I bought this for a friend april 2011, and like you all 13months later he got the dreaded 7 beeps.  I wish i had known about this site BEFORE i bought this laptop for a present.  I bought it because i thought Dell was a good reliable name.......but i learnt the hard way....never again....unless they rectify this growing problem. I would expect a product like this to last longer than 13months.....just out of warranty.Does anyone know if it is worth fixing, as a few of you say that it happens again after being repair?...or does this mean he has to buy a new one or refurbished...if so what make do you reccomend?...I feel bad as this was a present..someone said they were getting on to the BBC WATCHDOG......any reports?.......would be grateful of any advice..thank you