Post-warranty service pack for T60p -- questions

[npish]

I'm trying to do a bit of price shopping for a post-warranty service extension on my T60p 2613CTO; the process has been rather difficult, as many of the resellers with whom I've spoken are not aware of which specific service packs apply to my specific machine as post-warranty vs. "regular" warranty, etc.

Beyond that, I phoned Lenovo warranty sales, and the a**hole refused to give me the part numbers for the warranty packs, saying "he's not supposed to give them out." This makes me not want to buy from Lenovo directly even more...aside from not having to pay full retail.

I'm wondering the following: (1) does anyone have experience with buying a post-warranty service pack from a reseller, and if so, from whom did you make the purchase and how did it work out? (2) Where might I be able to find the part numbers for these warranty upgrades--there must be some PDF floating around the IBM website that would have these...

Thanks for any insight/assistance.

[npish]

Interestingly, I just found this page by digging through the labyrinthine IBM site, but no results come up for my 2613CTO:

IBM Shop for ServicePacs

[ryengineer]

Warranty extension/upgrade is always sold on thinkpad series and 4 letter machine type. The part numbers you're looking for are as following:

41C9278 1 Year Parts and Labor Depot Repair
41C9279 1 Year Onsite Repair 9x5 Next Business Day M-F
41C9280 2 Year Parts and Labor Depot Repair
41C9281 2 Year Onsite Repair 9x5 Next Business Day M-F

ThinkPlus MA for post-warranty/warranty service upgrade service.

I would advise you to call EasyServ again to confirm these part numbers, this time try to explain your situation about buying servicepacs from resellers who don't know which parts to sell you.

[npish]

thanks, ryengineer, that's extremely helpful; would you be able to recommend--by direct or indirect experience--any particular resellers for purchasing one of these upgrades?

[Johan]

... would you be able to recommend -- by direct or indirect experience -- any particular resellers for purchasing one of these upgrades?

.. check the thread Warranty extension - there you will find a few recommended extended warranty resellers. Also, the thread Extended warranties, buy now or later? might (also) be useful for you.

Best regards,

Johan

[npish]

thanks for those links, Johan... very helpful; my quandary though derives from concern over whether the third-party warranty will be honored by Lenovo...I've verified the relevant part numbers with Lenovo, but, for instance, one reseller referred to the extension as "ThinkPlus"--even though the part no. matches up-- whereas my contact at Lenovo contends that "ThinkPlus" warranties are upgrades (within an existing warranty) and are distinct from the post-warranty "maintenence agreements" that I require;

I'm gonna do a bit more digging and report back; honestly, the conservative side of me is leaning towards to buying direct from Lenovo...

[ryengineer]

snip...."ThinkPlus" warranties are upgrades (within an existing warranty) and are distinct from the post-warranty "maintenence agreements" that I require...snip

Thinkplus is just a trademark of lenovo which is not limited to warranty or maintenance services, accessories are also sold under it, the person you talked to obviously didn't know the difference. Both in and post-warranty services are advertised under Thinkplus trademark:

ThinkPlus™ and Lenovo Care Maintenance and Protection Services.

in addition to accessories:

ThinkPlus - Reference guide.

[npish]

thanks again ryengineer; clearly the people with whom I've spoken are insufficiently educated in the details of these services, as the guy I spoke with today said that he wasn't even aware that resellers were able to offer these agreements at discounted prices (!)-- and I don't think he was just feigning ignorance to make a sale, as he was actually quite helpful and understanding of my desire to save money.

in any case, I will report on my final decision and results for others who may be interested....