By definition a reputable company refunds refunds your money if you're unhappy about a transaction that took place seconds before. But by a sleight of hand an HP support person took the money and ran. "My supervisor is busy."

He kept mumbling about My Friend Support and Extended Warranty Support and what the difference was in terms of software and hardware phone help until my eyes got heavy. So in exasperation I just gave up and gave him my card number.

Now I'm minus 100 dollars, two hours of time, and problem still not resolved. I am a little surprised at this -- Maybe I'm naive but most companies I deal with have longer term views about customer relations.