UPDATE 2:
Strange... I left it off for a few days and turned it upside down overnight. The lines disappeared... (Loose gfx card making sparking noises and lines? I don't know. Still, HP refused to stand behind its product. Time to call the BBB?
UPDATE:
HP's case manager decided that the best he can do is give me $100 off th repair service. Down to $298.00. Wow. what a discount.
I'm sorry. Folks - keep away from HP lappies - they overheat.
A Little Background Information
I have an HP dv2610 Laptop and it's making occasional popping noises while running and a few days ago, it started making a fizzling noise too, like it was going to blow up. (It sounded like popcorn, then like a large fire in an outdoor grill. I turned it off and I consider it officially unusable - dead, that is. I can't uses it without fear of it blowing up.
The warranty expired in November of 2008. It has had overheating problems in the past which have affected the Graphics Performance. I am certain that this was caused by the poor ventilation - probably due to HP's design of the machine.
The question:
Is there some way to convince HP to replace/repair it for free, because they designed the laptop with their typical "HP Compactness" which most probably caused the damage? Alternatively, I could buy a new one with money I don't have - not really an option.
Edit:
I chatted with HP. At first it was the usual, no it's not under warranty... etc. Then, i asked to speak with supervisor. In short I go assigned a case manager. I'm awaiting a phone call. The said phone call is supposed to be in the next 24-48 hours.
@Mike:
I thought about the speakers - not the heat paste. I don't want to open it at this point. My last few experiences opening up (HP) machines have not been fun. There are too many screws in too many places. I'm waiting for them to decide if they are going to help me. If yes, they have retained me as a customer. If not, then I may open it, salvage the working parts - sell em and put it towards an Acer, Dell, Lenovo or Toshiba. (alphabetically listed.)