1 month old-won't hold charge and gets warm to touch when being used

It sounds like you've done most of the things you would reasonably be expected to do to make it function; since it is only 2 months old I would strongly urge you to go back to the retailer and make them replace it or refund you, as your rights in most countries/states allow.

If you're set against doing this, try holding down the power and volume down key for at least ten seconds to see if this boots it into hard reset mode. If this doesn't do anything, try again holding down power with each of the other buttons to see if you can activate any other developer/reset modes.

However, I have read reports that this particular tablet has up to a 40% failure rate in its first six months.

If you can possibly get it refunded, do that and buy something else.

how old is the battery it might not be holding charge. feel the battery if it is getting warm to the touch even when not in use

The warranty should be at least one year.
Try a warranty repair or replacement.

hardware issue i think

If the recharageable battery is more than 3 - 4 years old then the battery could be worn out.Rechargeable batteries have a finite number of charge and discharge cycles andwill lose their charge capacity over time, i.e. won't charge to 100% and graduallythe charge reduces until the battery won't charge up at all. OR The batteryshows a 100% charge but when the adapter is disconnected the battery drops offto zero capacity in a very short time. If the battery drops to an unacceptablecharge level then the battery needs to be replaced.

If the cell phone battery is more than 3 - 4 years old then the battery could be worn out.Rechargeable batteries have a finite number of charge and discharge cycles andwill lose their charge capacity over time, i.e. won't charge to 100% andgradually the charge reduces until the battery won't charge up at all. OR Thebattery shows a 100% charge but when the adapter is disconnected the batterydrops off to zero capacity in a very short time. If the battery drops to anunacceptable charge level then the battery needs to be replaced.

You need to replace your old battery. Don't over charged your battery. If you are using your laptop in your house it is better not to use it with battery. Just use the power adaptor/supply only. Then make sure you will drain the battery let say once a week. =)

How was it before ?? Was it getting warm or has it suddenly started getting warm. Most portable players get warm. The heat is generated by the battery charging regulator IC. Now as time goes by and your battery gets old they start draining more current and the device gets hot. This will lead to failure. If your Sony is more than 2 years old and the battery does not hold charge like it used to before. Replace the battery.

try to plug it in to charge ,and then hold down the sleep and home button until it turns on.

try to buy a new battery for that and keep your phone to lock so that it wont open their lights everytime your not using it.
another tip: drain your battery before charging it and make a full charge after you use it. hope that helps

CHARCOIS