Dell :: New Inspirion 1525 LCD Screen Cracked

Dell is requesting $400 to replace the screen.

Unfortunately, I did not purchase the accidental damage coverage. The laptop has not been dropped or abused and is under the so-called 12 month warranty. I have read online similar cases of new 1525 LCD’s developing cracks (see below a copied post from Amazon).

I am furious that Dell is failing to admit either this is a design problem with the frame or a faulty LCD panel or perhaps there was a manufacturing process blunder during assembly.

Are there any forum members who have successfully convinced someone at Dell to honor the warranty in a case like this? Is there a best approach to elevating my dispute? My daughter really wanted a Mac and now of course I am a knucklehead as highlighted by Dell's excellent customer care and design engineering.

I have a friend who owns an Inspirion 1520 and it is obvious the frame is far heavier and structurally more rigid than the cheap plastic case on the 1525. At the moment, I’m the screwed customer and Dell has a college freshman on a campus of 35,000 kids who will be bad mouthing Dell for years to come. Dell also has a few other kids who own 1525’s in the same dorm who are experiencing quality issues and the brand is taking a beating.
Thanks in advance for your comments .....