Hewlett - Packard H-P Poor quality computers Palo Alto, California

I've had similar problems with HP computers.

Back about 1996, I bought a HP computer. I bought it to send FAXes tomy customers. It came with FAX software but the software malfunctioned every time I sent FAXes. I called HP support but they absolutely would not help me. Instead, they referred me to the company who provided the software who would also not help me. Instead, they suggested I buy their very expensive full version FAX software. Not a chance!

I decided right then and there I would never own a HP computer again. Fast forward 14 years. I needed a laptop for business. I went to the stores and researched my purchase. Every time a salesman suggested a HP, I said "No, I will not buy a HP computer.

I ended up buying a Compaq Presario for about $500.00. Only after I had it did I realize that Compaq is now owned by HP. DRAT!

Well,, they got me again. This thing is so fragile that it can not be carried around with out damaging it. I do very little printing so I go to the local office supply when I do need something printed. The lady at the copying center would not touch my computer. I didn't understand this. She made me pull up the file while she was pointing. It was only later that I learned the reason.

After I left the office supply store, I went to a local restaurant that had WiFi to use my laptop. When I turned it on, a strange screen came up and the computer was unusable. I went to a local repair shop to learn what had happened and found the screen was cracked. I asked how this could be but they had no idea.

When I left the office supply, I simply closed the cover and put it under my arm like a book. I put it on the seat of my car and drove to the restaurant. At no point did I bump it on anything at all. It rode safely and softly to the restaurant and I took it in and placed it on the table softly. At no time did I bump or drop it. Apparently, just holding it under my arm gently and softly, I cracked the screen.

Now, this computer is only about 3 months old and I was told HP may repair it under warranty. I called and was told I would have to pay for the repair and that it would cost $400.00, 80% of the cost of the entire computer. I went back to the local shop and was quoted $115.00 for a new screen and installation, just slightly over 1/4 the price HP quoted me. I bought it.

The reason I bought a laptop is for portability.Apparently, HP designs and builds portable computers that are so fragile that they are not portable. This defeats the reason for having one.

I've been burned twice by Hewlett Packard. I've sworn off of anything they make once and twice but I was tricked. Instead of standing behind their product, they have made the decision to rip me off. I do not intend to own another HP product in my lifetime. I just hope they don't find another way to trick me.

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I've definitely had better luck with Apple.  First, their products are far better engineered and less likely to break.  Second, the 3 year Applecare warranty is cheap, and the service is outstanding.  I've had them replace my laptop battery even though the computer was out of warranty.

On the other hand, hard drives WILL fail regardless of brand.  You should back up your work regularly.  Nobody, including Apple, will pay for data recovery.  If they do replace the hard drive, it will be with a freshly-wiped one.

Also, you can probably buy a replacement CD-RW, fan, and hard drive for well under $100, and fix it yourself.  Look on ebay.  CD-RW drives are about $20 usually, and you can get a brand new hard drive for $50 these days.

  You're about a year and a half out of warranty and you still think HP owes you something?  Give me a break!    What makes you think Apple won't treat you exactly the same way  when your MacBook is out of warranty (hint: they will).

   When the warranty expires on a product, you're on your own.  I love these ripoff reports from people who think they are special and should be covered long after a warranty has expired.  If that was your expectation, maybe you should have bought the extended warranty.