Computer warrantys

**drmwevr08** · 10-05-2009, 02:39 PM

Feel free to extend the topic to other warranties as its an interesting subject but heres my question.

I have a one year old Dell laptop. I bought it from the refurb dept and it came with a one year warranty. I can extend that now for $ 121 - 1 yr, $159-2yr or $186 - three year. I suppose if I'm going to bother I'm going to go more than one year. The real question is should I at all? With the support of folks online (even here) and potential costs of just bringing the thing into the local shop whats the best bet?

I did have one issue this last year that they fixed (after about 3hrs on the phone over a couple of days). Otherwise the thing is working fine, as far as I can tell. Any thoughts on the cost or benefit to extending the warranty?

**3TrueFans** · 10-05-2009, 02:40 PM

Extended warranties are always worth it

**DaddyMac** · 10-05-2009, 02:43 PM

How much did you buy it for?

I rarely buy pc's that are all that "loaded". IMO, they are outdated almost by the time they reach your door and you're better off saving that $100+ and consider it a down payment on your next machine.

Not to mention - and again IMO - things most likely to happen to your laptop (damaged screen and the like) aren't going to be covered on many warranties.

Short answer - I never buy it.

**Bader** · 10-05-2009, 02:45 PM

I just had to replace the motherboard on my 2 year old laptop (the video card died).

I'm glad I've got the extended warranty on mine. I'm certainly not in a position to buy a new compuer right now and my laptop is my only personal machine. Plus if I replaced it I'd just buy another Latitude anyway.

To each their own, the only reason I bought the extended warranty was for this exact reason. I knew I wouldn't need the extra tech support, but knowning I can get parts replaced if need be definitely came in handy

**dmclone** · 10-05-2009, 02:46 PM

How much was the laptop? If it was $700 than that's about 25% of the price.

Would you pay $5,000 for a 3 year warranty on a $20K car?

I would say no. I would be more inclined to buy some back-up software like Acronis for $20 and if you end up having software issues just restoring.

What else goes bad on laptops? Hard drives and batteries.

I guess it depends how comfortable you feel, who will be using the laptop, how much it costs, etc.

**drmwevr08** · 10-05-2009, 02:50 PM

The laptop was about 700 I think. If it was just a hardware and breakage issue I would feel differently but the tech support issue is important I think. Its not really like a car warranty unless that warranty covers oil changes too :)

I guess the question is whether I should pay 6.60 a month for repair and technical support. I have to admit I don't know what might break on a laptop like this one and I dont know what it does or doesnt cover at this point!

I think I will add the rust proofing though!

**dmclone** · 10-05-2009, 02:51 PM

BTW-I would never criticize someone for buying a warranty but here is my opinion.

If warranties weren't such a rip-off you would see everyone at Best Buy trying to shove them down your throat. 99% of the time if you took the money of all the warranties that you paid for and never used you would be better off in the end.

If it's something that is prone to break like a Yugo or an Xbox 360(RROD) than it's probably wise just not to buy it in the first place.

**dmclone** · 10-05-2009, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by drmwevr08

The laptop was about 700 I think. If it was just a hardware and breakage issue I would feel differently but the tech support issue is important I think. Its not really like a car warranty unless that warranty covers oil changes too :)

I guess the question is whether I should pay 6.60 a month for repair and technical support. I have to admit I don't know what might break on a laptop like this one and I dont know what it does or doesnt cover at this point!

I think I will add the rust proofing though!

It's sounds like it would make you sleep better at night so it's probably worth the money for you.

**Bader** · 10-05-2009, 02:56 PM

If you're going to buy the Tech Support extension from Dell, I'd strongly suggest getting their Gold Tech Support. This is their "business support" line and you're guaranteed to speak to a North American representative and you're on a different line from everyone else so you won't be waiting for 4 hours to talk to someone.

Diagnosing a computer issue over the phone with a language barrier is one of the most frustrating things in the world.

**Clonehomer** · 10-05-2009, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by Bader

I just had to replace the motherboard on my 2 year old laptop (the video card died).

I'm glad I've got the extended warranty on mine. I'm certainly not in a position to buy a new compuer right now and my laptop is my only personal machine. Plus if I replaced it I'd just buy another Latitude anyway.

To each their own, the only reason I bought the extended warranty was for this exact reason. I knew I wouldn't need the extra tech support, but knowning I can get parts replaced if need be definitely came in handy

That motherboard replacement would have been cheaper than you think. If you know someone that can work on that then repairs actually become quite reasonable with sites like ebay and newegg. For example, I broke the keyboard for my laptop and it'll cost me about $15 including shipping to replace. A motherboard might run you $50 for a good one plus the cost of someone to put it in (probably around $50 if you find a college kid that enjoys that sort of thing). Still cheaper than any insurance and the likelihood that your MB goes out within a year is pretty small.

If you don't know anyone you have this wonderful resource that is cyclonefanatic to assist you in your repair needs.

**cytech** · 10-05-2009, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by Clonehomer

That motherboard replacement would have been cheaper than you think. If you know someone that can work on that then repairs actually become quite reasonable with sites like ebay and newegg. For example, I broke the keyboard for my laptop and it'll cost me about $15 including shipping to replace. A motherboard might run you $50 for a good one plus the cost of someone to put it in (probably around $50 if you find a college kid that enjoys that sort of thing). Still cheaper than any insurance and the likelihood that your MB goes out within a year is pretty small.

If you don't know anyone you have this wonderful resource that is cyclonefanatic to assist you in your repair needs.

I would love to know where you find your parts for laptops because those are extremely on the cheap side for a motherboard or a keyboard.

Oh and to the topic on hand the extended warranties are usually a waste of money.