HP Compaq Presario breakdown

[Onkel Neal]

Back in March 2007 I bought a pair of laptops to send my kids off to college with. Last week one stopped working. After checking with the HP tech site, I found there is a known defect with a long list of HP laptops.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=ca&docname=c01087277 (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=ca&docname=c01087277)

I checked and the product numbers checked, so I called their tech support. Naturally this program ended 8 days ago, so HP will not repair the laptop. After speaking to a supervisor, he was pretty blunt about it.:nope:

Just a little feedback about HP computers for you. Operating life of 2 years is pretty bad.

[AVGWarhawk]

Makes you feel insignificant in the world, no? The warranty always runs out just as you need it. Two years is awful for a computer to last. Although, a laptop suffers a bit more as it is carried around. We would look awfully silly with a desktop under our arm heading to class:88) Live and learn as they say.

[SteamWake]

Was it an 1600-1800 by any chance?

I need some parts, specifically a display ;)

[owner20071963]

Compaq Presario?
had one,insured it for 3 years,
having it insured was the best safeguard I took,
First in 3 months the drive went,
had it replaced,
in its second year
then the graphics card went,
when replaced the Realtec audio went missing,
figure that one :hmmm:
as I had it insured for 3 times the value,
knowing computers get cheaper,
I got a new Computer in the store,
Not Compaq Presario,
lesson learned.

[Onkel Neal]

Yeah, I completely understand computer warranties are pretty brief, no problem with that. However, I am not satisifed when a complete line of a particular product has a widespread and known defect, and the company extends the warranty basically to do a product recall, but only for a window that is significantly shorter than the expected life of the product. If the problem is random and rare, ok, I can handle that. If the problem is systemic, the remedy should be too. Basically what they are saying to me is "yes we sold you a PC with a design defect, we know they all have this problem, and 2 years is about all you can expect for your money".

That's not acceptable. This isn't over yet. ;)

Was it an 1600-1800 by any chance?

I need some parts, specifically a display ;)

It's a V6205.

[SteamWake]

Yeah, I completely understand computer warranties are pretty brief, no problem with that. However, I am not satisifed when a complete line of a particular product has a widespread and known defect, and the company extends the warranty basically to do a product recall, but only for a window that is significantly shorter than the expected life of the product. If the problem is random and rare, ok, I can handle that. If the problem is systemic, the remedy should be too. Basically what they are saying to me is "yes we sold you a PC with a design defect, we know they all have this problem, and 2 years is about all you can expect for your money".

That's not acceptable. This isn't over yet. ;)



It's a V6205.

Rats... :shifty:

[AVGWarhawk]

I agree. A defect is a defect is a defect. Announcing it as a defect and will cover the product under the defect should carry on as long as that particular product is still functional and will remain functional when the defect rears its head and repairing the defect will have continued use of the product. In short, HP is saying grab your ankles and tough sh!t. Bad business. I would go after them if for anything some sort of satisfaction. A nice discount on a new computer or something of that nature. Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead.

[Arclight]

Aye, rip them a new one. :arrgh!:

[Peto]

Yep. I have had a few brawls with HP TS. Their on-line driver support is iffy as well--often missing drivers and you have to research what other HP model has them. HP typically won't tell you. When they dropped support for 98 they immediately removed all 98 drivers for all their products from their web-site. It wouldn't have been that big of a burden to leave the drivers up for people to DL. :nope: I've recommended many companies for people to use but I will NOT recommend HP.

As for the broken Laptop: ebay is your friend. Someone is always looking for laptop parts.

[Peto]

I agree. A defect is a defect is a defect. Announcing it as a defect and will cover the product under the defect should carry on as long as that particular product is still functional and will remain functional when the defect rears its head and repairing the defect will have continued use of the product. In short, HP is saying grab your ankles and tough sh!t. Bad business. I would go after them if for anything some sort of satisfaction. A nice discount on a new computer or something of that nature. Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead.

Been there--done that. And I'm good at getting what I want from TS CS people (I've been a manager of both so know what to say). Trying to get satisfaction from HP isn't worth the frustration you'll have to endure. I get angry everytime I read about them sticking it to another customer. Let your next purchase do the talking as well as what you tell your friends.

[Onkel Neal]

Seriously, the HP laptop problem is epidemic. (http://mattsblog.ca/2007/12/14/having-problems-with-your-hp-pavilion-dv6000-dv9000-or-presario-v6000-series-notebook/) :o

I suppose there are pages like this for every computer manufacturor, but this indicates a core issue at fault.

[Peto]

Seriously, the HP laptop problem is epidemic. (http://mattsblog.ca/2007/12/14/having-problems-with-your-hp-pavilion-dv6000-dv9000-or-presario-v6000-series-notebook/) :o

I suppose there are pages like this for every computer manufacturor, but this indicates a core issue at fault.

True. Every company has a lemon from time-to-time. Some of those companies contact their customer directly. HP? :nope: I don't know how they stay in business. Printers work well (although the software packages for those are ridiculously huge). But how they continue to sell computers they won't support is beyond me.

