Any way around Thinkpad Protection "at time of purchase

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#1 Post by **aamsel** » Tue May 03, 2005 5:01 pm

A T42 Thinkpad I want is out of stock through IBM for 2-5 weeks.
A reputable online vendor has it in stock, but they don't offer Thinkpad Protection as a purchase option.

I called IBM Customer Service, and they told me "no problem, buy it within 30 days" then, when I asked them if they were sure, I was put on hold, and then told "no, it is only at time of purchase".

So...which is correct, and if it can be within 30 days, what number do I call, and/or who do I talk to.

Yes, I already emailed Bill, but he doesn't have any T42's left, unless he can sell Thinkpad Protection after the fact, which I doubt?

Andrew
Austin, TX

fefland · #2 Post by **fefland** » Tue May 03, 2005 5:28 pm

That's interesting that they told you that. I emailed my sales rep and asked. He replied in an email that it could be added during 30 day review period. I wonder if it was because you are not buying it from IBM directly. Why they wouldn't is beyond me since, you could always order it again if you liked it with thinkpad protection and then return the first one. If you call back, ask to speak to someone from customer advocacy. They had to get involved for me when I wanted to return RAM after the 30 days. I had originally bought it for my T43p I ordered in March. I decided I would wait on the memory until after I got the laptop. Stiil waiting for the laptop (but that is another story). I never even opened the RAM. No need to. Hope this helps.

admsteiner · #3 Post by **admsteiner** » Tue May 03, 2005 5:55 pm

Just because IBM says out of stock for 2-5 weeks doesn't mean they don't have any. At 3pm on Friday I placed an order for an out of stock T42. I was told, on the phone, that it would get to me in two weeks and the website also said in stock in 2 weeks. Monday morning at 930am UPS came to drop it off.

Now, you can add TPP within 30 days, though sometimes it takes a bit of doing (like I did). I think the logic behind it is that you can turn around and return the laptop, and order the exact same model with TPP so why shouldn't you be able to add TPP?

With that logic, the question is, especially when dealing with an online dealer, is whether they call IBM to tell them when the warranty starts, and assuming that could be used as the purchase date, would IBM let you add TPP. Toss up, especially since according to IBM, TigerDirect or Newegg etc are the ones who purchased the laptop, not you.

Additionally, when I wanted to add TPP they asked me for my customer and order #. You won't have the numbers for the online retailer, and getting them to do it for you might be a hassle.

I'd say just order it from Bill or IBM's site and wait for the TP, assuming time isn't of the essence. If it is...find a T42 that's in stock.

--Adam

#4 Post by **aamsel** » Tue May 03, 2005 8:44 pm

That's the problem. There are no T42's in stock that I can find with SXGA+ and a 9600, because they are all 1.7's or 1.8 Dothans which are not available.
Do you know a model that is in stock?

Andrew
Austin, TX

admsteiner wrote:...find a T42 that's in stock.

admsteiner · #5 Post by **admsteiner** » Tue May 03, 2005 9:11 pm

Strange, the EDU site is showing *nothing* in stock. That's gotta be wrong though, since that includes the 1.6, 2.0 and the newer CPU's.

I'd say call IBM and see what the guy says.

Sorry,

Adam

GoEatFood · #6 Post by **GoEatFood** » Tue May 03, 2005 9:15 pm

yeah there is a delay on all the chips...2-5 weeks on all orders. but, they are tentative dates. I'm going to call tomorrow to see the status on my order...then I'll report back to every one on my findings.

and as with all online sales sites I've found the info they provide online is usually off...it's always better to call if at all possible as the "sales" people usually have a better inside scoop.

davidlg16 · #7 Post by **davidlg16** » Tue May 03, 2005 11:27 pm

aamsel wrote:That's the problem. There are no T42's in stock that I can find with SXGA+ and a 9600, because they are all 1.7's or 1.8 Dothans which are not available.
Do you know a model that is in stock?

Andrew
Austin, TX

admsteiner wrote:...find a T42 that's in stock.

Hey didn't you order a CTO T43?

Off to order another one already?

#8 Post by **aamsel** » Tue May 03, 2005 11:59 pm

Yes, I did order a CTO T43.

Undecided as to your other question.

With me, nothing is ever simple!!

Andrew
Austin, TX

davidlg16 wrote:...Hey didn't you order a CTO T43?

Off to order another one already?

Any way around Thinkpad Protection "at time of purchase

Any way around Thinkpad Protection "at time of purchase

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