HP's dodgy scanner warranties (HP Scanjet 3300C)

Member Name: tush

Product:	HP Scanjet 3300C
Date:	15/06/01 (341 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Helpful technical support who rang back when we got cut off

Disadvantages: came as part of a computer package, difficult to trace source of support, originally supplied without power cable, USB lead or software!, helpline not lo-call rate

As a completely novice scanner-owner I was initially unsure whether my first attempts at scanning and printing excellent quality photos came out so badly because of me, or my NEW equipment. However, after several attempts at improving the focus, brightness etc using various software programs I concluded that my Scanjet 3300C wasn't working properly. I then spent over an hour on the phone with a very courteous HP technician fiddling with my computer setup, internet downloads(to add files and improve the OCR (optical character recognition for text editing))and other 'tweaks' only to be told that he thought I needed a replacement scanner. He then warned me that HP's warranties for scanners do not offer replacement with a NEW scanner, only a re-manufactured one!I am astonished and not at all impressed by this. Are other owners aware of this? Maybe this will affect your decision to purchase an HP scanner in future? I don't know whether this mean-mindedness extends to their other products but was told that it certainly does to 'home use' and 'semi-professional' scanners.

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