Nature of the IBM Warranty

[mbraun0]

So I am thinking about purchasing a Thinkpad that is still under the IBM warranty until December 2007 (it was originally purchased prior to May 25, 2005). I know this warranty is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry but I have a few questions.

Firstly, how generous are they in replacing parts that have cosmetic defects, but are still working functionally; e.g. if I wanted them to replace a lid with some surface scratches or a keyboard that has shiny keys from normal use, would I run into any hassle doing so?

Secondly, do I need to have anything to receive the warranty service other than the machine itself (some proof of purchase or a certificate of warranty or something). In other words do I need to get something from the seller in order to keep the warranty valid?

Thanks for your time,

-Marcus

[tomh009]

All you need to get warranty service is the model number and serial number. I don't really have an answer for your first question, but I would bet that a keyboard replacement would be much easier to get than a lid replacement.

[ryengineer]

Firstly, how generous are they in replacing parts that have cosmetic defects, but are still working functionally; e.g. if I wanted them to replace a lid with some surface scratches or a keyboard that has shiny keys from normal use, would I run into any hassle doing so?

Cosmetic damage is not covered under warranty.

Secondly, do I need to have anything to receive the warranty service other than the machine itself (some proof of purchase or a certificate of warranty or something). In other words do I need to get something from the seller in order to keep the warranty valid?

No. The person who owns the machine is eligible to make use of the warranty services without any proof of purchase.

[mbraun0]

Thanks for the quick replies!

I did a little more reading and it seems some people have been able to get cosmetic pieces replaced:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=47923
palm rest/bezel

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=47056
many parts

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=46600
lid,palm rest,keyboard

Anyone now how to usually get this done if its not technically covered under the terms of the warranty? Is it the result of smooth-talking the IBM service center worker, or possibly "accidentally" breaking a part and thus necessitating its repair? Thanks,

[ryengineer]

snip......I did a little more reading and it seems some people have been able to get cosmetic pieces replaced:......snip.......Anyone now how to usually get this done if its not technically covered under the terms of the warranty? Is it the result of smooth-talking the IBM service center worker, or possibly "accidentally" breaking a part and thus necessitating its repair? Thanks,

Those experiences you quoted is another way of IBM portraying to customers how accommodating it is. If you send out your machine to EasyServ (a.k.a Solectron) for repair purposes, they would replace anything for you if they feel it needs to be.

You can call IBM at 1-800-426-7378 (24/7)! if your CRU (customer replaceable unit) malfunctions or breaks down, nevertheless (as I stated before too) cosmetic damage is not covered under warranty services.