Please advise me what might be wrong with ds' new laptop (less than 3 weeks old)

[hmc]

It was working fine before dinner, when he went back to it after dinner the screen was white, it looked like a corner of curled over paper in the top right hand side and there were a few colourful vertical stripes (like the old test card on tv). Is this a virus?

sounds like he has cracked the screen I hope you have insurance on it otherwise could be a big problem.
Can you see any cracks

Looked for cracks - none evident. Swears blind that he hasn't dropped it

Screen is sort of whited out

This can happen if the connector between the laptop base and the screen becomes loose (my old laptop used to suffer this problem). If it's under warranty the retailer/manufacturer should fix it for free.

Hope it is that scissy - thanks for the glimmer of hope

If its only 3 weeks old and you're sure it hasnt been dropped then its faulty and you're entitled to a full refund if thats what you want. They will suggest a fix but I'm pretty sure you can demand a new one.

Thanks Jack - would prefer full refund (or brand new replacement)

I used to work in electrical retail, and unless the law has changed you are entitled to a full cash refund if something is faulty within 28 days. Do not let them send it off for repair, because then you'll go over the 28 days and you'll no longer be elligible.

My advice would be to ring them first, tell them what you expect, get a name and then go there and request your refund.

Where did you buy it from, out of interest?

Be aware that a replacement would not have a brand new guarantee (unless you insist on a refund and then buy a new one) so any replacement model will not have a 12 month guarantee.