popsrocks's Full Review: Hewlett Packard Scanjet 3500 Flatbed Scanner
I have never written a review on any computer product. I am very far from being an expert. In fact, I would be considered more a novice. In this case I am writing more on my experience of a recently purchased scanner, my conversations with tech support, and the final outcome.
About five days ago I purchased the Hewlett Packard 3500c scanner. I do own an HP Deskjet 722c printer that has served me and the family well. It has been a workhorse for my household of eight that use it constantly for school reports, research facts, Epinions printouts, directions, etc.
Aside from knowing the HP name I must admit I went in totally blind for the purchase. It was on impulse to a sudden need to have something scanned. I was going to a nearby Staples store for the scanner service but drove on by to a computer store and made my purchase based on price, info on the box, and what was in stock. Sorry to say I didn't even read Epinions reviews.
The information on the box told me that with this digital flatbed scanner I could scan, copy, and email using three one touch buttons. It also has as the box says crisp and vibrant scans with up to 1200-dpi and 48-bit color. It is supposed to preview scans in about ten seconds. It is a USB interface and has a twenty four hour web support. This seemed to be all I would need.
After returning home, opening the box, reading the instructions, and installing the software I thought I was ready to work. I was very wrong. Following all the prompts, and reading on my screen that the scanner was installed, I put in a magazine cover for a test scan. I followed the directions, hit the scan buttons and ...........nothing.
I did all the checks and double checks of what I had done in the installation and scanning process. After not getting any results I called the HP support service. They picked up right away and soon had a tech guy talking to me. This is not a toll free call. It is a (208) area code that is in Idaho somewhere. I live in NY. That call in turn is transfered to another number in Ontario. You get ninety days free, except for your telephone charges to Idaho, telephone tech support.
We talked about what was happening, he put me through some moves on the computer, and after about ten minutes on the line he told me I probably had a corrupt disc. Unlike my usual impulse to just pack things up and get another unit I agreed to wait about three days for him to send me a new installation CD.
Yesterday, Tuesday, I received it in the mail. Pretty prompt. I put it in, followed the directions, and once again nothing. I then called my tech support friends in Ontario. Again they were quick to the phone. We opened, uninstalled, shut down, started up, installed, shut down, started up, did some trouble shooting, shut down, pulled plugs, restarted, etc., etc. After about twenty five minutes of using my quarters he told me he could do no more. The product doesn't work. So I ask, "Is it a bad scanner?" He says "Maybe, but that is rare." I ask "Is it another bad disc?" He says "Well,I see these things happen everyday?" "And" I ask. "Well," he says again, "do you understand what I am telling you?" Hey, I'm thinking to myself, I'm usually fairly quick and have my eyes open. Is he telling me this product is no good? Then he says, "I can tell you two things, but one I am not allowed to say". I say "What can you say?" "I can send you another disc" He answers.
OK, I think, that's all he can say, so let me ask him a few questions. I asked him if I purchased another one of the same unit does he think it will work. His answer is not a yes or no, just a very vague almost shrugging of the shoulders response. I then ask if I purchased another brand would it work? I got dead air. Then I asked if I purchased a different HP model does he think it will work for me. He then goes on to enthusiastically say the 2200, 4400, 4470, and the 5400 should all work well. My friend in Ontario then abruptly ends the call with a "Is there anything else I can help you with today, OK goodbye, and thank you for using Hewlett Packard"
To tell you the truth I was, and still am, a bit disconcerted by the conversation. I suppose I would have to rate it as "somewhat helpful"
So that's it. Nothing else much to say. I will return this scanner tomorrow and then make a decision on another one. I started reading some Epinions tonight. Funny thing, many other HP scanners have been reviewed, but not one word on the HP3500c.
I hope to give a positive review on a different scanner in the near future.
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