Dell Studio 1557

colpip

I purchased a Dell Studio 1557 laptop in November 2009 for approx £800 from the Dell Online Store. After the 12 months guarantee ran out, the laptop started to experience problems like the laptop freezing. These problems have got worse and now it seriously overheats, to the extent that you cannot use it as a 'laptop' on your lap as it is too hot! The machine is now unusable as it keeps locking up, gets very hot and the fan is constantly on trying to cool it. In my research on the internet and visiting many forums, it is obvious that this model has some kind of design flaw as there are many people experiencing exactly the same problems. The fact that it worked initially might indicate that the fan is marginal and as it gets normal dust in it, its cooling efficiency is not good enough. I have not taken the back off to investigate, as I do not want to let Dell use this as an excuse to refuse support.

Please could someone tell me exactly what are my rights as it is outside the warranty period. This machine was obviously not fit for purpose in the first place if it only works for just over 12 months. Surely, there are some consumer rights to expect a laptop to last more than 12 months, and where a manufacturer has sold something that has not been designed correctly, especially as the heat it generates constitutes a potential fire hazard.

I would appreciate any help/advice people can offer. Thank you.