Is the TP protection worth it?

[ddutta]

Has anyone actually used the TPP service upgrade for accidental damage? How prompt and considerate are they?

[MobileGuru]

TPP is a good program for a good price as long as you don't plan on going overboard. With the cost of LCD panels and planars these days, it will save you lots of time and money if you accidentally damage your machine .. but if you are planning on being careful (which you should be) it isn't really necessary as the warranty will cover pretty much anything that goes wrong .. short of a liquid spill, drop damage or lcd fracture.

Think of it as more of an insurance .. do you think you need it?

MG.

[SteveDC]

Also see if you can get a rider on your homeowner's insurance to cover it. An additional $75 a year might cover theft, loss, or major damage.

'Course, they will raise your rates if you make a claim!

[andrey]

I think depends on how you use your Thinkpad and if you expect to abuse your TP many times or not.

On the side note, the new LCD, in case you crack or break it, will run you around $500 and still, "if you break it". So, it's not that much more than insurance. Other parts in your Thinkpad are usually either covered by warranty or can be replaced for less that $299.

-- Andrey

[skygodtj]

I think depends on how you use your Thinkpad and if you expect to abuse your TP many times or not.

On the side note, the new LCD, in case you crack or break it, will run you around $500 and still, "if you break it". So, it's not that much more than insurance. Other parts in your Thinkpad are usually either covered by warranty or can be replaced for less that $299.

-- Andrey

$500? From IBM, maybe, there are many sources, other than eBay that have brand new LCD's for under $250.

TJ

[edelrc]

It is well worth it for many users.

For $169 you have the assurance that any accidental won’t give you headaches... Thinks on these scenarios:
- You close the lid and your pen was over the keyboard...
- You are changing the laptop from desk and it slips from your hand...
- You get up and trip on the power cord cable and whole thing comes down the desk...
- Someone push your chair while you are having your coffe/tea cup over your ThinkPad
- Something breaks while transporting it.
- You put the CD a little abruptly and tray or lens brakes...
- And, my favorite, no more excuses by technician that something is not covered under warranty because of misuse!
- (tens of other reasons here, just look at the post on ThinkPads.com)

Anything, anything that may happen during three years beyond warranty will already cost you more than $169... Now you tell me if it is worth it.

[mattfromomaha]

Somewhat off topic, but I was on a commercial flight recently and the guy next to me was working on his HP notebook on the fold-down tray. The person in the seat ahead of him decided to abruptly recline his seat. The result: the top of the LCD got wedged in the cutout on the seatback where the tray latches......and cracked apart! Ouch!

The guy who did the reclining acted like it wasn't his fault.

I guess I'm glad I always ask the person ahead of me to say something if they're going to recline!

[BillMorrow]

TPP is ABSOLUTELY worth the money..

for the peace of mind if nothing else..

that said, if you never travel, live alone and your thinkpad is under glass, the TPP might not be for you..

[Puppy]

Is the TPP available worldwide, namely in Eastern Europe ? Thanks.

[Skysurfer]

Has anyone actually used the TPP service upgrade for accidental damage? How prompt and considerate are they?

Based on personal experience, customer service was both prompt AND considerate. In my line of work, I can not afford to off line for more than 48 hours. So, when distaster struck--a liquid spill--IBM got me back from the edge of career death asap.

Why these types of incidents only seem to happen during the 11th hour of mission-critical projects I'll never know. But IBM saved the day.

Lawrence