Buzzard swoops on HP scanner

A Hertfordshire-based reseller is demanding compensation from Hewlett Packard, after claiming to have experienced problems with the manufacturer's new colour flatbed scanner.

Mike Buzzard, MD of Ascent Computer Supplies, said the HP ScanJet 5100C has a number of faults and irregularities - faults that he claims have been acknowledged by HP's technical team - but so far HP has no plans to issue a formal customer warning.

Buzzard, who supplies small businesses with equipment and training, spent more than five hours, over a two-week period speaking to technical staff in the UK, Holland and the US. Another 10 hours were spent testing the equipment.

He said: 'I always personally test any new product before I deliver it to a customer. In this case, I found a number of defective features, including problems with installation protocol, the intelligent scanning technology and offsetting during printing.'

He also said that if the scanner is not switched on before Windows is running, the system will invariably crash. 'This is not detailed in any of the product literature. I'm now refusing to sell it,' he added.

Buzzard is demanding that HP pay for his expertise and reimburse him for time and expenses. He also suggested the vendor withdraw the product until the problems have been rectified.

Peter Urey, ScanJet UK product manager, said he was aware of Mr Buzzard's grievances but could not act until a certain number of complaints had been received. He also explained that it was normal for enquiries to be diverted to Europe when staff were absent in the UK.