Computer warranties cover certain repairs for a set period, but vary between manufacturers and models. Extended warranties may be offered by the manufacturer or third party. Standard warranties usually last one year and only apply to the original purchaser. Careful review of terms and conditions is recommended. Exceptions to warranty coverage include damage caused by misuse, abuse, theft, accidents, or unauthorized repairs. Extended warranties may be worth the cost for those who don’t want to repair or upgrade their computers themselves. Professional and customer reviews can help determine reliability, but technology changes rapidly.
A computer warranty typically comes with a new system, is provided by the manufacturer, and covers the cost of certain repairs for a predetermined period of time. Warranty details vary between manufacturers and may even differ between models supplied by the same manufacturer. In some cases, customers request an extended computer warranty, provided by the manufacturer or a third party at an additional cost. The extended warranty may mirror the manufacturer’s warranty or have its own proprietary terms and conditions.
The standard manufacturer’s computer warranty that typically comes with new systems is for one year, although the duration can range from a few months to two or more years. Warranties usually only apply to the original purchaser. If the system is sold within the covered period, the warranty itself will not be transferable.
The terms and conditions of a computer warranty should be reviewed carefully before deciding on a model. If a computer isn’t warranted for at least a year, it’s safe to assume that the manufacturer doesn’t expect the system to last. There are exceptions, however, such as when a reseller gets a system returned simply because the customer has changed their mind. If the product has been opened, the goods must be sold as an “open box” item at a discount. In some cases these products are only guaranteed for a few months by the dealer himself, in other cases the dealer will indicate that the manufacturer’s warranty is still valid.
A standard computer warranty typically covers the cost of defective parts and related labor. Common exceptions include damage caused by misuse, abuse, theft, accidents such as drops or spills, or repairs performed by unauthorized persons. This can present problems for computer owners who might open a case to upgrade a card or to blow fan dust. Such actions can potentially void your warranty.
Some warranty terms require that your computer be repaired at an authorized repair center. If one is not accessible by car, it will have to be shipped. In addition to adding delivery times, shipping costs may fall on the owner. A system that can be repaired locally by an authorized service center can save the owner money in the long run.
An extended computer warranty may maintain the same terms and conditions as the manufacturer’s warranty, but extend its validity period. This option is sometimes offered by the manufacturer at the time of the original sale as an added value. For those who don’t have the time or interest to repair or upgrade their computers after the original warranty has expired, an extended warranty may be worth the cost if the service is affordable and reasonably priced with excellent terms and conditions. Some credit card companies also automatically extend the manufacturer’s warranty when the product is purchased with a credit card.
Alternatively, many computer retailers have in-house repair services that offer extended warranties that can be activated after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. The terms and conditions could be very different from the original guarantee, therefore a careful review is recommended. Optionally, an extended warranty may not be necessary if the owner prefers to use repair services as needed. If the problem is minor, such as spyware slowing down your system, the repair costs are nominal. When a more significant repair is needed, the cost may still be less than or comparable to purchasing a warranty.
Professional reviews and customer reviews are helpful in determining which systems have generally proven to be reliable, although exceptions do occur even under the best of conditions. Technology changes rapidly and the fact that a system that works well today may fail two years from now will influence the decision to purchase an extended warranty.
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