Seriously Neal--take a look on ebay and see what they're going for. Since this notebook is known buggy and the extended service for them just expired, there's likely to be a demand for parts. It often amazes me that we can get a couple hundred bucks for some old piece of Bantha Poodoo. And your XP/Vista license is worth a few bucks too (~75-100 to a system builder)--but don't sell the notebook without it (unless you mention it ebay notes).

You're not the only one that's PO'd. I fought with an HP reinstall today because they hadn't posted the drivers on thir web-site. :damn:

Lenovo is my current favorite for notebooks although I have nothing against Dell's either. My kid has had his Dell through the burning desert in his ruck-sack and in nice dusty FOB's--some of the worst environments imaginable for a PC--and it's still working great. And Dell always has the drivers posted on their web-site to make OS reloads a snap.

Or you could order a nice PetoPC system :haha:. My desktops are reasonably priced but if you want me to build you a notebook, they start at $30,000 (tax included) :03:.

[Onkel Neal]

What is an FOB?

I plan to take my Dell laptop on the motorcycle trip. It wouldn't surprise me if the laptop decides it doesn't like motorcycles ;)

[Peto]

What is an FOB?

FOB=Forward Operating Base. They are basically military outposts.

I plan to take my Dell laptop on the motorcycle trip. It wouldn't surprise me if the laptop decides it doesn't like motorcycles ;)

Well--it might depend on the roads you travel and the company you keep (ie--don't spill beer on the keyboard :haha:).

[AVGWarhawk]

In trucking FOB is 'freight onboard':D

[Onkel Neal]

In trucking FOB is 'freight onboard':D

Yeah, that was my first impression, shipping terms like CFR, FOB, etc

FOB=Forward Operating Base. They are basically military outposts.




Ahh, right! Us punk-ass civilians have to be reminded, thanks :salute:

[CaptainHaplo]

We always called a FOB a FARP instead.... Guess its just different terms for the same thing in a sense, except FOB sounds like a forward firebase.

[Peto]

Yes. The FOB (APO: FOB KALSU--Iskandaryia, Iraq) my son was at in his last deployment wasn't a very large camp. I'm getting pretty good at speaking in acronyms now as he throws a lot at me to see if I know what they stand for :hmmm:. I do alright for a civilian :03:!

He's currently state-side (Campbell) and is going to West point next month as an instructer. Rumour has it that when he returns he'll get a short leave and then go into training for Special Forces. I'm not sure his Dell will handle that much stress!

[SteamWake]

FOB is also used for "Freight On Board" or "Free On Board"

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Freight_on_board

[AVGWarhawk]

I see HP is taking back close to 70000 laptops for battery failure and fires. Throw a match to yours Neal and return it. :yeah:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09221.html

[Onkel Neal]

Yeah, I completely understand computer warranties are pretty brief, no problem with that. However, I am not satisifed when a complete line of a particular product has a widespread and known defect, and the company extends the warranty basically to do a product recall, but only for a window that is significantly shorter than the expected life of the product. If the problem is random and rare, ok, I can handle that. If the problem is systemic, the remedy should be too. Basically what they are saying to me is "yes we sold you a PC with a design defect, we know they all have this problem, and 2 years is about all you can expect for your money".

That's not acceptable. This isn't over yet. ;)



It's a V6205.


Success! I contacted the office in Houston (not a tech support number) and a company rep hooked me up with a prepaid shipping box and repair ticket. Laptop went out and returned with a new system board a few days later, working like a champ. :smug:

[AVGWarhawk]

And justice for all!:yeah:

[lissiegb]

Hi Neal, Im experiencing the same problem with my compaq laptop, same model V6205NR as yours and read you solved your problem through the Houston office. could you tell me who to contact? I live in Argentina, so everything is more difficult. HP here in Buenos Aires won´t do anything. thanks for your help

[Onkel Neal]

hi Liss,

check the Houston number here:
http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/contact/office_locs.html
Hewlett-Packard USA
20555 SH 249
Houston, TX 77070
USA
Phone: (281) 370-0670

I explained to the operator that I was not getting anywhere with the tech support number and that my problem exceeded "tech support", it was more like a product liability issue. A known defect and a two year product life were not acceptable. I asked her if she could put me through to someone in customer relations to explore options. She did, the guy I spoke with agreed and sent me a carton to ship the laptop back to HP, postage paid. 8 days later it returned in working order.

Good luck.

[Task Force]

This Is why I build my own computers... lol too bad you cant build a laptop.

[Tchocky]

I own a dv9000, had it for 3 years now. THere are one or two major faults with the design, including that hinge crack.
It's gotten to the stage where I can't close the lid without hearing some awful cracking sounds.
That said, it's given me almost 3 years of great usage in less-than-ideal environments. That is, being biked into college/work every day, which 17-in laptops rarely like.
So, yes it's a problem, and no I'm not too torn up about it. Replacing the laptop over the next few months anyway, maybe an MSI GT729 :)

[lissiegb]

Thanks a million!! I`ll try that. I have alreaday tried tech support and it turned out a dead end. Let you know if I could get through burocracy (in my case much difficult as Im residing in Argentina!!)