Look, I'm a Mac person - but I had to get a PC workstation for a company project - needed to run Windows etc. I disliked Dell - actually Michael Dell because he tries to piss on Apple users as much as possible. I configured a HP Desktop system online with RAM and Video Cards totaling about $8000! I placed the order, paid with a credit card - and waited. First they send these cryptic e-mails that I cannot track or reply. There's no online support e-mail - they want me to call for any problems. After a day I get a message that my order had been declined. I call the number - jump through some hoops, get passed around and then a lady tells me that they cannot ship to a Mailbox - mine is a UPS store - where I have received hundred of packages this year alone! Ok, so I give our office address and the lady assures me that everything is fine and the order is through. After another day, some one calls me and leaves a message saying there is a problem with the billing address. I call back the next day (they only work 9AM to 9PM) - I needed this PC asap and after half hour of hold when I finally reach a support guy - I explain that this has been a frustrating experience and that I was considering canceling my order if I had to jump through any more hoops. His answer - Go Ahead Cancel - thats probably best for you - and I did! I quickly called their customer support line again and made sure everything was removed from my account - but then they tell me that there could be a hold placed on my credit which may take upto a week to clear!
Switch to Dell - I configured a more powerful system for $1000 less - then I called their customer service - I got a free upgrade on a video card. They price matched software I was planning to buy from other places and were very pleasant to deal with. They got my order and I bet you I'm never buying a HP system ever again. I have also instructed my offices outside the US not to buy HP when possible.
I think HP has become too big and they dont care anymore. Well - its time for them to learn about the free market.
[Update: April 25, 2009]
There's an interesting article at NYTimes about HP:
