Bestbuy Laptop

[ND40oz]

So, BestBuy is replacing my laptop with one of comparable specs. After having my sony since Nov., they've finally told me they can't get a new motherboard for it and I need to come in and pick a new one with comparable specs.

Current laptop is/was a Sony Vaio GRT series with 2.6 gig P4, 512 ram, 16.1 inch screen, DVD+/-RW with the ATI mobile 9000 card. When all was said and done I paid a little over 2700 for it in Sept of 2003 to include the 250 dollar 3 year warranty.

What laptop should I get to replace it, I can't find on their site with a 16 inch screen, so I assume they are going to have to bump me to 17 inch widescreen. I like this one: Toshiba Qosmio F15-AV201 MCE but I'm wondering if they'll let me replace mine with it.

What other good laptops is bestbuy selling now?

Edit: Forgot to add, this is a DTR, not intended to be moved much, other then between the AV rack and mine or my girlfriends lap. It will be hooked up to a Sammy DLP which has a pc in. Also, I already have they microsoft bluetooth keyboard/mouse combo. So integrated bluetooth would be nice, but not a necessity.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Sony has a line of 17" widescreen Centrino notebooks that use the Radeon 9700 IIRC, runs about the price you paid for your GRT. Those are pretty nice and feature loaded; even has a TV tuner IIRC.
The Qosmio is cool, I think either one will be a good replacement.
And Best Buy will replace it with the most comparable one to what you bought. You had a high-end $2800 notebook then, you'll get a high-end $2800 notebook now. That falls into either the Qosmio or Sony, they shouldn't care which you get.
Go into the store and check out both models, then pick which one you want.
And people say extended warranties aren't worth it Well, at least Best Buy's notebook warranties are. Don't forget to get your free battery in a few months!

 

[ND40oz]

Yup, I bought the warranty because of the battery, turns out it gets me an upgrade as well.

I'll have to check out the sony's, this past one left a bad taste in my mouth though...

I found this Sony on the website and it comes with the X600. We'll have to see if they'll let me get it. Also, will MCE 2005 run correctly with the entertainment dock, or do I have to use sony's software.

 

[dew042]

Just FYI: The replacement is to be of comparable technology, not to exceed the original purchase price. $2700 is a lot, however, be ready to know your specs and protect your investment. if the laptop you want is more expensive you will be able to pay the difference.

Since you purchased your computer Sony has come out with many top line notebooks with Xbrite Screens - I would suggest making sure your new one has this - Its a very nice screen technology.

That A690 is extremely nice and well designed. I have used it.

dew.

 

[ActuaryTm]

If they offer any latitude at all regarding the choice of replacement, streer away from Sony. Your recent experience is not isolated with respect to Sony mobile machines.

Often poorly chosen hardware coupled with truly awful support/warranty (do not take my world alone - simply search for the venerable plethora of complaints about Vaios), and I have owned at least one machine from each of the mobile manufacturers (save Fujitsu). My own Vaio experience consisted of one purchase that covered a total of five replacements (some at my own cost, unfortunately) over the span of two and a half years.

The only redeeming factor in this situation would be you opted for the extended service plan. Mobile machines are one of the the rare times I recommend enlisting such. Be thankful the service provider (likely Best Buy contracts out such warranties to a third party, such as Warrantech, Panasonic, Philips-Magnavox, American Bankers Group, etc - depends on the state of domicile) are issuing a replacement rather than the path most warranty service providers take - the use of refurbished parts with limited warranties.

 

[Tiamat]

When I exchaned my Klipsch Promedia 5.1 for Ultra 5.1 (headphone jack only played in mono), they said either i could get the Ultra 5.1, or they would give me the full price I paid for my Promedia 5.1 in Best Buy Bucks. So... say you like the Sony S series which cost 1800-2000$, you probably could just opt for the BB$, get that laptop w/ warantee, and pick up some peripherals or something. This is assuming that the offer they gave me was not unique.

 

[Amps]

Boy, I deal with this situation everyday at work (you geussed it...Best Buy senior technician).

