I came to this thread due to just recently noticing a similar crack on my X220 (which however has undergone more than 6 months of use). A crack formed on the bottom right hand corner of the trackpad, and I concede that it might be because I have a heavy hand. I am quite disappointed in this because Lenovo prides itself and its brand power, amongst other things, on the build quality and overall construction of its hardware. I will mention that I have never dropped or banged my laptop or inadvertantly treated it whereby such a crack would form as such.
There is a whole gamut of ways in which the laptop may be mishandled, etc. However it does not excuse Lenovo, in my view, for dismissing warranty claims whereby there is real and probable legitimacy.
What the OP has explained is explained well and honestly. I agree with his argument that Lenovo's warranty would be as useful as a **bleep** on a bull if it does not at all include a provision for cracks to its plastic components as the case at hand. It is, as he said, 'plastic-heavy' and all of us X220 users can attest to this.
This isn't a question of durability, because if it was then there would be an implied concession of damage on the OP's behalf. However it also isn't a question of DOA and having to notice it 'immediately' to send it back (on that note, what is the timeframe for DOA claims?) It's merely a point upon where and when Lenovo can repair a 'manufacturer fault' damage in the case of plastc components which it seeks to exclude. It is written in the words there that 'excessive force' qualifies the exclusion. In this case, I definitely agree that the burden of proof lies upon Lenovo in outlining how it ascertained that it was due to excessive force. The words of warranty are merely too convenient I think for Lenovo. If it is to take its customers seriously, then I think it should at least offer winmute the reason for their decision alongside proof of that decision.
Don't know what the contract laws are like over there in terms of warranties, but if it were to be put to a court, it would be a straightfoward case. And why would it have to go to that for Lenovo to prove what they can, supposedly, prove now?
Lenovo, I was about to buy another X series and perhaps your tablet, but seeing how you treated one of your own I am hesitant. I can safely say that I am in no way affiliated to winmute. Rather just an interest by-stander with a similar, albeit different problem.
