Another HP Horror Story

So a month ago, I plunk down nearly $3000 for a top of the line HDX Dragon. After a week of eager waiting, it arrives at work. I get home, turn it on and start the Windows Vista setup process (the first boot screens where is asks for information). The HDX freezes on one of the screens. I wait. 3 hours later, it is still "installing". I try the recovery discs. They install Vista. We get to the screens where Vista tries to install stuff. I leave the computer on overnight. 12 hours later, I wake up expecting a working laptop. No such luck. Timeout error then after I reboot, BOOTMGR or BOOTLDR is missing. On top of that, I have a single green stuck pixel in the middle of my screen that cannot be massaged out.

So I call up HP support. They send me another bunch of recovery discs. Same error occurs. I'm pretty irritated now and I notice that they had just slashed the price by $500 with the new coupon, as I am well within my 21 day return period, I call up HP support and ask for the price difference, and failing that a refund. I got hung up on.

The next day I call again. Hung up on again.

Now, I'm getting my credit card company to dispute the charge.

 

You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Chances are HP will help you then.

 

Why didn't you return the laptop if it was within the 21 day return period?

 

I tried. I got hung up on, twice.

 

This sounds really suspicious, I would definitely file a complaint with the BBB and tell them your story.

 

Im really sorry to hear that. You gotta complain man. Get your money back, and get a top of the line VAIO SZ. It costs 2400 and its ultra awesome. And if you want something smaller go for the TZ with the SSD drive. I did, and couldnt be happier. HP is a crappy company that makes money cutting production costs down every friggin month.

 

Funny story.

I did have an Sony SZ. I sold it 4 months later and got a Fujitsu T4210. Sold that and got an Asus eeePC.

The HDX and the SZ/TZ have TOTALLY different target markets though. The HDX is a 20.1 inch behemoth that I planned to use to replace my desktop. The TZ/SZ is something I would bring to class everyday

 

I already filed a charge dispute with my credit card company. I'll contact the BBB if they decide against me. (I highly doubt it)

 

Im sorry, I didnt really know what that was. But in that case, I would definately get a SONY AR series (17 inch) with blu ray and enjoy hi def or I dont know.. I think Id never spend that much money on a company that prides itself in reducing costs of their products.

 

They never give you a refund on the price for new coupons that come out, they will only give you a refund if the actual price of the laptop is dropped down within the period of time.

I find it hard to believe that they keep hanging up on you everytime you call them, but since they did I wouldn't show any mercy. I've returned 2 laptops to them already because a new part came out that I wanted and the second one I just didn't like the laptop so I sent it back for a refund.

If you want to get the laptop working you might want to try doing a clean install by obtaining a Vista OS disk (not the recovery disks). The whole problem with your laptop is probably just a bad install and recovery disks on HP's part, it doesn't seem like a hardware problem. If it works with a clean install you can then just download all the drivers and software from either HP.com or from the hardware manufacturer's website.

 

I also recommend you send them something in writing (letter or e-mail) telling them you want to return the defective computer. That will help bolster your case. And i suggest filing with your state Attorney General's office (to further document that you tried to return within the 21 day limit). Most AG's have websites where you can fill in a simple form.

 

No way, Grrrr! id mince the laptop lol

 

If you're still within the 21-day period, you should be able to return your laptop no questions asked. The only thing I liked about HP was their exchange/return policy. I exchanged my HP twice and then ended up returning it.