice-recognition system, customer service and tech support were quite accommodating. However, in buying a computer, what one really wants is a computer that works! I have little confidence in HP’s tech support department to reliably restore laptops to original factory specifications.
I do not recommend that anyone purchase an HP notebook. In fact, I strongly recommend against it. If it works, that’s great. But if it ever fails, you’re taking your chances.
Finally, I note that I have owned three HP printers since 1986 and every one has been a reliable workhorse free from defects. In fact, the 1986 printer still runs!
