so my thinkpad just started on fire....

[zacharyk]

Or rather, it almost did. I was sitting in class and my relatively new W500 thinkpad started billowing smoke from the floor it was resting on. i grabbed it, and opened it and turned it off (it was in sleep mode) I took it outside, and

it appears that the case melted slightly on the bottom right corner (over your right hand, but on the bottomside of the case) the melting is almost right on the corner.... but yeah. it sucks. it's almost certainly the hard drive.

I think it will turn on, but I'm kind of afraid to do it.

and i just talked to customer service and they should hopefully be calling me back soon, but. what can i expect from lenovo service? and is there any way/hope of I can erm... "downgrade" my laptop to an ideapad (the w500 is perhaps a little more laptop than i need)?

[killer]

Your warranty covers repair or replacement. It does not allow for 'change of mind'.

If, as I suspect, you receive a replacement, then it will be brand new or refurbished.

You could sell the replacement as 'new' or 'refurbished' in a sealed box and then buy whatever you want.