Dell laptop on fritz - less than two years old

[PipinHull]

My laptop has stopped working - at first I thought it might be a virus but I've had a friend who runs a computer repair business look at it, and unfortunately the screen has gone and cannot be repaired. I paid just over £800 for this laptop in August 2008. I know Dell only give a one year warranty but I feel it's not unreasonable to expect such an expensive item to last at least two years before it completely breaks. If I get no joy from Dell, is there any area of consumer law that gives specific guidance on this? I get the feeling that I will have a fight on my hands.

Thanks
P

[babyk]

i thought mine had a virus n the screen wouldnt come on i took it to the shop n he pressed a button n it came on he cudnt tell me which button it was he didnt speak much english but he kept saying some thing bout save or safe mode after i brought it back when i put it on it does look like a blank screen but i always give mine 5 mins n then it normaly cums on if that doesnt work for u i dont have any more suggestions sorry the only thing i can say with mine is its slow n u need patience.

[maclarencat]

Yes An item must be fit for purpose and there is legislation covering the time you can reasonably expect an item to last. Check out the citizens advice page. My daughter had a fridge freezer that packed up after 2 years. It had cosy £900 we discovered that although a years guarantee was given consumer law says it should last longer cant remember the exact time. She took them (Currys) to the small claims and they settled out of court the week before the case was due to be heard. Hope you are successful