Gateway Parts

Buying a New Computer - Extra Insurance Policy?

My six year old Gateway laptop is on the verge of dying and I'll be buying a new computer this week. Amazon.com and BestBuy offer additional warranty and service plans for around $250 for three years. I've been reading reviews online and I keep getting mixed signals. Some people think its a rip off with way too many loop holes and others really like it. Does anyone else have any input or experience? FYI - I'm looking at a Toshiba Satellite and I'll be using it daily for undergrad then [hopefully] grad school work. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. if it covers screen damage, it's worth it otherwise, it's not . the most expensive thing to fix is if your laptop falls and the screen breaks. that's a minimum $750 repair.
2. Get a warranty if you're spending $2000+ for it and you think its worth it. 99% of the time its not, but theres still that 1% chance it will have an issue. I would say don't do it, Toshiba's are pretty reliable.
3. Many extended service warranties only go into effect after a manufacturer's warranty expires....I wouldn't do it if you are careful with your pc Good luck shopping
4. I used to work for a major retailer and i can say this....my boss told me that extended warranties were just a way for stores to get free money. Because most of the time the product never breaks within that timeframe that you pay for the warranty. But on that same note....It is also possible for you to drop or spill something on your new laptop....so if you have done any of these things with your old laptop then you might want to buy it. Also, check with the manufacters to see if they have a limited warranty on the product. When i bought my first laptop i opted out of the store warranty and just stuck with the factory warranty....they store would have taken a month to fix my problem and i would have to bring it in or pay to mail it off....the factory fixed it within a week...and they paid for shipping both ways!!!
5. Based on my personal experience, I'd say not only get the Toshiba from Best Buy, but get the contract as well. You may never need it, but if the one time comes where you need an expensive repair covered by the contract, you'll be glad you did. Just be sure to take excellent care of your Toshiba, and to THOROUGHLY read the contract :-)