HP - Good Bad & The Ugly

T_T · 08-22-2009, 01:17 AM

Im starting this thread for a few reasons, mainly because i am fed up with HP products like laptops and the works. i just want some input on some nightmares people running an HP have had either lately or in the past. i guess i just want to see how long this list grows as everything i have purchased from HP has gone to "Crap"

Lets see just how long this list will go ....

**SABL** · 08-22-2009, 09:55 AM

I have to go way back to remember any real issue with a computer. A problem can develope with any OEM but I find in most cases the problem is the fault of the owner. The fix may be a pain due to characteristics from design.

The biggest problem I had was many years ago with a Compaq 4122.... my very first real computer ( I won't mention my Commodore Vic 20). The original Quantum Bigfoot 2.5G had a trait of self destructing.... I didn't realise I could have saved myself a headache by applying a "patch" through the Quantum site. Being under warranty, I call for repair and a tech showed up and told me about the Quantum Quirk. A new Hdd was ordered and all was well. A WD Caviar was sent as a replacement and the tech installed it with no problem. Loading the Hdd by way of the "quick restore" disc supplied by Compaq was a horse of a different color..... only got to 80 or 90% and would stall. Tech said the MB was gone and ordered a new one. Same problem with the new MB installed.... tech said he would come back as it was getting late.

My son started nosing around on the net and found that "code" had to be written to the "BOM ID" in order for the new Hdd to accept the reload or restore. Not a big problem but it was just a little trick that the tech did not know. I forget how the code was entered but it was not prompted when attempting the restore.... you had to go to command prompt after inserting the disc and write the code before proceding. Nice little trick by Compaq!!

ebackhus · 08-22-2009, 01:53 PM

I like HP printers. Just printers. I don't like their all-in-one systems or their computers and laptops. They're unreliable and difficult to work on in my opinion.

**WereBo** · 08-22-2009, 04:37 PM

They make excellent flatbed scanners too

MikenandezNST · 08-22-2009, 04:49 PM

My all in one has worked great over the last 7 years!!!

I cannot say that most of my repairs come from HP machines either sorry.

**bruiser** · 08-22-2009, 06:06 PM

I have an old HP Pavillion, that's now my backup, and never had a problem with it.

Phædrus2401 · 08-22-2009, 07:41 PM

Had an HP Pavilion A6600f. Worked well for two years, no problems that couldn't be attributed to Windows Vista, and the CPU and hard drive managed to make it into my new computer.

**SABL** · 08-22-2009, 08:45 PM

I still have an HP Pavillion 513x..... bought as a package with A810 combo and 19" monitor for $500 new. Pentium4 HT.... only problem is RAM. Not in use only due to desk space. No typo....dEsk....not dIsk.

Mcninjaguy · 08-22-2009, 09:15 PM

I have a HP F2120 all in one printer and its okay, besides the fact I have to make sure I don't install anything besides just the driver. I usually just download the driver from the internet.

A couple of my friends have HP laptops and they seem fine but I would never buy or like a HP desktop PC.

**Done_Fishin** · 08-23-2009, 01:23 AM

I used to have a 690C printer. worked reasonably well for 10 years then the only problem that it had (paper feed either didn't or grabbed two sheets, sometimes halfway through the first sheet) became too annoying. I replaced it with an Epson which ended up with clogged heads after about 18 months of use. I am back with HP now and the only complaint I have is that there is never enough ink in the new bottles. I would have gone for refills and done it myself but word has it that it's not as good as the original and frequently leak or streak.

**WereBo** · 08-23-2009, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Done_Fishin

I used to have a 690C printer. worked reasonably well for 10 years then the only problem that it had (paper feed either didn't or grabbed two sheets, sometimes halfway through the first sheet) became too annoying. I replaced it with an Epson which ended up with clogged heads after about 18 months of use. I am back with HP now and the only complaint I have is that there is never enough ink in the new bottles. I would have gone for refills and done it myself but word has it that it's not as good as the original and frequently leak or streak.

Similar history to me, except my Epson lasted 3 months

I occasionally refill my HP cartridges, they work well for the 1st refill and often for the 2nd, but then, as you say, they get streaky. I think it's because HP cartridges have the print-heads fixed to the cartridge rather than the printer, so new cartridge=new print-head each time, giving their excellent results.

What really bugs me, is that some manufacturers now 'date-chip' their cartridges - so even if the reservoir is still full, if it's out-of-date, it won't work!

**bruiser** · 08-23-2009, 09:48 AM

Same problem with the Epson printer I had. After a couple years use, it clogged up and cleaner cartridges didn't help. Went with Canon, and am satisfied. Might try HP printer next time I need one.

