Stealing from my laptop

supreme

I think this is the best place to post this... I got a laptop from Play.com but after a few days it's developed a few faults I thought I could live with until last week. Play.com are going to collect the faulty one tomorrow and then sort me out with a replacement. I was just thinking though, what would happen if someone were to swap a RAM chip or the battery with another? Not saying I'm going to do it, but the thought did cross my mind for a brief second. I'm merely curious as to what would happen from there. I'm not going to do it because I don't want to do anything that might cause a delay in me getting my replacement.

[Deleted User]

supreme wrote: »

swap a RAM chip

Nothing. When you turn your laptop off the RAM is emptied.

supreme wrote: »

or the battery with another?

The laptop battery? You might get a battery which could run for less time not plugged into the mains dependent on it's age / use. The CMOS battery? The PC clock would lose the correct time

I'd be most worried about whatever was saved on your hard drive, C: drive, etc.

Back up all personal files and delete anything you don't want anyone else seeing.

supreme

No, I'm talking about removing items from the laptop before it is returned to Play.com, the seller.

[Deleted User]

supreme wrote: »

No, I'm talking about removing items from the laptop before it is returned to Play.com, the seller.

I'm sure this would be breaching some T&Cs somewhere. How can they fix your laptop if you remove the RAM / battery etc?

If you were bothered, I don't think you should be, then how about just noting down the serial numbers of the parts?

If you didn't fancy taking the laptop apart, then the next best thing would be to download something like CPU-Z and note down the part details:

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

TighterThanTwoCoatsOfPain

lol... jeez. Breaching some T&Cs?? Its out and out stealing! Are you not reading his post fully??

[Deleted User]

TighterThanTwoCoatsOfPain wrote: »

lol... jeez. Breaching some T&Cs?? Its out and out stealing! Are you not reading his post fully??

Fair point. I read it as my laptop is broke, I'm sending it back for them to fix it, then they'll deliver it back fixed.

CHR15

You mean nick all the removable parts before sending it back??

They will simply replace everything you have taken and give it back with a smile??

That aint gonna happen.

coffee_prince

Depends. Play may have a contract which means their supplier will fix it and probably resell it. In this case they will do a full check to see if all the parts read right (this is very simple) and will catch you out.

The_FD

I'm amazed the thought even crossed your mind. What if you broke into your neighbours house and just stole everything.......is that ok?

Get a grip....stealing is just that, it doesn't matter what form it takes!

Strider590

Come on, whatever happened to honesty and fair play? what on earth is wrong with you people?
And if someone did that across me, they'd have the police knocking on their door.

johnmc

It's simple. If Play.com get the laptop back and find that, for arguments sake, a memory dimm is missing they will simply say that it's your fault.

This will clearly invalidate the warranty. If they have sent you a replacement laptop then they will send you a bill. Or "The Bill".