White Screen - total system failure

I just purchased a new MacBook Pro, 1.83 GHz, serial # begins with W8614. I set up the AirPort wireless base and at first I could only get an internet connection right next to the base - I lost it if I moved farther away. I tried again later from the next room and this time the internet connection seemed to work. I was browsing the web and suddenly the entire screen went white for a few seconds, then nothing. The screen went dark and the computer died.
I unplugged it from the power source and plugged it in again, closed and opened it, tried every button, couldn't get anything to happen, the screen was totally dark. The computer was still on, though, because it was hot and the little white light at the latch on the front was on. I assumed the battery was still running, so I waited overnight for it to run out.
The next morning it was cold and the latch light was off. I plugged it back into the power adapter and tried to turn it on. For a second I heard a flicker of noise and then nothing again.
I called Apple tech support and they asked me to try a few things like resetting the power manager but nothing worked, it was still dead. So they arranged for me to send it in for repair. My question is: what could cause this kind of total system failure? It died completely in the first few minutes I was using it! Apple's always crowing about how reliable its computers are compared to the competition, but this performance is ghastly. It does not inspire confidence, to say the least. Can this kind of problem be repaired? Should I have any faith in the machine once it's returned to me? Yipes.

I bought it from Amazon, not Apple. Amazon allows you to return opened computers within 30 days, but they charge a 15% fee. I was hoping when I called Apple tech support that they'd just offer to replace it right away, but I guess if you buy the computer somewhere else their policy is to try repair first.
Certainly if Apple can't repair it, they'll send me another one. It's just that I never heard of a computer totally dying like that right after purchase - I wasn't aware how often that occurs. I'm just worried it might be buggy and crash frequently after I get it back - in other words, it might be a lemon. Hopefully I won't have to have it repaired over and over. Plus, of course I'm annoyed that I just acquired my shiny new expensive machine and now I have to wait two weeks before I can begin to use it.
Thanks for replying. Do you have an idea what causes this type of white screen demise? Any reassurance would be helpful.

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