**simpswr** · 08-23-2009, 10:05 AM

It seems to me that they are all pretty much using the same parts ( and may even be assembled by the same folks ) In my experience, the hardware problems are not much different between the brands . . from time to tiime they all seem to put out a real stinker. . but for the most part, all the majors are putting out high quality products.

For me, support is the distinguishing factor . . some have great support resources and some have hardly any. I rarely have to use the phone support, but when I do, I don't seee much difference between any of them . . all pretty weak!

My experience is that Dell and HP have the best online support . . easiest to find drivers and updates.

ebackhus · 08-23-2009, 02:46 PM

I've only had one problem with an HP printer and it was my ancient laserjet. It'd jam if it fed from the bottom tray. The fix was to use the side tray. After that it started wigging out so I retired it.

A friend of mine had an HP that spent more time in the shop than in his home. It was LOUD, SLOW and completely unreliable.

PhoenyxRising · 08-24-2009, 06:54 AM

LOL I had an Hp psc (sigh i still miss it) it worked stunningly for a loooooooong time. untill it wouldnt communicate with the PC properly. adn no matter HOW many cartridges i used, it wouldnt print properly, so i retired it. I havent dealt with HP pc's tho. although i knew a few companies that actually used them.

**SABL** · 08-24-2009, 11:15 AM

At last check HP and Compaq are manufactured by the same company. I had a glitch with the Compaq but I think it was before the two companies merged or one was acquired by the other.

I think this forum needs more info on why HP is a piece of crap. I can see why there may be issues with any product in the way of IT. TT needs to get back here in the thread that he/she started and get to the particulars of lack of performance. We have been given a vague accusation with no evidence or explanation why the user might be unhappy.

How about a "Paul Harvey" version of this thread so we can hear "the rest of the story"??

**Done_Fishin** · 08-24-2009, 11:47 AM

Every manufacturer has their "skeleton" some people are lucky and don't have problems others seem to attract the "rogue" equipment.

I wonder, if i wasn't so tech savvy, if I would also have been a disgruntled user .. there are always problems but somehow we either accept them or find a workaround using the knowledge and skills that we have acquired.

Your average Joe, hasn't got a chance in this technological age .. I remember 22 years ago coming to Greece and finding a TV & remote control that had more than 4 channels and was full of buttons and hidden buttons and commands .. something I had never encountered before in my electronics career. It was a nightmare back then but I take it in my stride now!

PhoenyxRising · 08-25-2009, 12:22 AM

I also think maybe we need more info, Even when my poor hp was on its last legs i could still troubleshoot, and still print in black and white. even when re calibrating the print heads i had a half decent photo copy...

I have a friend that cant (or wont) even google search to troubleshoot a problem.

shes always calling in the cavalry. lol but i bet you played around with the control and figured it out, I did that as well when our remotes became technical as well. But people can do that with a pc or any peripheral added to it. I mean my best friend learnt about PC's from helping me build her PC. so its not impossible.

yustr · 08-25-2009, 06:35 AM

I had an HP desktop (can't remember which) that ran beautifully for 8 years. Only had to replace a TV tuner card. About a year ago it started to act weird so I opened it up, moved the wire bundle slightly to have a look and the CPU dropped into my hand. The socket had actually broken loose from the board.

On the other hand, my son's laptop failed after little more than two years and no amount of tinkering could rescue it.

I too have always liked their printers.

~~MichaelTech~~ · 08-27-2009, 09:37 AM

Before HP got "Compaqed" I had service authorizations for most of both their products. Computers, and printers.
Since blending, the quality has gone down, and even the newest MFP offerings have too many issues that just "happen".
Epson, notoriously junk. Xerox, expensive, but the best. Lexmark, Ha!ha!ha!. Dell, just a Lex, and just as ha!ha!ha!.
Propriatary technology prevents other brands from making a decent machine, but they abound, and all have unique issues.
Computers: I make my own from scratch, and they never fail.

08-22-2009, 01:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
T_T Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 19 OS: Vista	HP - Good Bad & The Ugly Im starting this thread for a few reasons, mainly because i am fed up with HP products like laptops and the works. i just want some input on some nightmares people running an HP have had either lately or in the past. i guess i just want to see how long this list grows as everything i have purchased from HP has gone to "Crap" Lets see just how long this list will go ....

