Batteries usually only back up storage. If the display freezes then most likely the trouble is either a defective or loose board (PCB, display, etc.). It is possible that the board(s) worked loose during transit but since much of the packing material was missing I feel it safe to assume worknman was not the first person to accept possesion of the XP.
I share similar experiences from dealing with GC and know for a fact that they sometimes pass of repaired equipment as "A" stock. Whether by mistake on intention, GC also places returned merchandise back into inventory without question. The XP should have been thoroughly inspected and repaired before it was returned to inventory and, out of fairness to their customers, they should have listed that unit as "B" stock.