|
Unlike desktop PC hard drive replacements,
notebook hard drive replacements can be expensive, both from a soft
cost perspective as well as the cost of the actual replacement part.
Moreover, because notebooks require specific parts, it’s pretty
difficult to quickly obtain appropriate replacement parts on your
own.
Notebook PC Extended Warranty Rationale
In sharp contrast to warranty options on
desktop PCs, you’ll really want to purchase the maximum extended
warranty coverage you can with a new notebook. Even beyond a
potential hard drive failure on a notebook, consider the cost of
replacing the LCD screen.
Unlike a conventional PC monitor, notebook LCD
screens are highly specialized for particular notebooks. If you
needed to replace a standard 17” or 19” monitor that’s out of
warranty, you’d generally have no problem finding equivalent
products at local retail outlets for relatively modest prices of
about $200 to $300.
For a notebook LCD screen, you’d almost never find the parts
locally. And the LCD screen, related assembly and cable purchased
separately easily could run $1,000 or more. So because of the risks
of hard drive and LCD screen failures on a notebook, buying an
extended service plan becomes a no-brainer. This is also the primary
reason extended warranties on notebooks cost a lot more than
comparable extended warranties on desktop PCs.
Notebook PC Warranties Action Items
Are the notebook computers that your
company owns typically used more in the office or in the field (i.e.
with more wear and tear in harsher environments)?
Before you make a purchase decision, can
you get a copy of the notebook system warranty statement?
How does the notebook warranty statement
differ from the desktop PC warranty statement?
Does the warranty specifically include or
exclude certain hardware components?
Are there any warranty restrictions
regarding replacement of the hard drive or LCD panel?
What is the duration of the included
warranty coverage? What is the cost to add one or more additional
years of warranty coverage to the initial warranty period?
Is your PC vendor the one selling and
honoring the extended warranty policy? If the extended warranty is
subordinated to a third party and the third party goes out of
business, will your PC vendor still honor the warranty?
|
