| |
| |
|
Hardware Information |
|
|
|
Would You Like An Extended Warranty With That?
Should you buy an extended warranty with your laptop? You may not want to think about it now, but sooner or later, something is going to break down on your laptop. When it happens, the big question will be who gets stuck with the bill, you or the manufacturer. The standard (standard in this case meaning free) warranty on a new laptop typically runs anywhere from 90 days to a year. That probably doesn't seem like much when you consider how long you expect to own your laptop. What happens when your laptop poops out on the 91st day? First of all, even if your laptop only includes a 90-day warranty (and assuming you've purchased a reputable brand- name system), the chances of your laptop dying on the 91st day are very, very slim. Manufacturers don't offer a 90-day warranty with the expectation that their product will malfunction shortly thereafter. A shorter warranty is likely, at least in part, to be a marketing ploy to push you toward an extended warranty. All major laptop manufacturers offer a long menu of extended warranty options, each menu item with its own price tag. The two biggest components that factor into the cost of an extended warranty are duration and location. Through extended warranty, you typically have the option to extend the duration of the standard warranty from one to three years. The first extra year is always the most expensive, with each subsequent year costing significantly less. The longer the extended warranty, the better the deal. As for location, the least expensive extended warranties require you to ship your laptop (at your expense) to a remote repair facility. With the most deluxe extended warranty packages, a service technician will meet you at your own front door to attempt the repairs. This type of coverage tends to be on the expensive side. At this point, you might decide to research manufacturer websites to determine their standard warranty policies. Don't bother, because most laptop manufacturers don't have standard warranty polices. Warranties vary from line to line and product to product. Even with a particular model in mind, it's still going to take some digging. So how do you decide whether an extended warranty is right for you? Your best bet is to consider your anticipated usage: If you're buying a laptop as a second computer for occasional use when you need to travel, you can probably pass on the extended warranty and still feel relatively safe. At the other extreme, if you use your laptop day in and day out as your primary system, with half your life spent in airport terminals, you should consider adding as much extended warranty as you possibly can. Fortunately, unlike automobile warranties, laptop warranties don't put any restriction on mileage. About The Author The author, computer journalist John San Filippo, has written the definitive guide for buying a laptop computer at: http://HowToBuyALaptop.com You can also pick up your complimentary ebook titled "Computer Tips From The Experts" at: http://howtobuyalaptop.com/laptop-tips.htm
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Testing Diode -The Accurate Way on How to Test Semiconductor Diode Using Multimeter Testing diodes is different from testing a resistor because you need a skill to do it. If you do not know or wrongly test a diode you will be unable to repair the equipment. Upgrading, Adding or Removing a Video Card, Sound Card, or Other AGP/PCI Card For Video cards - Most PC video cards these days are AGP. But you COULD be working with PCI, or PCI express. Ergonomic Products 101 Human beings are scaling new heights day by day. Markets are becoming more and more complex and competitive. A Review of Brother Laser Toners Brother is right up there with HP and Samsung as one of the most sought-after brands of laser toner. The Japan-based Brother Industries was first famous for its sewing machines. Where does technology come from? Ever wonder where all the cool gadgets come from? Ever wonder who gets to try this stuff out first? Usually the war machine scientists get it first, try it out and find an application by using it for destruction; an obvious outlet for the human species and our desire to blow things up. It then moves into the private sector for important projects like, Microwave Ovens, Nuclear Energy, aviation space travel, telecommunications, Internet (which of course Al gore created first?), even Hummers, the ultimate SUV was created to cruise troops around in, Helicopters, hydrofoils, you name it man it came from military first. Security Risks and Ways to Decrease Vulnerabilities in a 802.11b Wireless Environment IntroductionThis document explains topics relating to wireless networks. The main topics discussed include, what type of vulnerabilities exist today in 802. Printer Ink Cartridges - The History You are working at your computer and trying to print out important documents and all at once you find you are out of ink. Years ago that would have presented a big problem. Just The Fax, M'am For years, I smugly prided myself as a non-fax machine person. I felt it beneath my dignity to own such a technical contraption. Expert Guide to DVD Camcorders Thinking about a mini DVD camcorder? You're not alone, it's a rapidly growing sector of the camcorder market, with Hitachi, Sony and Panasonic all making more than one mini dvd camcorder.These camcorders differ from regular digital video cameras in one important way - they record video onto mini DVD discs, rather than DV tape. A Technical Introduction to Audio Cables What is so important about cables anyway?One of the most common questions asked by consumers faced with purchasing cables for their audio or home theater system is, "What is so important about cables anyway?" They can cost as much or more than some of the hardware in the system and to many it is difficult to understand why wire isn't just wire.To begin to understand how audio cables work, we have to start with the two fundamentally different types of audio cables you are likely to have in your system. How to Solve Multiple Paper Loading Problem in HP5L and HP6L Laser Printer Have you ever encountered before the problem of having multiple paper loading in your HP LaserJet 5L and 6L? Do you know that this is caused by a defective separation pad where it's rubber has worn out.The function of separation pad is to control or allow paper to go through it, one at a time. Expansion Cards Part 3: PCI Express In the first two installments of this series of Tech Tips, we took a look at PCI and AGP, undoubtedly the most common expansion slots in a computer today. With a few key improvements over both of these, PCI Express is destined to replace both and offer a whole new level of computer performance. Adding USB 2.0 The process of adding USB 2.0 ports took no time and the backup system is mighty fast. How To Troubleshoot DVD Drives Fast You really enjoy those dvd movies and games and the last thing you need or want is to experience problems with your dvd drive.To prepare for the possibility of having your dvd drive leaving you out in the cold one morning,we will dicuss problems that may cause dvd failure as well as the procedures you should take to correct these problems. Ten Tips to Safeguard Your Laptops The following is a list of tips to help safeguard your laptop while traveling or conducting business.1. Which Notebook Computer Has Your Name On It? Notebook Computers Are Sexy!Granted, the notebook computer may just be the sexiest accessory this side of a Baywatch Extra! But are they worth the extra money? Should yournext PC be a notebook or laptop computer?What are the pros and cons of owning a notebook computer? More importantly, which notebook is best for you?There's no denying it -- notebook computers are sexy!Slim, svelte and lightweight; they always come across aslooking sexy, the ultimate in high fashion accessories.Maybe sexy isn't the most appropriate word -- we are talking about chips, hard drives and bits of metal. Computer Parts Online In today's age, building computers on yourself is often chosen as the safest and choicest option by a sizeable part of the market for computers. There are various advantages and disadvantages for doing so. Buying Cheap Refurbished Laptops When comparing refurbished laptop models, ask about these specifications:Central Processing Unit: The CPU or processor is the heart of the computer. The more software you want in your refurbished laptop, the more powerful the processor has to be. How to Read Zener Diode Code Many technicians are confused on how to really read a zener diode code. There are many types of code number indicated on it's body. Flyback Transformer-How to Locate the ABL Line Whenever there is a complaint about monitorcontrast problem I will check on the flybacktransformer ABL (automatic blanking limiter)circuit.Sometimes a weak picture tube might causedcontrast problem.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
