Euro-Pro GI490 Iron with Auto Shut-off

My story is similar to others I've read, but I feel like I need to add my two cents worth. I purchased this iron at Target 6 months ago. I used the iron on average 4 times per week for touch up ironing & steaming.
Initially it worked great. I loved the adjustable steam settings & the weight of the iron. It was very easy to use & I was very pleased with the overall performance of the products.
Suddenly without advance warning or any hints of a problem on the horizon, the iron quit working. The iron would turn on, but would only heat to a slightly warm temperature in isolated areas on the sole plate. After turning it off & unplugging it, it wouldn't heat at all. I was very frustrated by this. What frustrates me even more is that it is still under warranty, but I will have to pay for shipping both ways to receive a new iron. The estimated cost was over 1/2 the cost of the iron in the first place.