As somebody currently duking it out with two separate companies concerning replacing items under warranty (one Westinghouse HDTV and one Gateway Business Class Laptop) I know how frustrating it can be to get your stuff fixed or replaced.

Sometimes the warranty folks make you wait a month or more before agreeing to replace things  (my current case) and other times they flat out refuse (as was the case with this dusty PLAYSTATION 3.

Patience netted me a replacement laptop thanks from Gateway.  Their taking their sweet ass time to send it right now but at least they agreed to give me a new laptop.

Best Buy I'm still tussling with over the Westinghouse - they want me to wait for a month to get a replacement part.

As for the Dusty PS3?  Turns out the owner had it on a Visa card that offered an extended warranty for electronics.  Check out the whole story at The Consumerist and learn a lesson.

Yeah - extended warranties can be pricey but if you've got a Visa or other Credit Card that adds a warranty to your purchases you might be in luck.

I'm already hunting for a similar card to start using for my own big ticket purchases!