New Computer Extended Warranties

If you buy a computer today at one of the big box electronic stores, chances are the sales person will ask you to buy an extended warranty. You need to ask yourself some questions before you ever go into the store and decide to buy.

Questions To Ask Yourself

Doing some research online or in a magazine such as Consumer Reports you'll be able to walk into the store as an informed consumer.

1. How long is the manufacturers' guarantee?

2. Do any of your credit cards add a warranty to the original warranty?

3. Will you actually need the additional years of service?

Research is critical before you make your purchase. Some companies have a high return or breakage rate. Read reviews, do the research. See if you think after your research if the odds of breakage or failure are higher than your pain threshold.

Is the manufacturer's warranty adequate? Most companies offer a full one-year warranty. One year is most often long enough to figure out whether or not a computer will break down. According to Consumer Reports consumers never use their computer warranty making this a total waste of money. The only exception is with Apple Computer which offers a short warranty period http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/parts.html of 90 days according to their website.

Many credit card companies offer a warranty, which works as a partnership with the manufacturers original warranty. So check with your credit card company. If they do offer an extended warranty, find out what they require to have the computer fixed. Often the companies want the original sales slip to provide proof of purchase. I keep all the receipts in a box with the product name written on the slip.

Manufacturers are producing better quality products because of competition. It used be electronics were cheaply made and needed frequent repairs. Products just simply dying or not working are increasingly rare.

Consumer reports suggest you take your money and save it for when you need the repair.

Caring for your computer means using common sense. Don't pile things on top of your computer. If you need to clean the screen, apply a few drops of a mild cleaning fluid on a soft cloth. Wipe the computer screen cleaning the screen gently with the cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they can etch the screen.

Remember most warranties do not cover your carelessness or stupidity. Dropping your computer or spilling coffee on your keyboard is not a covered event. Electronics are increasingly durable nowadays. But they are not indestructible. Use common sense and care for your electronics.

In general, computer warranties are not worth the extra expense. If you plan to buy a computer do your research before you buy. Buy a reliable computer and care for the computer.