new tv/extended warranty advice

xSauronx

Lifer
Jul 14, 2000
19,582
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The girlfriend is looking to go hi-def and wants a tv for ~$400 or so. I could talk her up a little if I needed to. Whats the best way, or where is the best place to be shopping for this? Im figuring she should plan on a 32" at that price (if i can find a deal)

Are extended warranties worth it these days on flat panels? Anything I need to keep in mind while shopping?

Thanks!
 

s44

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2006
9,427
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Are extended warranties worth it these days on flat panels? Anything I need to keep in mind while shopping?
(1) No. You might want to buy with a credit card that extends coverage a year, though.
(2) Size matters. A lot.

I'd buy at Amazon or -- particularly given the low price range -- scour the deal sites...
 

SlickSnake

Diamond Member
May 29, 2007
5,235
2
0
At that price, if it breaks under a warranty or a warranty plan, they will most likely just replace it. Many budget (read off brand) HDTV's now are not meant to be repaired at all if they break, and become landfill and have to be replaced, since no repair parts are even available.

This following article is slightly outdated, but it holds truer today than when it was written. It's a must read for anyone wanting a new HDTV or an extended warranty.

http://hdguru.com/your-new-disposable-flat-panel-hdtv/107/
 

s44

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2006
9,427
16
81
The girlfriend is looking to go hi-def and wants a tv for ~$400 or so. I could talk her up a little if I needed to. Whats the best way, or where is the best place to be shopping for this? Im figuring she should plan on a 32" at that price (if i can find a deal)
from the deal forum -- $400 40"

Unless she's sitting 5' or closer, size is everything.
 

Binky

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
4,046
4
81
(1) No. You might want to buy with a credit card that extends coverage a year, though.
I disagree with this comment. Not because extended warranty's aren't worth it (they're generally not), but because you have the GF to think about.

Best case = TV works perfect and she forgets about spending $X on the warranty. You're still the hero for helping her with the purchase.

Worst case = the TV that YOU suggested blows up 3 months out of warranty. You told her not to buy the warranty. She spends $800 fixing it. You suck. She hates you. You get no nookie. She starts dating your ugly roommate. They have angry/noisy sex in the next room. You cry and wish you didn't talk her out of the warranty.

So...still want to talk her out of that warranty? Do your best to let her make the decision. Document this decision. Pray.
 

Binky

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
4,046
4
81
Well, there's the unrealistic part. ;)

How about "she spends a fraction of the price to get a better set"? HDTV prices fall and fall and fall.
Stop thinking like a man. Think like his GF!