How is the thinkpad warranty transferred ?

[wearetheborg]

If I buy a used thinkpad, how is the warranty transferred ?

[qviri]

It isn't. Warranty is on the machine, not on the owner. You have the machine, you get the service. (Unless it's been reported stolen.)

[wearetheborg]

Does this mean I can buy a used machine, and extend the warranty myself, without having the original order number etc ?

Also, can I tell them I bought it used ? That does not void anything right ?

[qviri]

Does this mean I can buy a used machine, and extend the warranty myself, without having the original order number etc ?

Theoretically, when extending the warranty, you have to provide IBM with the date of original purchase. While it would be useful to get this information from the seller (if he knows it), in practice it will go through without the date being correct.

Also, can I tell them I bought it used ? That does not void anything right ?

I don't see why it would. I wouldn't go screaming about it, but I mentioned it casually in a phone conversation when I was extending mine and didn't get a reaction.

[wearetheborg]

Thanks qviri

[carbon_unit]

Actually they don't ask about the original purchase date. All you are doing is extending the original warranty. The beginning of the warranty period has already been determined, it is the end that is being changed.
The only thing they ask is the model/type numbers and the serial numbers from the sticker on the bottom, then which warranty extension you want and finally your CC info and mailing address. The warranty website won't show the extension for a month or two but they will send a large envelope with the paperwork in it.

[qviri]

Actually they don't ask about the original purchase date.

The following has been my experience with Lenovo Canada...

Warranty was due to expire on May 27th (Sunday). Purchased a two-year extension with a credit card late evening on the 24th (Thursday). Received a confirmation via email early morning Friday, and another at noon. Saturday afternoon, I received an email telling me I needed to register:

It is ESSENTIAL that the reseller ensures that the END-USER customer is notified that the ThinkPlus/Lenovo Care Maintenance Service MUST be registered using the instructions in this e-mail. THE END USER WILL NOT RECEIVE THE PURCHASED SERVICE UNLESS THE REGISTRATION PROCESS IS FOLLOWED.

... The ThinkPlus/Lenovo Care Maintenance Services must be registered within 30 days of
purchase for your coverage to be recognized and entitled.

Registration form asked me to put in "purchase date". I put in May 26th, 2007 (date of filling out) as I couldn't think of anything better. Sunday evening, I received an email update, informing me about an error in the order with status codes "4 : Input required" and "15: Purchase date difference". I went through the registration form again and put in a wild guess at the purchase date... I think it was May 27th, 2004. Early Monday morning (28th) I received another email, telling me my order went through with status "2 : Successful with purchase date difference". I checked the warranty status page on Monday, and it told me my machine was out of warranty. I checked it again on Wednesday and it had the correct new information with expiry date in 2009. A while later, an official paper invoice arrived at my permanent address.

I would recommend paying for the extension with a credit card. If Lenovo somehow takes an exception to your attempts, it's always easier to negotiate with a chargeback button in your hand.

[JaneL]

Does this mean I can buy a used machine, and extend the warranty myself, without having the original order number etc ?

Also, can I tell them I bought it used ? That does not void anything right ?

In order, yes, yes, yes, why bother, no.