A Maple Ridge teen had a good excuse not to do his homework this month and he was able to blame it all on a computer giant.

Kyle Monda had signed up for online math and science courses this year but couldn't do his assignments because HP had held his damaged laptop hostage, even though he had paid $270 for accidental damage coverage.

"I think it's ridiculous. It's not like I'm asking for something that I haven't purchased. I spent extra money on the accidental damage warranty because just going back and forth to school every day I knew something would happen eventually," said Monda.

Kyle tried to advocate for himself, and spent the past two-and-a-half months emailing back and forth with HP. He was finally told he would receive a replacement laptop. It was repeatedly promised, but never arrived.

"I just want a replacement. I want to be able to get back to work and get what I paid for," said Monda.

Kyle's mom, Dorte, was trying to let her son handle the HP issue himself, but finally stepped in out of sheer frustration.

"It isn't right that they treat a 14-year-old that way. His money is as good as an adult's and they should be treated with the same respect," she said.

The Monda family contacted CTV for help. So CTV consumer reporter Lynda Steele got in touch with HP's head office in Palo Alto, California. After several phone calls and emails, HP promised to get a new laptop in Kyle's hands immediately.

"I'm really happy that this whole thing is finally going to be resolved," said Monda.

HP invited the teen to its downtown Vancouver store and let him have his pick of the laptops. HP also gave Kyle hundreds of dollars worth of free accessories as a way of saying sorry for months of aggravation.

"I don't feel it would have been resolved for at least another few weeks if we hadn't gotten to you, so thanks so much," said Monda.

Kyle finally got his laptop. He may not have been able to do his homework for a few weeks, but he learned a valuable lesson.

"It's been unfortunately maybe one of the greatest learning experiences for my son. He's learned a lot about dealing with big companies. That little guys sometimes can win," said Dorte Monda.

Kyle says he is enjoying his new HP computer. The company also gave Kyle a $125 gift certificate for its online store and assured him his new laptop comes with a full warranty.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Lynda Steele