Minor Cosmetic Defects normal with new laptops + is it possible to replace a trackpad/fix chips in a laptop's casing?

So, approximately two months ago I obtained a new Toshiba Satellite P750 notebook and I take very, very good care of my new electronics. I didn't move the thing, didn't hit it, didn't drop anything on it, etc. and about a month after I got it, I noticed a small chip (hard to explain fully... it's a small dent/circular-ish scratch) in my laptop's glossy black trackpad button while cleaning it (because I initially thought it was a spec of something that wouldn't come off). I'm confident I didn't cause the thing, though I'm not sure how I didn't notice it before, but it bothers me and hasn't ceased to do so even now. I can even feel it, so it's not just some fine surface scratch like I was bound to get anyway, but it also shines and reflects light which I find extremely annoying and noticeable.

I feel as though my perfect laptop is marred by this millimeter wide chip and I've even let it affect the lighting conditions I use my laptop in as I just can't stand seeing the thing. I know it's irrational and I know it's an over-the-top concern, but I wish to ask if it's normal for laptops to come with such minor cosmetic defects? Of course, I doubt it's anything my warranty will cover and I don't wish to risk sending the thing back, anyway, but I could use some help getting over this thing (would help to know I didn't get some unlucky unit, but that it's a rather normal defect).

Furthermore, tying into this section's theme, is it possible to take the laptop to some retail store such as Best Buy or Staples and have them order and replace the trackpad for a fee? It's drastic and I'm not completely considering doing it, but the chip drives me nuts and it would at least be nice to know if I have the option of fixing it at some point if I should so choose. How much might that cost if it is this case or it may be possible to fix the thing with perfectly matching color and texture otherwise? Thanks.

edit: It is a plastic laptop.

 

Wow, and all this time I thought I was anal by cleaning my laptop every day. Anyway, even though I understand how you feel, I must remind you that at some point you've got to draw the line and move on. I don't like scratches either (on anything), but they are inevitable even if you're the only one to using your laptop.

That said, you need to send a letter to Toshiba. Tell them, what you told us, and see what they will do about it. You need to include a good clear picture so they can understand what you're talking about (I'm not sure I did) and maybe they will fix it or at least give you a discount on the repairs.

If you feel that strongly about it, you've got to get it fixed one way or the other. Just make sure you send good high contrast photos from various angles.

And don't forget to keep us informed as to how things work out.

 

I know it seems like overreacting, but my laptop's the nicest thing I have and the defect is irritatingly noticeable from the angle I sit at while using my laptop (meaning from the front, not so much from the side or back) as it shines to differing degrees depending on my movement, it seems. This is the clearest image I can provide of what I'm describing (white spec on the left trackpad button):


When you say send a letter to Toshiba, do you mean to a specific service provider somewhat near me or just customer support? I do know that Toshiba's warranty, like many, doesn't cover "cosmetic damage". It just ticks me off that the chip or whatever it is wasn't even something caused by my negligence, it's just there on a laptop I paid a lot of money for.

 

It would come under defect in material and workmanship. If its out of warranty I'd likely send it to Customer Service.

In any event, they need to know when something goes wrong and how you feel about it. You are, after all, one of their valued customers, and a potential future customer as well. Besides, it's a lot easier to maintain customer, than the recruit new one. If they're smart, they should already know that.

Nevertheless, you are most certainly going to need a clearer photo than this one; it's way to grainy. A simple iPhone (or any camera phone) could do a whole lot better. The defect needs to be clear enough to identify. If not, you need not circle it. If its to tiny to see, you can likely kiss you appeal goodbye. Though you can still log a complaint.

BTW, one way to check for any manufacturers defect is to inspect another laptop similar to your, If its a factory defect it will show up on the other one as well. Good luck.

 

I refurbish, repair, and rebuild laptops daily and if you'd like I could explain a few ways that you could recover the track pad with a new vinyl coating and fill in the scratch in the meanwhile. I have done this many times, but the reason it's easy when I do it (well it's not easy and it's time consuming but worth the final look) is because the laptop is torn completely apart when I do this. Plus I usually break in the thermal paste etc. while the laptop's motherboard is still separate giving me 3 or 4 hours of time. Send me a message and I'll give you my email information so I can explain and show you some pictures of how the ones I've done have turned out looking perfect. Plus, sometimes customers and I myself think the notebooks look even better then they did factory. Especially when I use a chrome / mirror finish on the touch pad. Let me know, be glad to help out!
Jason