This forum post describes the Dell policy regarding hinge issues.
So very disgusted with your warranty! Laptop less than a year old, ALWAYS kept on my desk and never taken anywhere, dropped, spilled on, etc. Closed it one day and the hinges broke and didn't want to open. Send it in (under "warranty") and I'm told not covered. Rep actually told me that because it is "broken" it is not covered. What is that??? Isn't that the point of a warranty - to cover fixing something that broke too soon due to faulty parts. So many reports on your own site of this being a frequent problem with the model. So, I guess I shouldn't be expected to want to close/open my laptop? That's too much to ask? Ridiculous! Never again, Dell. I'll be moving on and telling everyone who will listen.
Inspiron Hinge Issue - How is this not covered?