Thinkpads Forum

I bought a T400s just before Christmas, and have recently noticed a hairline crack running from the end of the machine above the hardrive slot about an inch in. It doesnt affect performance thankfully, but I sent photos to the Warrenty people in the UK and they rejected my claim as "customer accident" since "too much pressure was applied to the palmrest".

I have several problems with this response. Of course too much pressure was applied, or it would not have broken. but whether this first happened in production, in the post, or with me I have no idea - its a seriously hairline crack and could have started at any point without me/they noticing. The palmrest, as its name suggests, is or should be designed to take pressure. The amount of pressure was too great only in relation to the poor design (in this area) and resilience of the machine.

You can see from the photos how narrow that edge of the palmrest is, and how there is a good couple of millimeters running the length of the hardrive slot (app. 3") for it to flex under pressure and snap. The palmrest is a plastic component (no rollcage, carbon etc) and fragile at this point. What annoys me is this is an expensive machine, sold on the prowess of its build quality (PR including being thrown by a catapult, run over by a truck, used by whirlwind chasers, etc) and yet small amounts of pressure would cause no such defect in a cheaper unibody or aluminium body machine.

Its not going to cost the world to fix, but its a matter of principle, so I would welcome your support, or otherwise.

PS Otherwise machine is all good, and not disappointing except for the very creaky flex of the new and rather poorly integrated panel surrounding the thinkvantage button and the panel hosting the F keys.

I would call back and try to speak to someone else. Remember to treat the CS rep with respect and not demand anything. My experience with Lenovo service is that they are willing to replace pretty much anything, but YMMV. We also always have the extended warranty, so I'm sure that doesn't hurt. If worst comes to worst, just replace it yourself. You're right, it's not expensive, and they probably should replace it, but in the end it may not be worth the time and effort of fighting it.

If after repeat attempts of warranty claim without sucess, you might want to ask your credit card company to charge back the laptop to lenovo or whomever you bought from. Charge back is expensive for the shop ($50 - $100) penalty on top of the charge back amount. I worked for me (not laptop but damaged appliances)

I can relate.

If I were you, I'd keep pressing them until they acquiesce. I'm going to try the same thing, although I might have to fix myself a nice drink first so as to keep my temper cooled whilst on the phone...