In New Zealand, you could claim that since the manufacturer will sell a 3 year warranty that the item should last for at least that long. The Consumer Guarantees Act overrules whatever the manufacturer says and states that a device should last for a reasonable amount of time. If it is more expensive, then it should last longer. If they won't repair or replace it, you can take them to the Disputes Tribunal where they aren't allowed to send a lawyer. It generally works quite well.