I have also had a similar problem with 2 Sony laptops that I brought in Feb 09, and have had nothing but problems with them. In fact I would safely say they are the worst computers I have ever brought. The other main problem was their local service agent in Dubai, Sharaf DG. Everytime we had a problem (under warranty ofcourse) the service agent kept blaming us and charging a fortune to fix a minor problem, such as the fan or a loose connector inside. When I finally quested DG Sharafs service assistant and asked him why are Sony doing this to their client, he simply replied Sony dont know!, we are the ones charging you as we are the service agent. I have even asked them to contact Sony on my behalf and request someone from Sony to look into my plight, and I was told by Sharaf DG, if you want to do that, come and collect your computer, pay us 100 dirhams ($30 USD) and you can go and sort it out yourself! WOW! I dont think I have ever met such rude people in all my life. I will never shop there again, and advise others to be very careful! Mr. James