Compaq laptop

Sncjw

I bought a compaq laptop 6 years ago and was wondering if I could get something in form of compensation or something . Probably not but worth asking here.

My laptop likes to over heat to the point where it shuts down itself. I've taken it to a local computer shop which is reputable. They have said it's the chip board that's he problem and can't be fixed . On the slip given to me on collection it says this model has a common issue of overheating.

Now my mother has the same laptop model and we bought it at the same time but hers could be fixed in the form of a new fan. Now the computer shop said it's not a fan issue it's the chip board. Because it overheats to the degree I can't even load he start up screen could I seek some money back or replacement.

Fosterdog

When exactly did you buy it? If it was more than six years you are out of time to claim anything, if it was less than six years then you may still be in time for a claim.

However Compaq are very cheap and basic laptops, they are the budget brand of HP. Personally the way technology is moving forward I would only expect a £1000+ laptop to last six year or more and anything sub £500 three years is a reasonable life expectancy.

While it may well seem a common fault unless you can prove it was caused by an inherent fault rather than wear and tear or user caused then you have no claim. The most common reasons for the overheating you describe is lack of cleaning the vents causing the fans to clog with dust which over time causes the laptop to overheat and eventually fail. The other reason being using it on a lap, sofa, bed or other surface that covers the cooling vents and causes the same issue as a blocked fan.

Any claim would also only be for the value of the laptop today not what was originally paid, to me a six year old Compaq would be worth £0, maybe £50 as second hand value for someone looking for a cheap laptop and not knowing any better about technology.

bris

A six year old laptop is worth about £1.25. Pick your battles.

Sicard

I had a Compaq Presario which got very hot. I bought a laptop cooling pad which brought the overheating right down.

SouthUKMan

While Compaq is a 'name' brand it is also considered one of the cheaper ones. In other words, especially after six years, the maxim 'you get what you pay for' stands true. Yes, it is annoying that your laptop has developed a serious fault. But I wager you that most reasonable people would consider six years to be a more than average lifespan. If the fault had developed within a year or two, absolutely you would have a case. Between three and four years, maybe. Five to six years though...

Also, the secondhand value of most lower end working laptops of this age is only around £45 if you are lucky (classifieds / eBay). I really do think you would struggle to prove a case for compensation. Firstly, if the laptop is actually over six years - then you have no case in law. If it is just under six years, then I would argue your case remains weak because.... Secondly, Compaq is a cheap brand and therefore you buy it with the expectation that it will not have the same lifespan as a high end brand (a judge takes this into account). Thirdly, six years is actually a very good lifespan for any laptop (and again, a judge would take this into consideration - as it can be argued that you've already had "your expected use from it").

I'm not trying to be awkward or challenging, but just trying to present an independent perspective from someone who knows a little about computers and a little about consumer law There are some consumer battles worth fighting, but in my opinion this is not one of them.

mattyprice4004

6 years is good from a cheap laptop. Move on