ThinkPlus 24x7x4 experiences

[ThinkRob]

Hi,

I'm thinking about getting a T410s for a family member as a present, and as part of the purchase getting a ThinkPlus Priority-4 onsite warranty for the machine (45J9104). (My rationale is that since they're located several states away from me, I can't easily help them with hardware issues, so it would be nice to be able to say "pick up the phone, call this number, and a tech. can be on-site in 4 hours".)

It's not too expensive to get the upgrade (thanks to the IBM SPP), but I'd like to know if it's actually a worthwhile service; does anyone here have any experience (good or bad) with any of Lenovo's service offerings that promise a 4-hour response objective?

Thanks!

[3rods]

I purchased the 24x7 on-site and thinkpad accidental damage coverage for 3 years when I got my x61. I've rarely had to use it (twice), but when I have, the support routed me to Georgia when the techs spoke clear english and were actually helpful. I got a crack on my x61 (from the airport) right by the PC card slot and it irrated my hand when I typed. I called lenovo and they sent someone out to replace the hand rest plastic and the PC card slot hardware (which didn't even need to be replaced). Keep in mind though, that the on-site techs only show up Monday-Friday, not on weekends. But they will show up to just about where ever.

The x61 is probably the best laptop I've ever owned and I will most likely purchase an X201 or a T401/s this winter to replace it.

For $300 or so, you can't beat it. I would recommend against the 4 year plan only because it is unlikely that you will have that laptop in 4 years (when the new quantum intel core 8000's come out) and more likely that you'll need a component replaced in less than 3. I would drop the coverage to 3 years and add accidental coverage.

[ThinkRob]

Oh, I'm well aware that on-site coverage is worth it -- I'm wondering specifically about the service plans that have a 4-hour response objective.

(Note: these are *not* the plans that you can select in the "Services" stage of the system configuration process, but rather ones that you order separately.)

Sorry for not making that clear!

[RealBlackStuff]

Is there any service-center within4 hours of the laptop's end-destination?
If not, why bother? Get next-day onsite instead

[ThinkRob]

Is there any service-center within 4 hours of the laptop's end-destination?
If not, why bother? Get next-day onsite instead

Yes, I believe so. The price difference isn't that great -- a little less than $100 -- so I figured it was worth looking in to.