Should I get the extended warranty on my system ?

JordanJP · 15 Aug 2010

Well on August 13, I just bought a kick ass HP laptop computer from my local FutureShop store.

HP Pavilion 17.3" Intel Core i7-720QM Laptop (DV7-4054CA) - Silver - Future Shop Exclusive - Future Shop

I am very pleased with my system and it's by far the best computer I've ever owned. When I bought it in store it came with the Standard 1 year manufacturers warranty as all electronics have. The people at futureshop asked me If I wanted to purchase their in store PSP (Product Service Plan) warranty. I said no, because I heard bad things about it and thought that If I do choose to go for the extended warranty who better than to get it from HP the people that know the system best.

Anyway I'm on the HP website now and I've got the option to purchase a 1 2 or 3 year Accidental Warranty. I'm thinking about the 2 year Accidental Warranty, it will set me back $230, however I'm wondering If I should really get it ?

I know that If anything happens to my system from now until August 13 2011, I can bring it back to any Futureshop location with my receipt of course and they will most likely be able to fix it, provided it's a basic warranty issue.

However I also heard that If electronics do fail it will most likely be within the first 6 months of use.

So I guess what I really want to know is should I get the extended warranty on the HP website ?

All my systems that I've bought in the past I never really had any problems with them for the duration I owned them. Actually my first laptop I owned was an Acer Aspire, after the first year the hard drive was beginning to freeze. But I ended up selling it and getting something else anyway.

Do you buy extended warranties on your purchases ?

Thanks

PS

I just love my new system it's the fastest beast I've ever owned ! Hopefully it will last me a good couple years !

Intel Core i7 720QM
Windows 7 HP 64

6GB DDR3 RAM
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650

1 TB (500 GB x 2)
Super Multi LightScribe DVD+/-R/RW DL with Blu-ray ROM

Skulblaka · 15 Aug 2010

If you're clumsy, then you may want to consider it. I never got any warranties, they are pointless if you take care of your items, especially if they're expensive.

CarlTR6 · 15 Aug 2010

I normally do not purchase extended warranties. If you read the fine print, these warranties exclude and awful lot.

smarteyeball · 15 Aug 2010

JordanJP said:

Do you buy extended warranties on your purchases ?

Personally, no.

As Carl mentioned, the fine print usually has a lot of loop holes.

It's really up to you if you feel that an extra $230 for "peace of mind" is worth it or not.

A Guy · 16 Aug 2010

A lot of different factors will apply. 1st, it's a laptop, harder to work on yourself, and moved around a lot. How handy are you at doing PC repairs? Can you afford the warranty?

If you have need for it, it's a brilliant purchase. if you don't, you may rue the day you threw away that money. I work for a TV repair company, and I'm a technician. I'd say 85% of our work is extended warranties.

If the warranty doesn't exclude a lot of items, and is inclusive, it can be worth it. Obviously they all make a lot of money selling extended warranties, and the warranty companies must take in more than they pay out or they wouldn't be in business. But if you need a repair, the odds won't matter to you.

Think of purchasing one as purchasing peace of mind. If you use it, it was worth it. If you don't, assume if you hadn't bought it, you probably would have needed a repair :).

If you don't purchase one, expect a repair being needed at some time, if it's old enough, you can replace it instead. It's a tough question to answer, it will all be up to you.

A Guy

fireberd · 16 Aug 2010

Usually, they are not needed. But "Murphy's Law" also applies. Given it's a laptop, which will be subject to moving and more "abuse" than a desktop and that basically everything is on the motherboard and if anything goes wrong it will have to be replaced and that's the biggest expense in a laptop.