Brand new lenovo, build problems, wobbles on flat surface return or keep?

Bought and lenovo T61 14" and right out of the box there are some build quality problems.
1. biggest problem, the laptop does not sit straight on a table. This bothers me a lot as it wobbles when using it. This is documented here on the forums. The front right foot is really high. I can slide a white paper easily around underneath it.
2. battery is loose, I've read on here that this is semi-common. Someone said that lenovo told them it was engineered that way so the battery separates when dropped. I kind of doubt Lenovo's word on it. Someone said they got it to fit snug with some heat resistant tape as a spacer
3. the laptop doesn't close evenly (probably caused by problem 1.)
4. The right palm rest is a bit mushy (prob related to 1.) This is minor for me as i can probably fix with tape as some people have done on the forums.

You can see problems 1-3 in this video I made. If it wasn't for #1 I would be perfectly content. youtube video

I got this laptop with a 15% cashback promotion through mr.rebates.
I basically have 3 options.
1. Keep it as is. try to fix the uneveness with a spacer with the front right foot.
2. send back to lenovo for %100 credit back to credit card. However, I would lose the cashback as the promotion has ended ($125+) even if I ordered again. You think they would match the cashback? I kind of doubt it.
3. Send it to the tech depot. I don't know what'll happen then.

I'm planning to keep this laptop for 4 years+ and I wanted to pay more for Lenovo's quality+keyboard. If I had the best keyboard and a LG screen I'd probably keep it.

order mid may, received 06/2
Alps keyboard
200nit, Samsung 42T0456 42T0412 14.1 INCH LCD DISPLAY FRU

edit *update 07/24
I sent it in to the tech depot. As expected they did nothing. They just sent it back. turnaround time was very reasonable. I then recalled customer service, after transfering me, they said they would put in a request for %100 cashback. They couldn't immediately approve it since it was beyond the 21-days. (i don't know where they get these numbers from because I believe the website says no returns whatsoever) They called me 3 days later and said I was approved. Now the computer is on it's way back to them, I'll update this only if I have any problems with getting the %100 money back. On a side note, I received an x61 today. The battery (8cell) is a bit loosey but I'm totally fine with it. There is no wobbleness when placed on a flat surface. As for hte latch eveness, I can't really determine since the front latch flap would cover up any inconsistencies.

 

I had none of these problems - It is not the norm. I say send it back. If we accept it, it will become the norm... If they have to deal with returned/ repaired products, and the additional costs, then there will be incentives to keep quality controls up.

 

Definitely return it. Mine has none of these problems aside from a loose battery.

 

Yeah, i guess it's worth the 12% increase in price I'll have to pay for the next one. Is there a way for them to just exchange it instead of return rebuy? What about warranty service through the tech depot.

 

Mine does have the loose battery, and the screen wiggles when shut, but other then that, the rest is not normal. I would def. send it back.

 

Very interesting. Thanks for posting.

 

Instead of returning it, why don't you call tech support or customer support? I think wobbling is a pretty significant problem that should be covered by warranty.

 

Send it back!

 

how are you getting 100% credit for it? I've been told many times about a 15% restocking fee pretty much no matter what.

DD

 

because it's Lenovo fault?!

 

If they refuse to credit me/replace back %100 after they sent me a defective laptop, l'd just threaten to dispute with my credit card company. Also say you'll file with the BBB. I think the case would be pretty cut and dry and your CC will probably side with you.

Luckily, it doesn't seem like I'll have to get nasty at all.

 

please let us all know how it turns out

DD

 

I updated the original post today with my experience.

 

Sorry to hear of your problems. I have none of these problems with my machine. In fact I was quite pleasantly surprised about how well the machine was put together. Everything is tight and clean, just as expected. It seems it is luck of the draw. If the person who assembled it was competent, then you have no problems, if the person was not too good then any kind of problem is possible. Maybe take a another chance and try them again for the same config once you get the refund? I know that once I have started to use this machine, that it would be really hard to go for anything other than a Thinkpad next time.

 

Yes, very sorry to hear that as well. I had that wobbly problem as well. It took me two tries to get them to fix the issue, but they eventually replaced the plastics. I hope you're liking your new X61 though.