Computer Lemon Law

So you got the fancy new PC or Macintosh computer you were looking for, took it home, and fired it up. But how did your computer work? Was it a breeze to set up and install your favorite programs, or did frequent crashes, error messages and other bugs make your experience a challenge from the very beginning? Whether you buy some software, a new computer or even a peripheral device, computer lemon law can protect you the consumer should anything go wrong with your computer. Computer lemon law safeguards your interests if there is a defect in the software or computer impacting performance and speed.

The first thing to do, when you have finally understood that your purchase is a lemon,  is to contact the company, tell them the problem and politely demand satisfaction. Make certain you are given specifics about how the company will respond to the problem and the date by which they will do so. Keep them on a short deadline, usually no more than a week. Keep a written log of all persons spoken to, any reference number they provide, the date of the contact and the actual response you received. Keep all papers sent to you by the company. Having these documents at hand and all reference information will make your lemon law case stronger. In understanding what computer lemon law means, this will be one of the most crucial aspects to remember.

The good news is that if you repeatedly have a computer problem and the computer is still under warranty, you are entitled to cost-free legal help. The Law, similar in nature to the Automobile Lemon Law, has generated national attention and Connecticut and Illinois legislatures are also researching the possibility of a similar bill. Under the Bill, a purchaser is entitled to effective repairs for any problems that occur within the first 24 months of ownership. In addition, consumers with extended manufacturers warranties will have additional coverage throughout the length of their contract, including computer support.

Consumer rights are found in Federal and state law, and in the printed warranties delivered with every new computer. However, the state and Federal guidelines on what is computer lemon law are more reliable compared to warranty manuals because they enlist all your rights. A portion of Federal computer lemon law states that you as a customer have complete right to get satisfactory repairs as per the warranty terms. If the manufacturer is not willing to provide repairs or has failed in providing the appropriate repairs, this amounts to a breach of the warranty terms. In such cases, you will be protected as per computer lemon law. The consumer is entitled to either  new equipment (computer, printer, scanner, software etc.) or a full refund without charge, in exchange for the defective unit. In addition, the company pays all legal fees and costs associated with any successful claim. You may also have other rights. Many state laws give consumers the right to obtain much more than a refund and some even permit the consumer to receive three times the purchase price as damages.

Tags: computer lemon law lemon law case automobile lemon law state law