[maristredfox]

Hi all,

I bought a Compaq Presario SR1625NX on Jan. 1, 2006, and I got a notice that my service plan from Best Buy expires on Dec. 31st. The computer is almost three years old and hasn't had any major problems, but it's been acting up in minor ways lately, e.g.: Windows got really slow at one point, so I had to disable a bunch of background programs; every time I boot up, a window called "Common" is open.

Should I renew the service plan for two or three more years? It's $239.54 for two years and $287.45 for three. That breaks down to $79.85 or $95.82 per year, which is a lot less than any repairs would cost, but should I be worrying about repairs for this PC?

Thanks,
Jonathan

[etaf]

1) read and make sure you understand what you are covered for
running slow will almost certianly not be covered as its most likely a software issue. spyware etc

2) I guess for $300 you could pick up a new laptop and if yours is three years old - whats are the specs like

if difficult to advise , what do you use the laptop for and is it going to meet your needs in a years 3 years time ?

[sup2a]

Certainly not worth it, you could quite easily buy a basic new computer for $400, repairs in an old system like that are not even worth it, if something goes wrong with hardware there is no point, software, just keep everything backed up so you can wipe the HD yourself if things go bad.

[JohnWill]

YIKES! FWIW, service plans are never worth the money if you can afford to take the risk that the unit will fail. Why do you think they push them so hard? Answer: They're a MAJOR profit center, which shows you the value you're receiving for your money.

[maristredfox]

Etaf: it's not a laptop, it's a PC, and it only cost me $700 new, so $300 would basically get me halfway to a new one!

Thanks everybody!

PS: Watch: the second my plan expires...BOOM goes my hard drive!

[etaf]

PS: Watch: the second my plan expires...BOOM goes my hard drive!

Yea thats the risk, but you can replace the harddrive for a few $$$$s and its faily easy, if you can handle a screwdriver.....
If it cost you $700 3 years ago - then you should get a better spec for the $300 now ..... so should not be halfway there - just have a look on some websites , not sure of the ones in US but
Dabs, bestbuy I think are the ones people quote

Personally I nolonger buy service plans unless theres a real deal, or a huge risk, we had some where, if we did not make a claim they refunded the money - so that was a no brainer, just lost the interest over three years on 50quid.

As johnwill says, its a real profit centre, the first year is covered by manufacturer warranty anyway.

[JohnWill]

Some places to shop for good deals.


Deal News

Tech Bargains

More Stuff 4 Less

[etaf]

also if you are happy with your Monitor then you only need the Main PC BOX

NOT A RECOMMENDATION - just an example
But on the tech Bargain site John Posted - you can get a box with 2GB of memory (which is minimum with vista) and vista software for $279

[ibo]

Now, you don't have to listen to me if you disagree

Never purchase insurance, extended service that you have to pay for.
Unfortunately, JohnWill is right saying that its their main income (and they are supposed to sell hardware). Just think smart when you're buying something. You can never set a deal with some people. They just want your money.

Think of it this way: You're paying full coverage insurance for your car. That is, $200-300 monthly. One day, you go downtown, and while you're doing your job, your car's windows get smashed by someone who just takes the change inside the car (I put mine in the cupholder). You are damn mad about what happened, and you go to your insurance company to claim the damage and someone else to pay for the damage. You enter their building, you talk to a representative, but he tries to tell you how they will give you money if the damage is above a certain cost - let's say above $700. And the damage windows are "only" $500.

In the end what happens is, you pay for everything your self, you are angry at the insurance people and you either downgrade to basic coverage or you change the company.

I can back up this example with real identities and firms. In theory, this is not supposed to happen, but we live in the "real" world, remember?