Extended warranties seem like such a great buy fujitsu lifebook s7110 battery, fujitsu lifebook s7111 battery..do they not? You buy a new computer and you can have all of the protection that you need to insure that your computer will be "covered" in case of a problem.
If your computer refused to power up for instance, you can package it up, ship it off to the place where you purchased it and it will be fixed and returned to you...RIGHT?? Not necessarily! Let's look further into this using real world scenarios:
1.) Joe Schmoe just purchased a new $500.00 HP computer, that included the keyboard, mouse and speakers. He already has a monitor at home, so he has everything needed to surf the Internet, and send emails. When it's time to check out at the cash register and pay for his computer, he is offered a $50.00 service warranty. The warranty states that it: "covers faulty hardware for a period of one year."
What is that saying?
It means that if Joe accidentally spills water on his computer, and it no longer works, the repair will not be covered under the extended warranty. Why ? Because.... usually these warranties do not cover "user neglect", which is what the companies consider is the case if the user is responsible for the failure of hardware. If Joe's hard drive just stopped working and the computer wouldn't boot, due to no fault of Joe Schmoe, the repair will be honored by the warranty (although shipping of the computer or hardware may or may not be an expense that the servicer pays), it may come out of Joe's pocket asus m6700 battery, asus m6800 battery It's best to check the extended warranty for such details to avoid confusion in the event of a problem.
2.) Jill Schmoe just purchased a $300.00 computer from the "Recession Computer Store". The computer included Windows Vista, a keyboard, mouse and non-expensive components - all housed inside of a light aluminum case. Jill needs this computer to complete type and print her homework, so nothing fancy is needed. Jill goes to pay for her computer, and is offered a $150.00 extended service warranty, which will protect the PC in case of faulty hardware being installed, and includes 30 days free tech support.
The truth is, the majority of computer problems with "new" computer systems are software related, in other words software issues created directly or indirectly, by the user. In other words, hardware problems (that are actually covered under the
terms of extended warranty agreements) are not very common, so paying extra for an extended warranty in hopes of receiving software support is not wise.
Software problems not covered under such warranties are: data loss, viruses, spy-ware, damage from viruses or spy-ware, crashes due to third party software or configuration issues, etc. If a hardware component fails within the same year of the purchase for no fault of the user, it will be covered under the manufacturer's warranty, so the $150.00 coverage is useless in most cases.
Since Jill's computer only cost $300.00 dell studio 1450 battery, dell studio 1457 battery, would it make financial sense to pay $150.00 - or half the price of the computer, for a contract that won't provide coverage the most likely problems? You're absolutely right..it makes NO sense!!
3.) Jack Schmoe purchased a Home Theater Personal Computer from TekTime, for $1,005.00, and an HTPC service warranty for $150.00 that covers his computer for a year, which is above and beyond what a typical warranty or extended warranty, will provide. With this warranty, Jack will receive unlimited email/instant messenger
tech support/advice for one year, 24 hours of technical phone support (2 hours a month on average) and will only pay for mileage costs if a tech needs to make a home visit (no hourly service charge if it is not a user created problem).
This is a good scenario of when an extended warranty is cost-effective, AND smart. Jack purchased an HTPC, which has many features and capabilities, that may be overwhelming for some people that haven't had one of these systems before. He gets unlimited email and messenger support, which will allow him to ask as many
questions as he can think of, that pertain to his system. That even includes ADVICE! Also, with email and messenger support, 2 hours a month should be sufficient if he needs to speak with someone on the phone, since his questions may be addressed by Internet communication alone.
Lastly, if a tech should be dispatched to his home to troubleshoot his PC, he will only be charged for mileage costs ($20-$25 per visit) if the problem is not "user error", as opposed to paying $75-$125.00 per hour for an on-site visit. This service warranty is very good, especially considering the low price! When you take into consideration toshiba satellite l305 battery, toshiba satellite l500 battery the value that is being given in such a service plan - it makes perfect sense.
So, we have taken a look at three different types of warranties, so you understand them, if just basically. You should now have the opportunity to make an informed decision on during your next computer or HTPC purchase!
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