Tiny Laptop Computer - paid 2000 Pounds - within 6 months notices cracks on screen - purchased extended warranty but Tiny isn't giving any help

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on October 11, 2002:

From:

RE: Tiny Laptop Computer - paid 2000 Pounds - within 6 months notices cracks on screen - purchased extended warranty but Tiny isn't giving any help

Dear Complaints.Com, I purchased Tiny's top of the range laptop just over 2 years ago. After a lot of research and shopping around I fiugured I had got the best value for money. I didn't opt for the extended warranty on purchase as I was spending 2000 pounds anyway.

Within 6 months I noticed cracks in the screen casing adjacent to the hinges. My initial thougts were that I had dropped it but realised that this wasn't so. I take great care of the computer. I then noticed opening and closing the lid that they were tensional cracks formed by pressure release taken up in the casing due to stiff hinges.

When closing the lid the cracks closed and when opening the lid, putting the casing in tension, the cracks opened. I called Tiny about this and they arranged a pick up. I waited in all day and come 3 pm no-one had arrived to take the computer. I called Tiny, at 3 different phone numbers, and could not get any sensible news as to the status of my pick up.

Eventually an operator explained that according to his screen the pick up had been cancelled due to the fact that the damage was not covered under warranty. I questioned this and he said that the warranty did not cover the laptop being dropped. I asked him to explain to me how they could have come to that conclusion when the item was at my house and they hadn't even inspected it. He said he could understand why I may be cross.

Eventually the laptop was picked up but now was not able to be returned in time for me leaving to work abroad for a month. I was left appalled by the level of poor service extended with the normal warranty. I even asked for my money back and offered to send the computer and all other items back to them. The laptop eventually arrived at my house. The manufacturers had replaced the lid but looking at it the hinge was still very stiff. I was just glad to get the computer back after such a drama. on the 14th month the lid again showed signs of cracking. Now nearly 2 years after purchase I see that the other hinge is displaying the same fault. I have put Duck Tape on it to stop propagation of cracks. When selecting the laptop I never once considered case quality. This was an error, however, despite the expiry of the warranty my question is this: What rights do consumers have when an item displays repeated design faults that manifest throughout and then after the warranty period? Could it not be argued that the customers rights should be extended when a fault proves repetitive and infers design inadequacies.

I had 3 pairs of Oakley sunglasses break in exactly the same place as a result ofnormal use. This was due to a design fault. Oakley being a professional company replaced the goods without quibble despite being outside the 1 year warranty on two occasions. I have surfed a few consumer websites but do not know where to begin to look. Any feedback to Email User Pablo Sayer