Inspiron 15 3511 Broken Hinge

I purchased my laptop in November of 2021. This laptop has had minimal use. It has been used during a half dozen weekend trips and otherwise only for virtual doctor's appointments about once a week. The laptop was used then placed back on the shelf for storage. The next time I started to open it, there was a cracking sound and it wouldn't budge. I looked into my warranty and found it is expired. After seeing this, I worked to get the laptop open hoping to repair it myself. That's when I discovered the issue is a broken hinge. A quick internet search reveled this is a common issue. I've also read where warranty claims were denied. I am completely frustrated that I have a perfectly good computer expect it cannot be opened and closed! What a waste of money. 

I know nothing will be done about this. Just wanted to share my frustration here and elsewhere. In the future, I will buy a different brand. It's sad that my teenagers HP laptop that has been used and abused for 4 years is still going strong, while my extremely lightly used Dell laptop can no longer be closed after a year and half.