defective laptop bag

[viresmetus]

The strap of my laptop case (shoulder bag) broke while I was carrying it,
causing the bag to fall and damage the laptop. I have emailed Holiday (the
distributor), they have offered $250 and to honour the warranty (a free new
bag). below is part of a letter from Holiday:

"
...we are sorry about the damages on your computer... We took... your claim
for damages very seriously. We are not aware however of any manufacturing
defects in the Nextech laptop protective padded case... our guarantee - to
which you refer in your letter - is limited to our providing free of charge
repair or replacement to the defective case.

However, as a demonstration of our goodwill and appreciation to your
devotion to education, and without admission of any responsibility or
liability whatsoever, we are willing to contribute with the amount of CD$250
towards the purchase of a new Acer Aspire 5043WLMi computer. In
consideration of the said sum, you shall grant a full, final and complete
release of Holiday Group Inc. from any claim for damages relating to your
use of the Nextech case.

We will be sending you the above stated amount, at the address you will
provide, immediately upon receipt of your signed and dated letter.
"

Their offer was less than I asked (CD$2,500), the requested value was
because several internal components are damaged, the casing cannot be
repaired, and it no longer retains any resale value. Also the battery drains
faster and the disk drive opens randomly.

I was hoping they would give a satisfactory response but I believe small
claims is my only viable option at this point. I am in BC, Canada and Holiday Cooperate is in Quebec.

Based on what you say here, you could file suit against them (or at least threaten to do so) in small claims court or in regular court; filing in small claims court is easier and requires no attorney...you could try to collect all of the costs and damages that you suffered due to their behavior... You may also report them to your state attorney general's office.