Potential computer purchasers - please consider this fair warning when considering a H-P computer. I bought my DV9700 laptop in January 2008. Two weeks after the warranty expired, the DVD-RW drive failed. When asked about repair, the part alone was estimated at $200 or more, plus the labor cost of repair.
One month ago, the CPU cooling fan and the hard drive failed. The estimated cost to repair is well over $400. H-P's response was to remind me that it was out of warranty and that they would do nothing to facilitate the repair.
Now, I didn't expect them to repair it for free, but I did ask if I could get another similar or comparable refurbished laptop at a slight discount for the problems that I was incurring. They refused, insisting that I would have to buy a new computer at MSRP or I could shop local if I wanted a "deal". I lost months of thesis research work as a result.
It is a shame that a once respected high technology company will not stand behind their products. I use my HP49 and 50 calculators daily in the geoscience field and respect them.... too bad they don't support their $1,500 laptops they way they used to support their $200 calculators.
I am going to buy a Macbook Pro.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
OHara
Roswell,Georgia,
United States of America
Similar Problems
#4Consumer Comment
Tue, December 28, 2010
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.
.
Josh
Rolla,Missouri,
U.S.A.
Apple service
#4Consumer Comment
Wed, August 11, 2010
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.
Flynrider
Phoenix,Arizona,
USA
No ripoff.
#4Consumer Comment
Thu, August 05, 2010
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.