08-22-2009, 09:55 AM	#2 (permalink)
SABL Moderator Relaxation Room Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Galena, Ohio Posts: 1,229 OS: WinXP SP3	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly I have to go way back to remember any real issue with a computer. A problem can develope with any OEM but I find in most cases the problem is the fault of the owner. The fix may be a pain due to characteristics from design. The biggest problem I had was many years ago with a Compaq 4122.... my very first real computer ( I won't mention my Commodore Vic 20). The original Quantum Bigfoot 2.5G had a trait of self destructing.... I didn't realise I could have saved myself a headache by applying a "patch" through the Quantum site. Being under warranty, I call for repair and a tech showed up and told me about the Quantum Quirk. A new Hdd was ordered and all was well. A WD Caviar was sent as a replacement and the tech installed it with no problem. Loading the Hdd by way of the "quick restore" disc supplied by Compaq was a horse of a different color..... only got to 80 or 90% and would stall. Tech said the MB was gone and ordered a new one. Same problem with the new MB installed.... tech said he would come back as it was getting late. My son started nosing around on the net and found that "code" had to be written to the "BOM ID" in order for the new Hdd to accept the reload or restore. Not a big problem but it was just a little trick that the tech did not know. I forget how the code was entered but it was not prompted when attempting the restore.... you had to go to command prompt after inserting the disc and write the code before proceding. Nice little trick by Compaq!! __________________ Every rose has it's thorn

08-22-2009, 01:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,275 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly I like HP printers. Just printers. I don't like their all-in-one systems or their computers and laptops. They're unreliable and difficult to work on in my opinion. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

08-22-2009, 04:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
WereBo Resident Village Idiot Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SE London, UK Posts: 14,475 OS: Win-7, XP-Pro SP3 My System	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly They make excellent flatbed scanners too __________________ I shall meet all of my deadlines directly in proportion to the amount of bodily injury I could expect to receive from missing them.

08-22-2009, 04:49 PM	#5 (permalink)
MikenandezNST Tech, Microsoft Support Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,168 OS: Win Vista Ultimate EditionSP1/WinXPSP3 Blog Entries: 2	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly My all in one has worked great over the last 7 years!!! I cannot say that most of my repairs come from HP machines either sorry. __________________

08-22-2009, 06:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
bruiser TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,973 OS: xp	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly I have an old HP Pavillion, that's now my backup, and never had a problem with it.

08-22-2009, 07:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,810 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly Had an HP Pavilion A6600f. Worked well for two years, no problems that couldn't be attributed to Windows Vista, and the CPU and hard drive managed to make it into my new computer. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

08-22-2009, 08:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
SABL Moderator Relaxation Room Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Galena, Ohio Posts: 1,229 OS: WinXP SP3	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly I still have an HP Pavillion 513x..... bought as a package with A810 combo and 19" monitor for $500 new. Pentium4 HT.... only problem is RAM. Not in use only due to desk space. No typo....dEsk....not dIsk. __________________ Every rose has it's thorn

08-22-2009, 09:15 PM	#9 (permalink)
Mcninjaguy Temporarily Banned Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 10,422 OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit My System Blog Entries: 1	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly I have a HP F2120 all in one printer and its okay, besides the fact I have to make sure I don't install anything besides just the driver. I usually just download the driver from the internet. A couple of my friends have HP laptops and they seem fine but I would never buy or like a HP desktop PC.

08-23-2009, 01:23 AM	#10 (permalink)
Done_Fishin Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Brit living in Greece Posts: 7,514 OS: WinME, WinXP Pro SP3, Win7 Beta, Ubuntu 9.04 & Netbook Remix & CD2USB, Mepis 6.5, Fedora 10 My System	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly I used to have a 690C printer. worked reasonably well for 10 years then the only problem that it had (paper feed either didn't or grabbed two sheets, sometimes halfway through the first sheet) became too annoying. I replaced it with an Epson which ended up with clogged heads after about 18 months of use. I am back with HP now and the only complaint I have is that there is never enough ink in the new bottles. I would have gone for refills and done it myself but word has it that it's not as good as the original and frequently leak or streak. __________________ . . I'm not old!! I'm age impaired .. D_F I DON'T PLAY GAMES How to mark your thread as solved HDD DIAG UTILS TSF's Photographer's Corner

08-23-2009, 09:48 AM	#12 (permalink)
bruiser TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,973 OS: xp	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly Same problem with the Epson printer I had. After a couple years use, it clogged up and cleaner cartridges didn't help. Went with Canon, and am satisfied. Might try HP printer next time I need one.

08-23-2009, 10:05 AM	#13 (permalink)
simpswr Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: May 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 12,253 OS: XP, Vista, Win 7	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly It seems to me that they are all pretty much using the same parts ( and may even be assembled by the same folks ) In my experience, the hardware problems are not much different between the brands . . from time to tiime they all seem to put out a real stinker. . but for the most part, all the majors are putting out high quality products. For me, support is the distinguishing factor . . some have great support resources and some have hardly any. I rarely have to use the phone support, but when I do, I don't seee much difference between any of them . . all pretty weak! My experience is that Dell and HP have the best online support . . easiest to find drivers and updates. __________________ Rich MemTest86 \| BenchTest \| Virus/Trojan/Spyware Help How to post a Screen Shot \| PC running slow?

