Summary: To set the stage, I am a retired nuclear engineer. I have worked with computers for over 40 years, and personally hold several software and hardware patents. I think I have a pretty good understanding of electronics and electrical components - having built several computers myself.
I purchased an HP Spectre Ultrabook 15-4000t from HP.com, and received it on March 15th. On March 19th, as I was working with it, it emitted a small cloud of white smoke, and I received a wiff of that very identifiable smell - burning circuitry. I stopped what I was working on, saved my work and began to look for the problem. Everything was working just fine - keyboard, disk drive, display, etcetera, with one exception - the touch screen touch function no longer worked. OK, I said, let's send it back to HP for a repair - that kind of stuff happens. HP had the computer for three days, when they informed me that it was going to cost me $900 to repair and that the damage was accidental - the screen was cracked. First, there is no correlation between a screen being cracked, and the puff of smoke and the smell of burning circuitry. Second, I have a laptop I have traveled extensively worldwide with for more than three years - I AM VERY CAREFUL WITH MY LAPTOPS. Third, before I sent this laptop back to HP for repair, I looked it over carefully - there was no signs of visible damage. If there was a cracked screen, it was not visible to the eye. There was however, still a slight smell burnt solder resin. Fourth, if there was a cracked screen, it must have come that way, in which case, HP should repair it for no cost.
So far, the HP representatives I have talked with, have treated me like an idiot. It must have been my fault, I was informed, since the screen was cracked - normal wear and tear.
I intend to follow through on this until I am satisfied I am receiving the full story. Right now, my inclination is to say that you are taking a big risk purchasing an HP Spectre Ultrabook, as the product quality and service do not appear to be what HP claims they are.
I will post more when I find out more. But my anticipation is that given I shelled out $1600 for this laptop (with all the software on it, etc.), I may have to shell out another $900 to have it repaired. I already have too much sunk cost. If I do, you will learn about it here.
HP has
Updated on May 15, 2013
I received my new machine, and I've been working with it for about a month now. It is by far, the best new computer I have ever worked with, and I'm glad I took the time to work out my concerns with HP. After getting past the first layer of tech support, my experience was stellar - HP was responsive and helpful. Kudos to the Canadian support team! This is, a terrific machine.
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HP Spectre XT TouchSmart 15-4010nr Ultrabook 
