Laptop access panel stuck - Comet being difficult

ComplexP

Hello

I originally posted this into the technical area but I'm interested in knowing where I stand on this issue from a legal perspective.

I recently bought a budget emachines laptop (D620) from Comet on the understanding that I could upgrade its ram (which it needs). Installing the ram is an easy procedure and the laptop has a user access panel to provide access to the memory module.

Only problem is, it's stuck, either through a poor design or because of some internal catches that I dont know about (I have obviously removed the screws and have performed the same procedure on other laptops before). The documentation provides no instruction on the procedure to release the panel so I went online and found several people with the same problem. Basically it seems that it's just very tight and with enough force will pop off.

That sounds risky as I've already slightly warped the plastic with a marginal amount of force and dont want to risk breaking it.

I've asked emachines to explain the release procedure but was told by the indian call centre that they didn't have one in front of them so I'd have to contact the store I bought it from.

I then contacted Comet who said that they 'don't support' removal of that panel and any attempt to do so would invalidate the warrenty!

I'm not asking them to support it and I dont care about their worthless warrenty, I simply want information about one of their laptop's functions that is glaringly missing from the documentation.

Can I insist that they demonstrate that this panel can be safely released? It's a standard function of the laptop, just like opening the DVD drive. If it cannot be released without damaging the laptop then emachines' claim of it being upgradeable to 2GB ram is clearly false.

Am I to simply accept that any laptop bought from Comet is not allowed to have it's ram increased? What right do they have to tell me that?

All opinions welcome.

ComplexP

reuben23 wrote: »

IMO I thought that changing/adding ram is required to be carried out by a technician? possibly why it is left out of consumer instruction. Would imagine you need to take it to a store to have the change carried by an approved repairer to avoid invalidating any warranties, Comet have 'Comet on call' they may do it free if they feel they have mis-sold the item.

No, ram upgrades do not need to be carried out by a trained technician any more than changing a lightbulb needs to be done by an trained electrician.

Comet don't do memory upgrades for some reason, only actual repairs. Their on-call team said they could take the machine away for testing at a cost of £60. Pff.