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In the past few years manufacturers have removed costly
warranty services and technical support offerings to bring
you the lowest possible equipment prices. We want you to
understand how you are protected by the warranty on the
computer product you are considering. Each manufacturer's
warranty is different, and you should read your warranty
completely so you understand what is covered and how the
manufacturers protect their customers. The following
pertains to warranties from Compaq, Cisco,
Hewlett-Packard, IBM and many other manufacturers.
Manufacturer's warranties and
Extended Warranties cover the repair or replacement of
defective hardware. Many people have a
different level of expectation than what their warranty
offers, and are surprised to find out that they have to
pay for services even during the term of their warranty.
We want you to be aware of the following restrictions in
most warranties:
- Manufacturer's warranties and Extended Warranties do
not cover software problems. Reloading of software, or
any data you have entered into your system is not
covered. Computer manufacturers charge to answer
software support phone calls.
- Manufacturer's warranties and Extended Warranties do
not cover many problems caused by users. This includes
outside problems such as with phone lines; network
services; modifications of pre-loaded software;
installation of third party software or hardware items;
or surges and lightning damage.
- Many manufacturers' warranties do not cover travel
or even labor. Many add-on products, such as modems,
network cards, sound cards, and disk drives, only have a
replacement warranty. All labor and shipping costs must
be paid by the customer.
- Manufacturers do not offer any guarantees of
response time, resolution time, or loaners. Some
products can be repaired on site, while others must be
shipped back to the manufacturer for service. Sometimes
we have similar products available to rent while yours
is being repaired.
- Manufacturers reserve the right to repair or replace
the product. You may not get back the same item you send
in.
- Manufacturers' warranties and Extended Warranties do
not cover "No Problem Found". If you cannot duplicate a
hardware problem for our technician, or if our
technicians cannot find a hardware failure, the
manufacturer will not pay us for the call. The customer
must pay all labor costs.
- You might lose important personal data. It is your
responsibility to reload all software that came with the
system. Our technicians can reload software if you
request it, for which you will have to pay us at our
regular service rates. We can also try to recover your
lost personal data, but we cannot guarantee that we will
be successful. You are responsible for the costs
involved in the recovery attempt, regardless of its
success.
Some things you can do to save yourself from expenses
and frustration...
We recommend daily backups. Tape drives are available
at reasonable prices and make this process quick and easy.
You can protect yourself by making regular backups and
knowing how to reload your drive yourself.
We recommend extended warranties. Extended Warranties
upgrade service to a specified length of time (usually 3-5
years) and offer conveniences not included with many
warranties. Extended Warranties often cost less than a
single out-of-warranty service call. Example: A 3-year
on-site warranty for a $ 3000 system is $ 280. |
