Netbook return rights?

jldzt

Hi All!

I bought a Samsung N130 netbook from Argos on 8/7/10, so it's only about 8 months old, and all the lettering is disappearing from the keyboard, some have gone completely whereas others are just starting to wear away. Obviously, I consider this to be a poor quality issue as without the lettering I can't type anything, and the machine becomes useless!

I am on a teaching support course so use the netbook each evening to type up my notes for the day, and submit them via email along with coursework and assignements.

I tried to return the item today, only to be given the standard "company policy" of sending it away for repair - I requested a replacement item on the basis that it would cause me "significant inconvenience" to be without it for several weeks, but was flatly refused.

I've now been on the phone to head office only to be quoted "company policy" again, so hit a brick wall, and put my thoughts in writing to them with the subtle threat of taking it further if it wasn;t resolved.

Big question is.....do I have to accept a "send away" repair? I've offered to accept an "on site" repair so that I'm not without the machine, or to have it sent off if they could provide a substitute machine while it was away, either of which wouldn't leave me stranded without my netbook.

I just want to check what my rights are as far as demanding a replacement under the "significant inconvenience" clause.

nomoneytoday

The letters don't change place - a qwerty keyboard will still work without the transfers..

neilmcl

I'd doubt most computer literate consumers can blindly touch type. The lettering on a keyboard is an integral part of any laptop and as such this would be classed as a fault.

jldzt

neilmcl wrote: »

I'd doubt most computer literate consumers can blindly touch type. The lettering on a keyboard is an integral part of any laptop and as such this would class as a fault.

My point exactly - I'm not a trained typist so rely on the keys! I don't think there's any dispute over whether it's classed as a fault as such, however, am I within my rights to decline a repair on the basis of "significant inconvenience" and insist on a replacement?

Argos are alledgedly quoting their "legal department", but I get the feeling that's just a ploy to deter people from standing their ground?

CoolHotCold

Pretty much No,
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1979/54/section/48B
Although it does state it must not cause significant inconvenience, its hard to prove that it would cause an disproportionally insignificance to yourself and Argos can go down the route of disputing it's a fault and say "Wear and Tear" or "Cosmetic" damage, which will leave you having to get a independent report done.

bris

They do have the right to have the item checked and if found to be faulty, repaired, replaced or refunded, they are allowed to deduct a portion of the refund from the use you have had out of it, but that is another can of worms. The law doesn't give a clear definition of the timescale allowed but a rough guide is around 30 days.
You could try google to see if it is a common fault on this netbook to give you a stronger case.

Esqui

Samsung are pretty quick at repairs (last time I sent a netbook to them anyway). Should be around about a week without it. Although if they don't, you can buy some cheap keyboard letter stickers.

Though people pay good money for keyboards without letters: http://store.daskeyboard.com/Das-Keyboard-Ultimate-Model-S/dp/B003F7WXTG