New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Thoughts on HP notebooks?

post #1 of 12
2/5/05 at 9:33pm
Thread Starter 
I am getting ready to buy my first laptop and I really like the looks and features of the HPs. I just saw one at Circuit City that has everything I want at a good price (less than $1000). I was wondering if anyone here could give me some input on whether I should go for it or look for something else.
Reply
Reply
post #2 of 12
2/5/05 at 9:45pm
look for something else, please.

HP notebooks are typically WAY BEHIND the technology curve, so you end up paying more for less.

Furthermore, HP support is...well, let's be kind and say inadequate. HP believes that their computers/laptops ship in working order and people should not ever install new drivers.

They fail to provide a windows disk, instead giving you your windows installation on a hidden partition...which I generally don't have a problem with other than if your drive fails, you have no windows to replace it.

They even (or used to) "badge" their drives, so that you cannot install the windows they provide on anything but theirs (though you can clone the drive to get around this).

They have propritary hardware in desktops, and perhaps the memory in notebooks, severely limiting upgrades.


Stay away from HP/compaq
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 12
2/5/05 at 10:08pm
I personally have a great experience from HP. The tech support was knowlegdgable and courteous and timely. I received all of the software disks (ie recovery disk, Quick play, Windows XP, Word etc etc). From my experience the memory can be upgraded with third party providers.
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 12
2/6/05 at 12:52am
I say go with DELL!!!
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 12
2/6/05 at 1:17am

what???

Quote:
Originally Posted by gerryf
look for something else, please.

HP notebooks are typically WAY BEHIND the technology curve, so you end up paying more for less.

Furthermore, HP support is...well, let's be kind and say inadequate. HP believes that their computers/laptops ship in working order and people should not ever install new drivers.

They fail to provide a windows disk, instead giving you your windows installation on a hidden partition...which I generally don't have a problem with other than if your drive fails, you have no windows to replace it.

They even (or used to) "badge" their drives, so that you cannot install the windows they provide on anything but theirs (though you can clone the drive to get around this).

They have propritary hardware in desktops, and perhaps the memory in notebooks, severely limiting upgrades.


Stay away from HP/compaq
I have not used their desktops but I have a compaq presario r3340us and they include restore disks and other software. The memory is 100% upgradable.
I have installed Win XP Pro on it and it works fine.

They are not way behind the technology curve..they do offer stuff which is in line with the current trends.. they arent the ultimate gaming machines but for regular stuff (internet, word processing, ) they are upto the job. Support is outsourced just like everybody else and in my experience they were pretty ok.(middle of the pack)

You can get updated drivers from HP and they havent failed on me.

Net_Warrior
I say go with the HP.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 12
2/6/05 at 1:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Net_Warrior
I am getting ready to buy my first laptop and I really like the looks and features of the HPs. I just saw one at Circuit City that has everything I want at a good price (less than $1000). I was wondering if anyone here could give me some input on whether I should go for it or look for something else.
I work at Circuit City, and we sell a lot of HP's, and I hardly ever see any of them comeback. Although, they are a little slow at getting the new stuff out compared to the others. I have called the HP tech support before and it wasn't the best, but definitely better than Sony's or Toshiba's. I think they are well made computers for everyday generic use. I say go with it and not because I work there... it kinda sucks.
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 12
2/6/05 at 2:56am
I second that NINJA- working at Circuit City does suck, but heck it beats min. wage.

I would say HP would be a safe bet with everyday use. I had a zt3000 notebook. I loved it, esp the keyboard. It is fairly dependable. My battery went out in like 7 months, and I got it replaced no problem. Except for the indian guy that took my credit card info. Couldn't understand him. So I just contacted support through email. But to make a long story short, considering other brands that are at retailers, go with the hp.
Good luck
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 12
2/6/05 at 10:44am
It's good to hear that some people have had positive experiences...

I haven't...but perhaps I have been unlucky. I can tell you that at the moment I have been trying to help someone with a zx5000 and it leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth.

Previously to this laptop, my only other HP laptop experience was an old omnibook (which I admit was a pretty decent machine, but the proprietary ram was an issue); other than that, it's been all desktops and all of that experience has left me cold.

In no case have I ever seen an XP disk...just recovery media and hiddne partitions...perhaps things have changed due to all the complaints people have had. If so, that's great news, because there are times when recovery cds and hidden partitions just don't cut it.

I am always willing to be proven wrong and would be pleased to be so here...just waiting for a positive experience.
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 12
2/6/05 at 11:40am
I've owned two HP notebooks, an Omnibook and a Compaq Evo. The Omnibook really sucked. But, that's what was issued to me by my company.

The Compaq Evo was a great little system for me, so much so, that I bought my own when I left the company. It was well built and better than many other notebooks I've come into contact with.

I wouldn't say it was a proprietary system. I was able to add extra RAM without any problem. The only thing I didn't care for were HP's ROM drive options. They were behind the curve on that. And, there drives are expensive.

But, also be mindful that the Compaq Evo is a business notebook. I think they're built differently than their consumer models and they're very sturdy.

Other than that, their systems are pretty decent. I would never touch any of their desktop systems, however.
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 12
2/6/05 at 11:40am
I've never used an HP, but from what I've been reading, it sounds like their notebooks tend to break within a year. Some component or other fails and needs to be replaced. But again, that's just what I've heard others say.
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 12
2/6/05 at 11:59am
The thing is that getting a lemon is always present with any laptop. I had a Toshiba which broke within a month of use and had dissapointing experience with their Tech support.

I wouldnt say HP/compaq are the best in the market. The presario is made of plastic and you can feel it too. I think as gerryf said previously they did suck with their proprietary stuff. But they are pretty much on the same level in my opinion as the others.(suck in some stuff and ok in others)

I think since the ODM's manufacture almost all laptop's (barring some) quality is nearly the same. The only difference being the specs and price.
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 12
2/6/05 at 12:48pm
They cheated me out of the last 2 years of the warranty on my Compaq Armada M700 after they took over Compaq, and their regional Cust Service manager screamed at me on the phone and called me a F*$#ing liar, then slamed the phone down. I dont hold HP in very high regard at all.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: HP, Compaq and Voodoo Notebooks