Should I get an extended warranty?

[rcomo]

OK. I have decided on this laptop unless someone here can tell me why I shouldn't get it, and give me an alternate (I need ASAP, which sucks b/c I usually get ripped off on these types of purchases). I think this is a great price for what I'm getting, but research was limited, so gurus help me.

http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&u=c&catoid=-8026&qp=0&oid=91242&m=0

My main question, is the 4 year warranty for $369 really worth it? Need to know quickly, please. Thanks for the help.

 

[jcwagers]

Well, what are you going to use the laptop for? If it's for gaming, you'll probably be getting the short end of the stick. The GFmx 420 is not much in the way of a gaming chip. It'll do basic games and will run some older stuff decently but if you want to play anything new, it honestly won't cut it. The rest of the laptop looks nice. If you do want to do some gaming, you might check out the Emachines laptops (M6805, M6807, or M6809). The M6809 comes with a 3200+ processor and a Radeon 9600 64mb graphics chip. It will play games much better than the mx420 card in the Compaq. After rebates, the M6809 should run you around $1400 before tax and/or shipping. There are $250 in rebates on it right now so you might check that out if you think it's something you'd be interested in.

jc

Also, I think that the Emachines 3yr warranty is like $189. The only complaint I would have about the Emachines is that they do NOT have a toll-free number. When you call, you pay.

 

[rcomo]

Thanks for the input, no gaming will be done. Additionally, I was hoping that the vid card could be replaced later down the road, but not sure if the card in integrated. Does anyone know? Anyway, I know that the vid card is underpowered, but the rest of the laptop looks pretty sweet, imo.

Any input on extended warranties? Research says a 1:1 (Consumer Reports votes yes, PC World votes no).

 

[Conroy9]

Long warranties are usually good on laptops, because they're such a pain to fix and replace parts on, but I don't know how the circuit city or EMachiens warranty is.

 

[THRILLHOv]

i know its not the same, but i got the 2 year in home warranty on my dell, and in less then 6 months ive used it twice, i build my own desktops, so HW failure is an excuse for me to upgrade, but with a laptop I LOVE having the warranty
edit- just noticed you said 4 year.... how long do you expect this to be your primary system? how much is a shorter term warranty? i got the 2 year on mine cause i figured the 3 year was a significant jump in price, and in 2 years laptop prices will drop signifcantly compared to what i have

 

[Strk]

Doesn't the Best Buy extended warrenty cover the battery too?

 

[jkasmann]

Best Buy's definetly covers the battery, I used to work there. Its one of the biggest selling points. I have no idea if CC's does or not, but if it doesn't, I would head somewhere else. Especially if you plan to use your laptop for 3-4 years, the warranty is a good value, as you can replace the battery in two years when it looses its charge, and are covered from any other parts that fail on you.

 

[atsang]

Originally posted by: rcomo

Any input on extended warranties? Research says a 1:1 (Consumer Reports votes yes, PC World votes no).

Uhh consumer reports is way more trust worthy than PC world.

I used to work for CC. their warranties are top notch. for 4 years its a no brainer.

 

[tyanni]

And I used to work for CC too, and their warranties are a major hassle, not to mention a ripoff. However, I would still recommend one for a laptop, since you can't really fix it yourself usually.

 

[ShellGuy]

I would reccomend the Warranty but I would also have to add go to BB and get the new 6809 better deal and better warranty....

Will