Computer complaint upheld

Computer manufacturer Dell has been warned by the Disputes Tribunal and ordered to pay a customer $900 after refusing to repair his computer outside its warranty.

Martin Caws, of Hamilton, paid more than $2500 for his desktop PC in 2005. When the motherboard failed last October he called Dell to request a repair, but was told it would not fix it as its warranty had expired a year after purchase.

Mr Caws obtained the parts from Dell at his own cost and had the computer repaired.

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, companies are required to repair goods if they break within a "reasonable period", regardless of warranties.

Tribunal referee Charles Gower agreed with a Consumer magazine report, saying five years was a reasonable time to expect a computer to last. "While the computers and software are superseded at least yearly, that does not mean they cannot be expected to work long beyond the introduction of the next model."

In his decision, Mr Gower said Mr Caws could have claimed a much larger amount, but the tribunal was able to grant only the amount claimed.

Mr Caws said he was "just happy getting my costs back, but I wouldn't get another Dell".

A Dell spokesman apologised for Mr Caws' inconvenience.