HP: File>Exit, Start>Turn computer off (for good)

[joeekaitis]

First IBM, now Hewlett-Packard.

Scary thought: Packard Bell could rise again. ::shudder::

HP aims to exit the pc, tablet market

As it moves toward corporate software, it considers spinning off some operations.

www.latimes.com

 

[whirlcool]

Now there's a computer name I haven't heard of (or seen) in years! Packard Bell. They were ubiquitous all through the late 80's. You found them everywhere then all of a sudden without notice they were all gone. Crappy computers anyway. But I understood that they just dropped out of the US market and still made computers elsewhere.

IBM left because their computers became crappy. A friend had one of those IBM Aptivas that came with Windows 95. When he tried to upgrade it to Windows 98 it wouldn't work. He called IBM tech support and they told him it won't run Windows 98.
I liked IBM's early PC's, but starting with the PS/2, I thought they were crappy. Except for the ThinkPad notebook machines. Those were built like tanks!

I've always thought that configured properly an HP machine was as least the same as a Dell. But it is true that there really isn't any profit in personal computers anymore unless you are selling a room full of them to some corporation.

 

[thomasortega]

Not a surprise... i throwed my DV6270EU laptop through the window.
Note that I live on the 6th floor. Of course I checked if nobody was in the playground. I couldn't be more happy after seeing that crap breaking in dozens of parts and after that, I'll never buy or use another HP product (except the 12C calculator)

I also had a digital scanner, it was very expensive due to it's "interesting" design (only a translucid glass with a frame), but it never worked 100% ok. Gave it to my sister that hated it too.

 

[lordkenmore]

According to Wikipedia, Packard Bell still lives on. It's now owned by Acer. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Although, these days, I'm not sure what computer company might be good--I have heard complaints about every major company at some point in recent years. Only exception seems to be Apple--but they had problems with iBooks, and early MacBooks. Plus there appears to be a good number of people who despise the new version of OS X ("Lion"). Maybe it's time to just give up on this computer nonsense, and turn to the time-tested choice of the manual typewriter, slide rule, and index card file.

 

[lordkenmore]

I can't really speak much about HP, but I will say that I was a bit impressed by a neighbors HP Office Depot laptop special bought a year ago. It was under $400, but it does not appear to be a total piece of junk. I couldn't live with it as my computer--the screen has that wretched "let's make a mirror and wear your eyes out!" gloss, and the keyboard isn't very good and drives me crazy (I don't expect to equal my IBM M series, but I would want something good enough that I could take it places and dash off quick e-mail messages or something WITHOUT taking my IBM keyboard along). But for what my neighbor wanted, it has done well.

 

[cuffs054]

I am no where near you guys level of computer guru-dom but I'm going into year 4 of my Asus eeepc ($149.00 new)with Linex and I swear it's unbreakable. Not strong, not quick but never bothered by virus or other crap. Both my XP units are forever needing some sort of attention.

 

[whirlcool]

I think Dell makes the crappiest laptops. The computer inside is fine, but the case, keyboard and display hinges all have problems after a year.
I have seen keys popping off of keyboards, display hinges fail, and cases just split from only about a year of use. Dell please make a case worthy of what you put inside.
Back in the late 80's I figured out that it was too complex trying to chase what brand components mainstream computer companies were putting in their machines. So I started building my own computers from components I select. I usually end up with better performance at a cheaper price point than most computer companies can offer.

 

[runematic]

I like my HP desktop that I use here at the shop.  It's probably the best one I've owned.  It's quick, reliable, and does everyhting I ask of it.  It's on 24/7 and never gets shut off.  It replaced a 7 year old gateway desktop that also was reliable but liked to eat display boards. 

 

We've owned 3 packard bells & I really can't complain.  They were what we could afford at the time and served their purpose well.

 

I absolutely HATE AND I DO MEAN HHHHAAAAATTTTEEEEEEEE my Toshiba Satelite laptop.  It is without a doubt the biggest POS I have ever owned.  Within the first month the dvd player literally burned up (and it was only used 2 times!!!).  It always had problems loading in programs.  It has always been slow as molasses even though it was advertised as a desktop gaming replacement.  When typing, the cursor will suddenly move into the middle of the word you are typing or just stop and you'll have to type again.  Now the 17" screen is going out.  I only have half a picture left.  It was expensive and it hurt to buy it.  Now it hurts to own it.  I will say it again, I HATE IT!!!!!

 

[lordkenmore]

I have heard that one problem with modern computers from regular makers is that, in order to keep prices low, substandard components get selected. Things like power supplies that blow up one day after the warranty ends. That sort of thing.

I have considered trying to build my own computer. I'm sure I could do it, and it would have two huge benefits--I could select my own parts, and I could avoid buying a Windows license. Maybe I'll try building when upgrade time hits.

Although I unfortunately dream of a laptop next round, which doesn't work well with the "build it yourself" model.

 

[mrb627]

Right There

I am ready to drink the Apple Kool-Aid and become a mac convert. So sick of Windows and its issues.

Malcolm

 

[launderess]

Personal Computer Market Is Slowly Dying

At least as many of use know it.

So many things that once required a PC such as Interent browsing and so forth are now being done on smart phones and similar devices. Much of this is being driven by each new generation of tech savvy youngsters who just cannot imagine being tethered to a desk or even lap top these days.

 

[kimball455]

HP Computers

The current laptop is a triple core HP with Windows 7. Extremely happy with it. The desktop machines (2) I built. This forms my home network. I was surprised to see HP planning to leave the PC business. Wonder if they will continue making printers. Anyone remember RCA's Spectra 70 that competed with IBM's 360 computers? Yes, this is ancient history and definitely not desk top computing.
Harry

 

[appnut]

This was all very stunning and very upsetting to me. This hit very close to home and I had strong ties, but it wasn't with HP. HP had absorbed Compaq. I used to work with and for the people who started Compaq--they became arch competitors when they left where we all used to work to found and get Compaq going. It was sad when HP acquired Compaq. And now this, it's like a piece of me is dying. I know the sale to HP was an emotinnonal issue with the 3 founders, even though they had left Compaq several years before. And yes, who I used to work for was eventually acquired by Acer who still maintains a service and call center here in town (no it wasn't PB!!). I still have a friend or two (former coworkers) who still work there and at HP. I wonder if HP will keep some sort of large effort going on in Houston. It's quite a sprawling campus in NW Houston that was the envy of many people. To think, what eventually would become a part of HP, was just getting started behind closed doors 32 years ago. Now I feel old in a way.

 

[whirlcool]

The last time I flew over the old HP complex off of Cypresswood & 249 it was in sad shape. The parking lot was overgrown with weeds the entire place looked abandoned. There are chains over all the entrances. ExxonMobil was looking for a large place on the north side of town, I wonder why they didn't take an interest in it? Instead they are building their own on I-45 & where the Hardy Toll Road meet.

I always felt that since the entire campus is in a heavily wooded area you couldn't tell how big it was unless you flew over it. When you are flying from Hobby to Hooks inbound for runway 35L you fly right over the campus. And it's huge!