EDIT: I got a phone call from a nice gentleman at the corporate offices who refunded $150, so I only ended up paying $150.  That was nice of him, but I’m still not happy that I had to pay for a part that even he admitted they knew was faulty.
Dear Leo Apotheker and Hewlett Packard,
I don’t know how much you know about the impact Social Media has on a company, but I work in SEO/Internet Marketing/Social Media, and I DO know the impact.  I want to let you know that you can be sure that I’ve already let all my Twitter and blog followers know about my experience with HP.  Many have replied to me with their own negative experiences with HP.  I’ll also be letting all of the related forums I find know what has happened.  Read on:
I purchased an HP desktop in February 2009.  After about 9 months, the hard drive failed.  Luckily, it was still under warranty.  Unfortunately, all of my data was lost.  My fault for not backing it up. So I got my new hard drive and everything was great.  A few days ago, my second hard drive has failed. The one that was given to me by HP as a replacement.  Only this time, it wasn’t under warranty.  I treat my computers well.  I keep them clean.  I make sure they’re properly ventilated.  I do not download crap onto them. I do not leave them on for extended periods of time. I’m very very protective of my belongings, particularly belongings that cost me over $1000.  This time, I had to pay $300 for a new drive to be shipped to me from HP.
Really? $300 for YOUR product that FAILED?
TWICE this has happened with the SAME part.  And guess what replacement they’re sending me?  Yeah, the SAME (obviously faulty) hard drive model.
I’ve checked around on the forums and I see that I’m not the ONLY one with this issue.
I’m very insulted with this situation.  I will not be buying any more HP products.
Signed,
Garrett Mickley
garrettmickley@gmail.com