DEAR SUN SPOTS: In the past you have been a great help in giving information to the public, and I thank you for that. I have three issues that I would like to address, and I hope that you can help me.

On Nov. 5, 2006, I purchased from Office Max an HP Pavilion dv6000 laptop, included was an HP All-In-One Printer and a digital camera. I purchased it as a package. At the time of purchase I also included the three-year warranty. That was a wise choice. Now the three years are up, and the company does not nor will it allow any extended warranties. They did not tell me why; they only said they do not. I would appreciate it if you can get any insight on why they refuse to do so.

Next, I would like to know how to get hold of Kelly Ripa of “Live with Regis and Kelly.” (In the past, I asked for Kelly’s address. I was gone out of town for several weeks and was not aware if you answered my request therefore that is why I’m asking again.)

My last issue is an e-mail I was sent concerning cell phones. Could you verify this? It states “Cell Phones Go Public Next Month.” All cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies, and you will start to receive sales calls. You will be charged for these calls. Even if the messages are saved on your phone, you will be charged for the minutes. To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone, 888-382-1222. This is the national Do Not Call list. It blocks your number for five years. You cannot call from a different phone number. Should this be the case, Sun Spots, please help others by passing this on to all your readers. Thank you. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots is going to address your last question about the e-mail rumor about cell phones first. It is not true. I repeat, nothing in this e-mail is true.

Referring to www.snopes.com, which is an excellent resource for debunking urban myths, as well as the FCC and news Web sites, Sun Spots learned more about plans for and rules on cell phone listings.

There has been discussion among cell phone companies about creating a 411 service for cell phones. Many people have moved to wireless phones for their primary phone number, which makes them difficult to reach if you don’t already have the number. However, the plan for these directories is strictly be opt-in (you would have to request to have your number included), and those who took no action would not be included.

As for telemarketers, they will not have access to the directories. Most marketers use auto-dialers (computers that dial the number for the operators, which is why there is a gap between when you answer and the person starts talking), and it is illegal for marketers using these dialers to call cell phone numbers.

Although these panic-inducing e-mails have been circulating for a while, there has been little action on the 411 directories, and some states have passed laws requiring the consent of subscribers before including their cell phone numbers.

As for the Do Not Call list, you can register your cell phone as added protection, but there is no deadline on doing so. You can register any time you like.

There is one small exception to telemarketers calling cell phones, which Sun Spots has experienced herself. If you transfer your home phone number to your cell phone, it will remain in databases for a while. But Sun Spots found that after telling callers that they were dialing a cell phone, they quickly removed our number.

As for your other questions, Sun Spots surmises that HP does not want to extend your warranty because it is not cost effective for them. As previously noted in this column, modern electronics are not made to last beyond three to five years. For equipment older than three years, the risk of the cost of repairs exceeding the revenue generated by warranties is too high for HP, or any other company that offers warranties, to make a profit.

You can write to Kelly Ripa, c/o Stan Rosenfield and Associates, 2029 Century Park East, Suite 1190, Los Angeles, CA 90067.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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