Although I love using
my HP Jornada, the support for this Pocket PC is not as widespread as for
Palm and other PDAs. That is unfortunate because the printer (and now PC)
company makes quality products. Few of the PDA products are supported by
major office supply chains or c omputer stores.
That lack of availability has caused several difficult times when I
have lost a stylus or needed a replacement cradle. I have found that shopping
at HP.com is the only way to get accessories for my PDA. Luckily for me,
the store is comprehensive and responsive.
Another Store With Multiple Redirects
Like Dell, Microsoft and others, HP is now pointing visitors to its various
domain names to the main HP.com site. The site functions as a supersite
for the entire product line. In addition to accessories, visitors can download
drivers, free add-ons and research all things HP.
Entering HP's former business address (bstore.hp.com) or any of the
former addresses lead to a well designed main page. Shoppers can find
product support or go straight to product selection. But even when browsing
through the products, there are plenty of resources and helpful information.
With HP's acquisition of Compaq, the company now has two handheld products:
the iPaq and the Jornada, with each having a wide variety of accessories
available to shoppers.
As with any good shopping site, the HP site delivers large pictures,
detailed specifications and the ability to compare products. You will
also find the most comprehensive selection for these units here. For example,
when I was recently shopping for a replacement cover for my Jornada after
dropping it one too many times, there were multiple faceplates to choose
from and an even wider variety of cases and other protective accessories.
The only caution I would share with shoppers is to watch prices. Although
many of the products and accessories are not available in traditional
electronics and office supply stores, you should check first. Chances
are good that if someone else is carrying the product that you may find
a lower price. That was my experience when I started looking beyond the
basics such as a new stylus pack or case.
Online Shopping Doesn't Get Easier
The checkout process is easy to complete and supplies shoppers with all
the appropriate privacy and opt-out notices. I received an immediate confirmation
notice via email and a second notice when my order shipped. The second confirmation
comes in HTML format with what is now industry-standard information: links
to tracking numbers, order numbers and a printable receipt. There were also
links to complete a basic survey - a little silly since the product had
not yet arrived, but understandable since the company undoubtedly wants
to minimize outgoing email to customers.
Wonder of wonders, the thing that impressed me the most was a telephone
number that rang to a live human being if any problems developed during
the order.
Shipping costs were reasonable, and after placing several orders at
the site over the past year, I've noticed that various shipping options
are often on sale. Like other shipping discounts, these savings are usually
designed for higher priced items, but it doesn't hurt to poke around the
site and see what is available.
In every situation, my order arrived exactly when promised, and in one
case, a day earlier. My latest order was made late on a Wednesday night.
The order was confirmed Thursday, shipped Friday and arrived Monday. I
certainly can't complain about delays.
The company has also gotten smarter about its shipping and sends products
well packaged in a generic series of boxes. It is not unusual to receive
a large box for a small item, but I do not mind the volume since the orders
are well packed and I don't seem to be paying extra. The box is a mobile
ad for the site with hpshopping.com emblazoned in two inch high letters
on each side. Inside is a packing slip with receipt information. For those
of us who still manage to lose every piece of paper sent to us, you can
also return to the site and reprint any of the order information for at
least a month.
The Bottom Line, Clicks and All
I own two major HP peripherals for my main PC and the Jornada. While I'm
not especially pleased with the accessory prices for those items, I can't
argue that HP.com and its sister sites makes it easy to order product and
delivers it flawlessly each time.
Five Things To Remember From This Review
1. Don't be confused by the various domain names. Many companies, even those
who don't have web based businesses automatically redirect common names
and derivatives to their main site. Don't believe me? Type eopinions.com
into your browser and see where you end up.
2. Prices are list with little discounting. Check your favorite alternative
stores before going straight to the manufacturer.
3. The company provides a call center option - even for shoppers who have
already purchased - a major service benefit.
4. You can do more at the site than shop. There's a lot of useful product
information there, but remember that it's biased towards HP and Compaq products.
5. Shipping is reasonably priced and very fast.
