Joseph Gatt writes:

'On July 14, 2005, I bought an HP Photosmart M307 camera from Scan Computers in Iklin for €144.42. Within a year the camera developed a fault.

"Since it was covered by a one-year guarantee, I took it back to the shop. I was told by the salesman that the camera had to be sent to HP in Malta for repair. After a short while, I was informed by Scan Computers that the camera could not be repaired and therefore was replaced with a new one. When I collected it, I was told it was covered by a six-month guarantee.

'Just after the six-month guarantee expired, the camera developed another fault. I called the HP office in Msida, and since I was unsatisfied with the performance of the camera, I asked whether I could exchange it with another one and pay the difference. This was refused.

'Within a couple of months the camera stopped functioning. I went to the HP office once again and after it was examined by a representative, I was informed it was irreparable and nothing could be done.

'Last December I took it to Camera Clinic in San Ġwann and within a week it was fully repaired for €23. Since then it has functioned well.

I was upset when two HP cameras did not even last a year when I have 30- and 40-year-old cameras that function.

'What upset me most was that HP in Malta - Systec Ltd, of Regional Centre, Level 1, Achille Ferris Street, Msida - took the unprofessional decision that the camera could not be repaired. HP representatives in Malta need to treat customers better and act more professionally.'

We sent a copy of Mr Gatt's letter to Systec Ltd last May, asking for their comments, to no avail. We sent another copy in June, but there has been no feedback. In such a situation we have to feature the case.