Compaq 1200 presario laptop - 2 years old - power supply broken - unable to locatate desktop charger

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on July 13, 2002:

From:

RE: Compaq 1200 presario laptop - 2 years old - power supply broken - unable to locatate desktop charger

Complaint on Compac computer co. I have a compac 1200 presario laptop, it is about 2 years old. The electrical connection inside broke off, and that is what runs the electrical, and charges the battery. I have tried unsuccesfully to obtain a "stand alone" desk charger to take the battery out and charge it outside the computer and then can use the unit. I ordered a new battery and what I was told (by sales at compac) was a desktop charger for it. It came, and I immediately recognized they had just sent another ac charger like the one I already had. They did not send me a desktop charger. I spent two weeks, calling and emailing compac, and all the tech-type stores trying to find a desktop charger. This was just after the Memorial day weekend. Apparently they do not exist. I then called Compac after the holiday, and tried to return the new battery and charger-still in the packaging unopened, and they refused to take it back. They said I had exceed the 14 day return policy. I was angry because I didn't get what I thought I had ordered. That clerk was very rude, wouldn't let me talk to a supervisor, or give me a number for complaints. She gave me a bogus phone number when I insisted. This problem with the electrical connection was a common problem with that series of compac presario units, many other people have tried to find a desktop charger. I feel Compac should at least have taken that battery and a/c charger back. That was an expense of around $200 They won't even return my emails to customer service. Plus I still can't use the computer! Beware of Compac!