anti-Linux Policy at HP

[I. Khider]

Greetings fellow Linux users, 

My HP-Compaq laptop recently died and wanted to buy a new one, also with
HP. In fact I buy a lot of products at HP such as printers, scanners,
etc.. 

I was about to purchase a business class HP laptop when the product
information specialist informed me ALL HARDWARE WARRANTIES ARE VOID THE
SECOND YOU INSTALL LINUX. My first impression was that I was speaking to
a under-trained call centre op so asked to speak with someone else.
After speaking with four reps, two technicians, and the client relations
department, I realized it was their policy. I sent a polite and
constructive e-mail to HP President Mark Hurd to reconsider this policy.
His office sent me an e-mail and said they are reviewing my request. 

One technician offered a work-around, in case of a hardware defect,
re-install Windows and send it in. So, in case of a defective power
supply or CPU fan, how does one install Windows?

Linux applications are used throughout North America in the business
world, from servers, to supply management logistics, to database
management, etc.. How does HP function in the face of this policy?

Companies like ASUS and Toshiba vowed to stand by their hardware
regardless of what OS I use (I called and checked), but I want the
HP--but not if they do not back their product. 

Considering HP sponsors a lot of linux applications and even
pre-installs some of their machines with Linux, is this not a double
standard?

Personally, I would like to take this issue to the papers. 

My case number with HP is #80216227703

Views would be appreciated. 

regards, 

Ib Khider


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