bAdmArk - Windows Vista Ready? My A$$!

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Last year I decided to upgrade my laptop (An Averatec with a 15" screen), for something more lightweight. I had seen several ultra portables which made me drool! After some research and bargain shopping, I came across a nice unit, the HP Compaq NC4010 (CNET's Review). One of the selling points of the unit, was that it came "Windows Vista Ready". I was certain I would be making the move to the new operating system as soon as it launched, so I figured I may as well purchase a notebook which will be ready for the future. This option actually overweighed the short battery life (I purchased an extra battery, which doesn't affect its portability much).

Well, after much waiting, Vista finally arrived. I eargely loaded the OS unto my trusty nc4010, only to find that the video drivers were not found, all that was listed in Device Manager was a Standard VGA Adapter! What the truck? After scouring HP's Support web site I was unable to find Vista drivers. After several calls to HP's support center and hours wasted on hold, I've been told that HP does not support Windows Vista on the NC4010!!!

Excuse me? So this "Windows Vista Ready" sticker on the machine and the packaging means absolutely what? It was my impression that false advertising was considered a crime in the United States? Well, I guess from HP's executive actions, crime is not a concern. Well, I guess it's back to XP for now, 800 X 600 at 8 Bit just doesn't do Vista justice.

posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 11:25:14 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Monday, February 19, 2007 8:13:55 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Badmark....just get a Mac. Never any problems and Apple never makes false promises about their products.

Diane Cayton | deedah1AT NOSPAMcox dot net

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 12:12:15 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

I forwarded your blog entry to HP and got this response:
I'll keep you posted as i have this notebook as well

Hello Antoine,
Thank you for contacting Hewlett-Packard's Commercial Solutions Center.
This is with reference to your e-mail regarding the HP Compaq nc4010.

From the information provided in your e-mail, we understand that you have a concern regarding the Vista compatibility of your notebook, which would not install the Video drivers. However, the notebook holds a Vista ready sticker on it.

We sincerely apologize for any miscommunication and inconvenience caused.

However, we would like to inform you that we have escalated the case to our next level support team. You would be receiving a call in 1-2 business days.

However, please go through the below link for Vista eligible notebooks for further information:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/capable.mspx

Please e-mail us in case of any other queries and we will be more than glad to assist you.

Once again, thank you for contacting Hewlett-Packard's Commercial Solutions Center.

Regards

HP eServices

NOTE: Our advice is strictly limited to the question(s) asked and is based on the information provided to us. Problems and solutions may depend on the nature of your system environment and various other parameters that are unknown to HP; therefore, HP cannot assume any responsibility or liability. Please be advised that technical information changes as new data becomes available, therefore, HP recommends that you check back at our technical support web site located at http://www.hp.com/country/us/en/support.html regularly for possible updates. Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the use of this information.

Antoine | wongantoineAT NOSPAMyahoo dot ca

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 10:19:06 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

I actually had my issue escalated with HP as well, but nothing ever came from it.
Keep us posted Antoine!

bAdmArk | badmarkAT NOSPAMgmail dot com

Comments are closed.