Problems With Hewlett Packard Laptops

Laptop computer sometimes have problems.

Users of Hewlett-Packard laptops have reported an array of problems with the laptop units that range from annoying to seriously hazardous conditions. Problems ranged from nonexistent Wi-Fi operation to batteries recalled because of serious burn and fire hazards. Across the range of reported problems, users also reported widespread dissatisfaction with Hewlett-Packard's lack of response. In one instance involving multiple operational problems, a court decision ruled in favor of the plaintiff.

Pavilion Notebooks and Wi-Fi

One problem reported with Hewlett-Packard laptops concerned its 6000 and 9000 series Pavilion notebook laptops. Numerous users reported having problems with the incorporated Wi-Fi on this model of laptop. According to a report at the website Theinquirer.net, the Wi-Fi connection problem with the 6000 and 9000 series was a widespread problem, affecting an apparently large percentage of those using these laptops.

Poor Customer Response

Related to the Pavilion Wi-Fi problem, the same report indicated widespread user dissatisfaction with the Hewlett-Packard response to the users of the product. While Hewlett-Packard ultimately made some response to the problem, it took some time and some serious adverse publicity posted to the Internet about ignoring users before the company made any response at all. Then when it did, the solution offered by the spokesman for the company was an apparently worthless troubleshooting procedure laden with false assumptions and misinformation.

Power Jack Problem

Another problem reported on with Hewlett-Packard laptops was a power jack problem. This problem also involved the Pavilion series and manifested in a variety of operational problems with the Hewlett-Packard laptops, such as clicking noises emanating from near the power plug, sudden power shutdowns without evident cause, and failure to charge batteries within the unit.

Laptop Battery Recall

Another Hewlett-Packard laptop problem concerned a problem with batteries for the laptops. In May of 2009, Hewlett-Packard recalled 21 different models of laptop batteries because of fire and burn risk. Not only did several models of Hewlett-Packard laptops use the batteries involved in the recall, but also the Compaq Presario and HP Compaq laptops use the same batteries. The HP Pavilion laptops were among various Hewlett-Packard laptops that used the recalled batteries.

Failure to Win Lawsuit

A college student who experienced a variety of problems with his Hewlett-Packard laptop decided to take action. One of the problems Kevin Wick said he experienced was that of the laptop unit overheating. He also experienced lost data problems with the unit caused by machine crashes. It is unclear in Wick's report to the media of the situation whether he had saved work prior to the crash. However, the small claims court agreed that Hewlett-Packard had liability in the case and awarded Wick a $4,455 judgment: double the cost of the computer, plus court costs and the costs of attempted repairs.

References

• "HP admits wireless laptop problems"
• "70,000 HP laptop batteries recalled due to fire hazard", WBZ-TV,