>What are the disadvantages of the F&P?

Don't know that there are any.

>After being scared about the lousy quality
>of Japanese brands and Korean brands, I almost
>bought a Fisher & Paykel washing machine from
>local Havey Norman shop last year. Somehow the
>sales person mentioned that it is a bit fragile
...
> Generally speaking I think the European brands of
>home appliances are much more reliable. Philips may
>be an exception. My DVD player and TV are from
>Philips but they are not up to its European quality.

I wouldn't bet on it. The appliances made in the UK certainly seem to be
built to fail in a specific time, and the repair cost makes it more
economical to buy a new one. Every so often the watchdog program on TV has a
major go at the manufacturers over a specific problem with a model where
they are obviously attempting to cut costs and introduced a problem by doing
so.

The German originated appliances do seem to be better regarded in this area
though, and I would put F&P in the same league as the best European
manufacturers.

I have never been specially impressed with Philips consumer items or test
equipment. Individual components seem to be excellent quality, although
there is some talk in local electronics press of the possibility of Philips
selling off this business.

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