Advice on extending warranty

[SkiBunny]

I'm interested in folks' educated opinions on whether to extend the warranty on my T43 FlexView 266889U, which runs out soon.

I've been very pleased with the warranty service. They replaced the LCD screen this week as it had a small grey shadow that looked like a pressure mark. They also replaced the keyboard (with a chicony, but it's new and no shine so I'm happy).

This is perhaps my fave machine in my collection and I don't plan on getting a T61 or X300 because although I like widescreen TV, I dislike widescreen laptops.

Lenovo wants $179 to extend the T43 warranty for the 4th and 5th year (two years carry-in service, no accidental coverage)

Questions:

1) Should I extend it?

2) Are motherboard cracks/failures or loose GPU's very common on the T43 like on the earlier T-series? (my workplace T42 and T41 motherboards failed years ago). Are these expensive to fix at small shops?

3) Is a higher-end T43 with 6-12 months of remaining IBM warranty significantly more saleable or valuable (say at least $100?) than one with no warranty?

[Johan]

<snip>

Lenovo wants $179 to extend the T43 warranty for the 4th and 5th year (two years carry-in service, no accidental coverage)

<snip>

See the thread Warranty Extension. The 5-year EZServ (depot service) with IBM/Lenovo part number 41C9180 also apply to T43's, and if you go to Affinity Systems, Inc. you will find it for only $152 ("only" compared to 179). The 41C9180 is applicable for ThinkPad's which came with 3-year base warranty - as also seen from the current Lenovo TopSeller WEB Guide - August 2008 (see page 12).

As to the probability of GPU failures in T43's, compared to the probability of the same in T40/T41/T42's (owing to flexing motherboards), this has been discussed quite a bit and a quick search for "T43 GPU problem" reveil e.g. the following threads, which might be of interest to browse: Does the T43 also have GPU attachment problems? and used T40 - GPU failure propability and T43 system board inside a T42 case? and Got the GPU loose issue? Please post your graphic card - just to name a few.

Johan

[SkiBunny]

Thanks for the links. I hadn't noticed those b4 because I long ignored the T4x threads in favor of the X60 threads

[SkiBunny]

Because IBM replaced my LCD and keyboard recently, then maybe there's less reason to now extend the warranty?
(I think the new LCD repair carries its own 1-yr warranty on parts & labor, though I could be wrong)

[underclocker]

It's a tough/close call, for $7.50 a month, you get quite a good piece of mind.

However, the only part that would be more than $150 to replace would be the LCD (although it's possible to find one for that). You can buy hard drives and buy/fix mobo's for less than that, so the LCD is your exposure. But, you just had it replaced. Close call.

[SkiBunny]

I see, but I don't know how to replace the LCD or systemboard (my background is software and management). What about resale in 12-18 months. Soon no T4x will have warranty except those few with the longest possible coverage. Is a thinkpad with 6-12 months on warranty much more valuable in the market than one with no warranty?

[ajkula66]

I'm going to advise you to go for it...

Although T43 units are generally not prone to GPU issues as much as their older siblings, they do fail on occasion. I've got a T43p sitting in a depot with that problem right now.

On the other T43p that I've owned and recently sold to a fellow forum member, within 2 months LCD, inverter, fan and keyboard were replaced...can't beat that.

Motherboard for a T43 will run you $150, as would a good repair service, like one that jamiphar provides with re-balling...

Whenever I had a machine I liked where I could extend the warranty, I always did, and never regretted it.

My $0.02 only...