anti-Linux Policy at HP

[Lennart Sorensen]

On Sun, Feb 15, 2009 at 06:14:37PM -0500, I. Khider wrote:
> 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. 

Well my experience is that Asus supports their laptops very well (at
least in canada) and they are well built.  I can only say the opposite
for HP.

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

It's downright stupid.  I am not even sure they can void the warrenty
on the hardware based on what you run on it.  They can refuse tech
support, which makes perfectly good sense.

> Personally, I would like to take this issue to the papers. 
> 
> My case number with HP is #80216227703
> 
> Views would be appreciated. 

-- 
Len Sorensen
--
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