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Retailer Refuses Hardware Repair Due To Linux

Posted by kdawson on from the bad-hinge-driver dept.

Tikka writes "Today I visited PC World (London, UK) because my 5-month-old laptop has developed a manufacturing fault: the hinge to the display has started to crack the plastic casing. Anyone in the know will know that this is due to the joint inside, and it means that in time the screen will separate from the keyboard. Repair was refused, because I have Gentoo Linux on my laptop, replacing the Windows Vista that was pre-installed. PC World said that installing Linux had voided my warranty and there is nothing they will do for me. I spoke to a manager, who said that he has been told to refuse any repairs if the operating system has been changed. I feel this has really gone against my statutory rights and I will do everything I can to fight it. I will review comments for your advice."

4 of 1,018 comments (clear)

  1. subbie is foolin you folks by dAzED1 · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    there's got to be more of a story here.

    First, a broken hinge doesn't even need the system to be turned on to demonstrate. I'm betting the guy was just an ass to the customer service there, and broke the laptop himself. Look at the only details he gives:

    "...the hinge to the display has started to crack the plastic casing. Anyone in the know will know that this is due to the joint inside...

    What the fark is that supposed to mean? Sounds to me like you hit it on something, jerked it open too far, or such. Little light on the detail of what happened, but perfectly willing to name the store. There isn't even a link for a picture or such? Or maybe something simple like, I dunno, the type of laptop it was? And minor details like whether or not you, after taking it in, bothered to check the warranty for such a clause?

    That you don't mention these things is very damning. At least, to me it is...I'm sure plenty of people will lemming all over it though.

    Meh, whatever.

  2. Re:ahem.... are you sure? by mikiN · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    I am completely serious. This is totally plausible. So is this: The hinge has cracked because he had to open and close the lid of his laptop a bazillion times to check if that "emerge kde" he started a week ago had finally finished compiling. Obviously a case of wear and tear, not servicable under warranty.

    He did say he used Gentoo, so...

    <ducks/>
    --
    The Hacker's Guide To The Kernel: Don't panic()!
  3. Re:ahem.... are you sure? by ImTheDarkcyde · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    while you're at it, send the author some email too, here's a template:

    "Dear 'author,' Please learn to read your warantees in the future.

    Sincerely, 'your name'"

    How does that sound?

  4. Re:Small claims procedure by fafaforza · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Protections like what? Spilling water on your laptop like a clutz? Not having a receipt or even a credit card statement proving your purchase? I'd hope these "protections" wouldn't be available in the US.