08-23-2009, 02:46 PM	#14 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,275 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly I've only had one problem with an HP printer and it was my ancient laserjet. It'd jam if it fed from the bottom tray. The fix was to use the side tray. After that it started wigging out so I retired it. A friend of mine had an HP that spent more time in the shop than in his home. It was LOUD, SLOW and completely unreliable. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

08-24-2009, 06:54 AM	#15 (permalink)
PhoenyxRising Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 121 OS: XP service pack 2 My System	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly LOL I had an Hp psc (sigh i still miss it) it worked stunningly for a loooooooong time. untill it wouldnt communicate with the PC properly. adn no matter HOW many cartridges i used, it wouldnt print properly, so i retired it. I havent dealt with HP pc's tho. although i knew a few companies that actually used them.

08-24-2009, 11:15 AM	#16 (permalink)
SABL Moderator Relaxation Room Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Galena, Ohio Posts: 1,229 OS: WinXP SP3	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly At last check HP and Compaq are manufactured by the same company. I had a glitch with the Compaq but I think it was before the two companies merged or one was acquired by the other. I think this forum needs more info on why HP is a piece of crap. I can see why there may be issues with any product in the way of IT. TT needs to get back here in the thread that he/she started and get to the particulars of lack of performance. We have been given a vague accusation with no evidence or explanation why the user might be unhappy. How about a "Paul Harvey" version of this thread so we can hear "the rest of the story"?? __________________ Every rose has it's thorn

08-24-2009, 11:47 AM	#17 (permalink)
Done_Fishin Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Brit living in Greece Posts: 7,514 OS: WinME, WinXP Pro SP3, Win7 Beta, Ubuntu 9.04 & Netbook Remix & CD2USB, Mepis 6.5, Fedora 10 My System	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly Every manufacturer has their "skeleton" some people are lucky and don't have problems others seem to attract the "rogue" equipment. I wonder, if i wasn't so tech savvy, if I would also have been a disgruntled user .. there are always problems but somehow we either accept them or find a workaround using the knowledge and skills that we have acquired. Your average Joe, hasn't got a chance in this technological age .. I remember 22 years ago coming to Greece and finding a TV & remote control that had more than 4 channels and was full of buttons and hidden buttons and commands .. something I had never encountered before in my electronics career. It was a nightmare back then but I take it in my stride now! __________________ . . I'm not old!! I'm age impaired .. D_F I DON'T PLAY GAMES How to mark your thread as solved HDD DIAG UTILS TSF's Photographer's Corner

08-25-2009, 12:22 AM	#18 (permalink)
PhoenyxRising Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 121 OS: XP service pack 2 My System	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly I also think maybe we need more info, Even when my poor hp was on its last legs i could still troubleshoot, and still print in black and white. even when re calibrating the print heads i had a half decent photo copy... I have a friend that cant (or wont) even google search to troubleshoot a problem. shes always calling in the cavalry. lol but i bet you played around with the control and figured it out, I did that as well when our remotes became technical as well. But people can do that with a pc or any peripheral added to it. I mean my best friend learnt about PC's from helping me build her PC. so its not impossible.

08-25-2009, 06:35 AM	#19 (permalink)
yustr Asst. Manager, The Conversation Pit Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Connecticut shore Posts: 6,050 OS: XP Pro My System	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly I had an HP desktop (can't remember which) that ran beautifully for 8 years. Only had to replace a TV tuner card. About a year ago it started to act weird so I opened it up, moved the wire bundle slightly to have a look and the CPU dropped into my hand. The socket had actually broken loose from the board. On the other hand, my son's laptop failed after little more than two years and no amount of tinkering could rescue it. I too have always liked their printers. __________________ If there are lawyers or politicians involved, logic may be a very poor tool for reaching a conclusion.

08-27-2009, 09:37 AM	#20 (permalink)
~~MichaelTech~~ Troubled Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Simi, Ca. Posts: 170 OS: XP Pro/Corporate	Re: HP - Good Bad & The Ugly Before HP got "Compaqed" I had service authorizations for most of both their products. Computers, and printers. Since blending, the quality has gone down, and even the newest MFP offerings have too many issues that just "happen". Epson, notoriously junk. Xerox, expensive, but the best. Lexmark, Ha!ha!ha!. Dell, just a Lex, and just as ha!ha!ha!. Propriatary technology prevents other brands from making a decent machine, but they abound, and all have unique issues. Computers: I make my own from scratch, and they never fail.