HP's Sterling Reputation (not)

[HawkeIe]

In the past week I have had the most horrendous experiences with HP support.  When I tried, with two consecutive reps., to get this 6500 to act properly under wireless ops., both tried to just get rid of me instead of helping me out.  I got the sense that when I began my call the rep. punched the start button like in speed chess.  Once I took too long as far as they were conserved they tried to dump me off to another area who then told me my warranty had expired when, in fact, it had not.  Arguing with her was fruitless.  Now you folks should understand I have had two HP 3 Laser Jets, an Officejet 6200 which broke just after the warranty and then the present Officiate 6500 wireless all in one, which ought to be renamed all in none.  OK, now I went to upgrade my software it proceeded to 97% then just stopped with an "Error 500, Illegal Port Command."  What?  The bottom line is this.  I have become jaded when it comes to my impression with HP.  Something has changed drastically for the worst where profitability is Numero 1 and the customer can just flake off.  It was not too long ago that it was exactly the opposite.  These boots are now walking to my backup printer, my Epson Stylus Photo 1280.  This **bleep** thing was always my premier printer when it came to photos but it looks like I will be stocking up on black ink.  I wish I could balance this opine with something positive but I just cannot think of anything.  I would sure like to know if I am an isolated individual or a member of a growing community.  But it really does not matter, the 6500 is going on the blocks and I will use an old Dell as my backup (just in case).