Which warranty to get? Upgradable warranty question.

[FlexOink]

I've finally taken the decision to get the thinkpad T60p after reading numerous laptop reviews and this forum intensively, I came to the conclusion that this is the machine that lives up to my demands. It feels kinda weird buying a $3000 machine which I've never felt, touched or even seen in real life, but I feel I have gathered enough information to override the importance of seeing it in real life.

But there is one more thing I was unable to find info on. Which is the matter of warranty. I understand that the machine has a 3 year carry-in warranty on all parts but the battery (which is a totally awesome period for a warranty). But the place I'm going to get the laptop from offers multiple options for warranty upgrades, which are:

- Upgrade from 3 year carry-in to 3 year on-site $100
- Upgrade from 3 year carry-in to 4 year-carry-in $189
- Upgrade from 3 year carry-in to 4 year on-site $220

I can imagine the on-site warranty is better than the carry-in. But is it really? As advantages I would say the following; no risk of shipping damage, no waiting for it to be sent back, faster, personal etc.
But is it really an advantage for me to let them fix my laptop in my own home. Does the engineer have the right tools, the right replacement parts, the right documentation and info?

Any input on weither on-site is better or not compared to carry-in is appreciated.

Another thing I'm wondering about is the 4 year warranty. 4 years is a pretty long life for any computer. And by then I probably need a faster one, but for 200 bucks extra I get a working machine for 4 years. Does this warranty also include replacements of parts that over the course of time and use have worn out.
For example, the keyboard doesnt function anymore because I used it so much, or a certain USB port doesnt work anymore because I plugged too many times into it. Are only factory faults covered, or also normal use problems (I understand that when I drop the machine and kill it, its my own fault).

So in other words, what is covered by the 4 year warranty? and does is make sense to take it?

[freakwave]

Hi,

I know you do not like to hear it but: It depends
From my point of view, if you earn your money with that machine, take the on site. I have on site support since 4 years now and I had to call IBM 2 twice. First time it was the battery. I called them in Germany, had a flight the next day to South Africa, and they replaced it in Cape Town South Africa at my home there the next day. It can not be better. The next time I had a graphic card error. I could only see white and black bars on my screen. I called them and the next morning somebody passed by my home and replaced my motherboard. Just awesome. I could not imagine living without on site support.
In regards to 4 years, I think it is not worth it. Normally you sell your machine after 2 - 3 years, and it is very unlikely that you get somebody who gives you the additional money for the warranty.
In regards to normal wearout of keyboard as you said, well this is not covered at all. But with thinkpads it is really no problem at all to get spare parts, at least not for the professional series like T and X models.