Laptop computer

I am looking at various new laptop computers. I am shocked by the cost of the extended warrenty service. In some cases 20-30% of the cost of the computer. I am interested in seeing if they are really needed. DO these type have a breakdown history or is it marketing hype.

 

Hard question. You're asking us to wager, and you are the only potential loser!

Generally, my feeling is that major problems will appear during the original warranty period. Extended Warranties are often a scam.

In the case of computers, which generally have relatively short life-spans, anyway, it would seem even less likely that an EW would be necessary.

But, piece of mind is the desired result:

http://www.freep.com/money/business/warran21_20030421.htm

 

I just bought an HP Pavilion laptop and faced the same decision. I spoke to a friend who is intimately knowledgable about such matters. From what he described, if something goes wrong with your laptop once it's outside of your 1-year warranty period, you're basically fooked. By that, I mean that the cost of getting the unit repaired is so prohibitive that it will make you gag. He told me that HP charges over $400 to simply replace a defective hard drive (out of warranty).

I was shocked to learn how much of a risk you're running when you're out of warranty with laptops...and I NEVER buy the extended warranties on anything! Picture this, one day past one year out and if any onboard component (modem, NIC, sound, etc.) goes out, the whole motherboard has to be replaced. I don't think that would be too friendly to your wallet. Well, on this, I went ahead and bought the 4-year warranty for $315. My laptop will simply be used to connect to the business over the internet to see if any orders have come in and for e-mail. So, I will be keeping this unit for quite some while.

I also have some business coverage on it in case I drop the thing. So, the extended warranty ended up costing about 40% of the unit's price - but I did get an excellent deal on the unit. The final choice depends on how much of a gambler you are. From what I've heard, Circuit City has a very good extended warranty.