I have not encountered any proprietary parts on Compaq/HP desktops purchased
since 2001. Replacing hard drives, floppy drives (my favorite was the one
stuffed with orange peels) and memory upgrades have been no problem. Of
course as with most newer desktops the NIC, sound and video are onboard and
I expect to replace them with PCI cards if and when something fails.

Up until two (?) years ago it appeared that HP/Compaq "business" support was
domestic, but I believe they are now overseas. However, we have had
reasonable success but as with all outsourced support it does depend on the
individual. We haven't had to call them often!

Eric




> Have you found that you need to order HP replacement parts?  In the
> past, I have had to order floppy drives from HP as others did not fit in
> the case opening.  Also, recently I updated memory in an HP computer and
> had to buy specific memory for the computer to recognize it.  The first
> memory board I ordered was not recognized by that machine but was by
> other machines (Dell, IBM).
> 
> Sylvia Gagne
> Franklin Northwest SU
> District Technology/Data Coordinator
> 100 Robin Hood Drive
> Swanton, VT 05488
> 802.868.4967 x20
>  
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Eric Hall [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Monday, April 16, 2007 2:23 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: HP hardware
> 
>> I can also report that the HP Desktops I ordered from them outlasted
> and
> outperformed the comparable Gateway machines I purchased at the same
> time...
> 
> There seems to be some bias against HP hardware, but I will report
> similar
> success: 20 desktops purchased 12/01 still running fine, 3 HD
> replacements
> and no other repairs needed. 48 HP D330 towers & 14 Compaq Evo laptops
> purchased 07/03 have an even lower failure rate, but I expect the Evos
> to
> start failing soon... All current equipment includes 3-year warranty and
> I
> have also had good success with warranty service when needed.
> 
> I think the HP business lineup is a good balance of price, performance
> and
> reliability!
> 
> Eric
> 
>