HP Fortis Notebook Battery Update

Some guardians may remember from last year that we had experienced issues with the HP fortis notebook battery. From working with HP through 2023, they have advised that education is different to other markets. All vendors (HP, Dell, Microsoft, etc) are all experimenting with their lithium batteries for longevity. HP like other vendors have removed 20% of their battery life to the end user so it can be used to provide longevity. The reason behind this is most users leave their notebooks on charge on a desk which therefore damages lithium batteries. This was evident during covid while a lot of people worked from home.

From working with HP and their R&D team from USA, they have found from our data that our student notebook batteries are being used correctly and therefore don’t need the 20% battery life taken away. This is due to our school policy that stipulates students cannot charge at School. HP have therefore released a beta software update at the start of 2024 for us to try on some student notebooks which returns the missing 20% battery life. Once they have some data and finish their testing, they will release this update as a production version. We have been testing with several students and have found this has improved their battery experience with the HP fortis notebook.

Unfortunately, this beta software is very difficult to roll out in mass production and the IT team has been experimenting with different methods. From the current tests going on, I’m hoping for a solution very soon so this software update can make it out to all student fortis notebooks.

This has been a long journey to get to this point and I want to thank everyone for their patience.

Notebook ADP vs Warranty vs Intentional Damage

For those who are not aware or have forgotten, our Shalom HP student notebooks are all purchased with ADP (Accidental Damage Protection). ADP allows us to repair up to three notebook parts per calendar year with a processing fee of $60.50 each time a claim is logged.

The warranty allows us to claim manufacture faults on a device. There are no fees associated with a warranty claim.

Accidental Damage Protection avoids excessive out-of-pocket repair or replacement costs caused by accidents such as some drops, spills or electrical surges. HP provides the final decision on whether a device will fall under ADP or not. HP has strongly reminded us that intentional damage does not fall under ADP and therefore will incur the full cost of repair.

Intentional damage is when a student has intentionally or recklessly destroyed or damaged the shalom notebook. HP does not cover intentional damage under ADP and therefore the families will have to pay for the cost of parts and labour. A great example is keys falling off a keyboard. Keys don’t just fall off and the common cause of this is students picking at the keys. A keyboard replacement is over $250.

We always do everything in our power to get the best outcome for Shalom families, however, please understand that whether it’s HP or another brand, the vendor will have the final decision on whether the issue is warranty or ADP. As mentioned in the ICT agreement signed at the start of each year by all guardians, it is up to the school’s discretion as to what repairs need to be performed. This is a good timely reminder to talk with your child/ren about looking after the College notebook as if they transfer to another school, we must pass this notebook onto another student that enrolls at Shalom.

Mr Matthew Mills
Information Technology Manager
millsm@shalomcollege.com