I have used HP Printers for many, many years and although I have had minor problems they have always been resolved with a quick phone call. Their latest printer, the Smart Tank is an excellent printer.
However, as far as their laptops and desktops are concerned I would agree that HP is the worse.
I have bought two laptops and the first had to be returned twice and the second 4 time with the same problem, the hinges kept breaking. Because of this the screen gave up the ghost but HP refused to accept responsibility for this and told me it would cost £320.00 for them to repair it. I got the screen repaired by my computer shop for £92.00. The laptop only cost me £340.00 so HP wanted me to pay only £20 less than the price the new laptop. They refused to replace or refund my money even though the laptop was still under warranty but when I threatened to contact the computer magazines and tell them how I had been treated they gave me a refund.
The desktop has also had several problems.
Basically I will always recommend their printers but I would never recommend any of their other devices.