When I purchased an HP DV6000 laptop from the HP Web site, I also ordered an expansion base. Two were listed on the order page: an XB2000 and an XB3000. I opted for the cheaper XB2000. But when I tried it out, it would not work with the laptop. I eventually learned that the XB2000 is not compatible with the DV6000 laptop. I requested an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) from HP to return the product and buy the correct one. HP's response was, "We're sorry, but you're stuck with it because it has been more than 21 days"--the limit for product returns. All I want to do is to return the XB2000 and purchase the right item.

Marion Crawford, Sacramento, California

OYS Responds: Both expansion bases are on HP's Web site, an HP spokesperson says, but the product page for each one also lists the notebook models it supports. We recommend examining product pages carefully for issues such as this.

As a gesture of good faith, HP has agreed to exchange the XB2000 base for the XB3000 model. Crawford's experience points up another tip for technology purchases: Test the product in the ways you anticipate using it, as soon after receiving it as you can. Most companies impose a deadline on returns, so you need to know about any obvious problems quickly.

Staples vs. Staples

Reader Christopher Lewis recently wrote to alert us that after signing his company up for StaplesLink, a special site for companies having a contract with the office supply chain, he was dismayed to find much better prices for certain items on Staples.com's consumer site. For example, a Cruzer USB flash drive cost $100 more on StaplesLink. While the contract doesn't prevent Lewis from buying via Staples' main site, he dislikes having to check both to find the best deals.

Asked about these pricing anomalies, the company said Staples.com serves home offices and businesses with up to 20 employees, while StaplesLink is for larger corporate customers seeking the best prices on frequently ordered supplies. So laser printer toner refills, pens, and paper are likely to be cheaper on StaplesLink, while electronics and furniture might (at times) cost less on Staples.com. Also, the Cruzer cost more on StaplesLink because it was not covered by the reader's corporate contract.

After we contacted Staples, however, Lewis's account manager offered to match the lower price on the Cruzer.

More on ModusLink

Reader Ken Hunkin of Miniota, Manitoba, wrote to alert us that months after he applied for his Windows Vista upgrade from ModusLink--which contracted to handle Vista upgrade fulfillment for a number of vendors--he still had not received it. Worse yet, he'd been charged for shipping!

ModusLink, the subject of other reader complaints, told Hunkin that it had shipped his upgrade, but that the package was returned as undeliverable because he had put a post office box as the shipping address. Like many firms, ModusLink has a policy of not shipping to P.O. boxes.

A ModusLink rep told us the company relies on its customers to provide accurate shipping information, and said Hunkin had been charged for shipping because ModusLink had indeed attempted to ship Vista. After we contacted ModusLink, the company asked Hunkin for an alternate address and shipped him his upgrade.