Warranty extension on a Thinkpad T-40

[Chadguy]

Thinkpad Extended Warranty

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I have had a IBM Thinkpad T40 for just shy of 3 years. IBM has just phoned me to extend the all purpose hardware warranty. The cost is 100 (US dollars) for 1 year. 200 for 2 years. If after the 1 year if I choose, I want the second, it's 170. If I wait until after the warranty expires, again it's 170.

I have been told that since I bought the laptop in Jan 2004 (for $2400, incidentally) on American Express, I have an extention into the 4th year for free, anyway. The problem if there is one that I would have to pay and then get reimbursement on it, should anything happen.

I should say that I have had a few glitches on the machine - in fact, I'm about to send it in under the warranty for what appears to be the computer once every few months pinging (motherboard? or a battery short? ) and recurring messages of the computer recovering from a serious error which could be hardware or software apparently. But I think overall it's in good shape.

At any rate, is this a good idea to buy the warranty extension? I'm told that should I have any problem at all in the next year or two - there is the question of when I should be replacing this machine - it will cost in the multi hundreds for anything.

I'm a writer. I essentially use the computer for wordprocessing and the Internet, and I don't really want to lay out another $2400 right now. I'd hope to keep it until this rig is out of date, which you guys might be able to tell me is when? Now? Yesterday? I know, the moment I took it out of the box in Jan. 04....

That's the story.

So Extended Warranty or not?

What say you?


Many thanks.

Chadguy

[pianowizard]

Please tell us the specs of your T40. A low-end T40 is now worth only about $350, so if yours is one of those, it's not worth extending the warranty.

[Chadguy]

Many thanks.

Intel (R) Pentium (R) M
Processor 1600 mhz
1.59 ghz, 512 Mb of Ram
80 gig hard drive I think.

I remember it was the top end machine with the highest resolution screen period back then. I'm trying to remember if there was anything else.

The issue for me is less the replacement value, than the current cost to upgrade. I'm not sure I really need much more than I got. Please explain what the current specs are?

Many thanks.

Chadguy

[pianowizard]

The issue for me is less the replacement value, than the current cost to upgrade. I'm not sure I really need much more than I got.

Have you checked the latest prices on Lenovo? You definitely won't need to shell out $2400 for a brand new Thinkpad. If you have a Visa card, go through this link to save an additional 5 - 20%.

I think that spending $200 to extend the warranty for such an old unit isn't worth it. Your T40 has pretty good specs, so it's definitely not a low-end unit, but it also has issues, so it's probably still not worth a lot more than $350.

[underclocker]

I'd say for $200, it's worth it. Your machine was the top of the line T40 at the time, either a T40p or one with nearly the same specs.

A new T60 may be able run games faster or compile faster or manipulate CAD images faster, but for a writer, web surfer, music listener, Quicken user, that machine is still more than adequate and quite snappy - unless is virused or spywared up - which can happen with any computer - and is correctable.

For $200 bucks you're guaranteed to be happily computing for 2 more years or so - tax on a $2K computer is $100!

Plus, you won't have to migrate any data or software - this will save days of hassle.

Finally, buying a new machine doesn't mean you won't have to exercise its warranty.

Ask IBM for a new keyboard to make it look new - they usually provide these with little hassle. Keep it and enjoy it.

[Chadguy]

Thank you all for your help.

I just wanted to post this information I just got from American Express.

They will cover an extension up to a fifth year. If you take the fourth, they'll cover the fifth.

So, ostensibly, there's always 5 years for just the $100 extra on the Thinkpad warranty - the fourth year cost.

But, I am leaning towards making my life easier and just paying the $200 for the two years (4th and 5th year.)

The only Chinese in accepting AMEX seems to be that they has their own laptop specialists, so that while you are getting IBM parts you're not getting IBM service. If you have a non-major problem and you need help, I suspect they would not be as reliable, or available, as phoning Thinkpad support.

That's one reason I think it may be worth paying the $200 freight for the extra two years. $100 for piece of mind...maybe.

Thanks again.

Chadguy"