http://www.computerandvideogames.com/ar ... ?id=223649

That's actually quite a robust response from the usually 'we're not confirming anything' Sony

Mountain and molehill spring to mind. They didn't make this fuss when 1 in ever 2 360's was getting the red ring of death - although they did mention the 360's habit of gouging discs if there is a bit of vibration.

PS3 blu ray drive broke after 18 months, and Sony replaced the drive for free, even sending me back my original console (80gb version with the mem slots). To cap it off, the packaging they returned it in was biodegradable corn starch stuff. I was pretty impressed

If its out of the 1yr warranty just take it back to the shop under the Sale of Goods Act.

*though be aware you may only be entitled to a repair, not a refund, and even if a refund is offered it may only be a partial one (fair use etc). You may also have trouble proving that the PS3 is at fault after 6 months after date of purchase.

All goods are expected to last for a reasonable amount of time, 18 months for a (say £450 on the old ones) means it's roughly £1 a day, it's not a reasonable amount of time.

Also I believe EU law (one of the good ones) states goods must last 2 years
http://www.legalbanter.co.uk/uk-legal-l ... s-two.html

I can't remember the name of the law exactly but it's lesser known and many retailers try to ignore it

For the 360 it may be more unreliable (personally not had any replaced but know of people that have) and apparently the replacement service is very good in terms of turnaround compared to things such as laptops.

Sure, however, several problems.

Up to 6 months after purchase, the burden is on the retailer to prove that the device was OK and not inherently faulty. After 6 months, the onus switches to the consumer to prove that the device is at fault (at time of purchase). Obviously if it doesn't last for a reasonable time then you still have rights, but I wouldn't be expecting a full refund (you've had "fair use" and thus won't get the whole lot back, only a partial refund), or you may seek a repair/replacement (whichever is more economical). As for the EU law, true, but it's largely irrelevant in the UK as you currently have up to 6 years to exercise similar rights over here (though this may change soon).

http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/consume ... 38311.html

I was only pushing for repair/replacement. Refunds after 6 months are usually (except case I will note after) pointless as you very rarely get close to what you paid due to the use of the product. Other reason for going for a replacement (especially if said replacement is a new unit) is you can get the manufacturers warranty on the new device usually

Case I had was with eBuyer for a satnav unit, had it 11 months then the speaker stopped working, sent back for repair as it hadn't lasted a reasonable amount of time. They no longer stocked it and manufacturer had discontinued it. I was offered a replacement (effectively credit to that value) and as I chose a cheaper unit was given the difference back)

I took a Samsung GX10 DSLR back to Argos after almost 2 years with a fault. After mentioning the act (good advice from Consumer Direct who are blooming marvelous) they gave me a full refund minus 10% fair usage pro rata. As I hadnt completed a full 2nd year I was only charged 10%. They didnt even bother to enquire about repairs, etc.