HP Laptops: A Closer Look at the Downsides and Service Issues

While HP has experienced a significant improvement in recent years, especially in the budget market, past experiences with this brand have not always been positive. Many users report dissatisfaction with specific features, as well as issues related to service and maintenance. This article dives into the negatives and service problems associated with HP laptops, particularly the HP 14s and 15s series from 2020.

Downsides and Limitations of HP Laptops

According to a user who has been using HP laptops since 2018, the brand has made progress but still lags behind rivals like Acer and Asus in understanding the needs of budget buyers. This sentiment is also echoed in the broader user community. Users generally highlight the following issues with HP laptops:

Bios and Restrictions

Halsey, a user of HP laptops, emphasizes the limitations imposed by the BIOS. Modern HP models, such as the HP Pavilion Gaming EC, the HP 14s, and even the 15s series, lack key features that are either expected or offered by competitors. For example:

You cannot view FPS in games. Access to diagnostic data is restricted. No support for fan profiles.

The limitations on these active profiles and diagnostic tools can be a significant drawback for users who need more control over their systems. The technical restrictions can hinder performance optimization, particularly for gaming and intensive workloads.

Weak Hinges and Durability

Another common complaint is the durability of the hinges on HP laptops. As Halsey mentions, these hinges can become stiff relatively quickly. In Halsey's experience, the H-P Pavilion Gaming EC's hinge has already become stiffer, necessitating regular care and attention. Pushing this issue further, Halsey suggests that potential buyers should prioritize focusing on hinge strength when purchasing a new HP laptop.

Limited Service and Warranty Coverage

The biggest gripe with HP, as noted by multiple users, is the lack of reliable service and warranty coverage. In India, this issue is compounded by exorbitant repair costs. Specifically, Halsey highlights the following service issues:

High Repair Costs: Even simple issues like changing a screw cost more than the value of the laptop itself. Samsung Galaxy S Repair: HP's parent company, Samsung, demands 8000 INR just to perform a hard reset on an iPad. This highlights a broader issue of high repair costs across Samsung-owned brands. Dell Service: Dell is also criticized for its high repair fees, with a 4GB RAM upgrade costing over 4000 INR. Limited Service Options: Users report that service centers may not have the necessary parts on hand, making repairs inconvenient and expensive.

This inconsistency in service and repair policies often results in frustration for users who are already experiencing technical issues with their laptops.

Personal Experience

A personal user experience highlights another common issue, namely the availability of spare parts. This user, who purchased an HP AY-513TX laptop 3.5 years ago, learned the hard way about the importance of checking spare part availability before making a purchase. After two years of reliable use, the user experienced a battery issue. However, the service center and online retailers could not provide a replacement battery. This led to the user having to purchase a duplicate battery from a third-party platform like Snapdeal, further adding to the frustration.

Here's a quick takeaway from this user experience:

Check the availability of spare parts in the long term (3-4 years). Consider purchasing a portable battery for future compatibility. Buy additional warranty from reputable third-party providers like Acko or OneAssist for full protection.

Conclusion

While HP has improved significantly in recent years, there are still several areas where the brand falls short, particularly in terms of flexibility, durability, and service. For budget-conscious consumers and gamers, options like Acer and Asus might be more favorable due to their comprehensive feature sets and better support for customization. It is essential for potential buyers to consider these factors to ensure a smoother ownership experience with their new laptop.