Taking HP to the BBB...?

[I. Khider]

Hello All, 

What does TLUG think of reporting HP to the Better Business Bureau about
their anti-Linux policy?

Linux is used in the business and public service world, and this policy
goes against that. I agree tech support can be voided, but not hardware.
I have filed reports against big business before and think maybe this it
is time to do so again. I suppose I would have to buy the machine before
I file the report...or not? 

HP has 'business laptops', so their policy is anti-business. They are
not selling what is advertised. 

Anyway, what does everyone here think about the feasibility of this?

-Ib Khider-


On Thu, 2009-02-19 at 10:17 -0500, Lennart Sorensen wrote:

> 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. 
> 
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