The company that runs the PSP (Performance service plan) is called Assurant Services and they're based out of the states I believe. Just like the other poster stated, the PSP exchange entitles you to a replacement of similar or better specs and if it exceeds the value that you originally paid, then you must pay the difference. Personally, ask for the gift card, that way you can buy a real nice Toshiba or even one of the new Compaq laptops and have enough money left over to buy a handfull of DVD's, a new TV and maybe an X-Box. Thats how much the pricing has dropped in the past 2 years.

2 things to remember though:

-You are loosing your PSP as it has now been fulfilled and you'll have to pay for a new one if you want it on your new laptop.
-If they don't want to give you the gift-card (highly recommended) then ask for any sales manager. Let them know that you are not only going to use it to buy a new laptop and some other merchandise but that you're also going to buy the PSP on the new laptop and maybe on your other purchases. There isnt a sales manager at any Best Buy in the world that would turn down that offer, especially if you're being really nice about it. If they are still unwilling to budge, just ask to speak to another manager (operations is a good one to work with) and just keep up your discussion for at least five minutes. I've noticed that in any Best Buy (american, canadian) that anyone that has a reasonable argument will get what they want if they can keep at it for at least 5mins without blowing their top.

Good luck on it man and don't forget to ask what they have in clearance; a whole bunch of Toshiba laptops and some HP's all went to clearance and you can save at least 15% very quickly.

 

[thunderroller]

nice idea

 

[Tiamat]

welcome to the forums Amps!

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: Amps
Boy, I deal with this situation everyday at work (you geussed it...Best Buy senior technician).

The company that runs the PSP (Performance service plan) is called Assurant Services and they're based out of the states I believe. Just like the other poster stated, the PSP exchange entitles you to a replacement of similar or better specs and if it exceeds the value that you originally paid, then you must pay the difference. Personally, ask for the gift card, that way you can buy a real nice Toshiba or even one of the new Compaq laptops and have enough money left over to buy a handfull of DVD's, a new TV and maybe an X-Box. Thats how much the pricing has dropped in the past 2 years.

2 things to remember though:

-You are loosing your PSP as it has now been fulfilled and you'll have to pay for a new one if you want it on your new laptop.
-If they don't want to give you the gift-card (highly recommended) then ask for any sales manager. Let them know that you are not only going to use it to buy a new laptop and some other merchandise but that you're also going to buy the PSP on the new laptop and maybe on your other purchases. There isnt a sales manager at any Best Buy in the world that would turn down that offer, especially if you're being really nice about it. If they are still unwilling to budge, just ask to speak to another manager (operations is a good one to work with) and just keep up your discussion for at least five minutes. I've noticed that in any Best Buy (american, canadian) that anyone that has a reasonable argument will get what they want if they can keep at it for at least 5mins without blowing their top.

Good luck on it man and don't forget to ask what they have in clearance; a whole bunch of Toshiba laptops and some HP's all went to clearance and you can save at least 15% very quickly.

He he, Geek Squad, eh? Used to be in PCHO myself. Might go back to work for Geek Squad this summer for extra $$ Miss that discount....

 

[Amps]

Thanks for the welcome Tiamat.

fbr: The discount is pretty nice (especially on big screen TV's and some other high priced stuff) but it's just so tempting I swear, the second I manage to pay of my BB-Card is the day it gets scissored.

 

[ND40oz]

Just to give everyone an update. I went to my local BestBuy where I purchased the machine and the best they said they would do was a Sony FS550 which was selling for $1600. I told them it wasn't comparable because it had smaller screen (15.4 WS) and integrated graphics (Intel) along with the fact it was the older centrino with the 400 mhz fsb. They said I should go to one of their larger stores and check for something there. If they don't have something I want, I'm going to ask for the bestbuy bucks.

The store printed up they spec sheet for my vaio for me. So I now have it to use for leverage. Price of my laptop was 2399 before taxes and the 350 service plan.

Thanks for everyones input, I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[fbrdphreak]

The FS550 is actually the "new" Centrino with the 533MHz FSB, but doesn't use DDR2 and does use sh!tty integrated graphics; it is NOTHING compared to what you had and what you should get. Do not accept anything less than the 17" A-Series or the Toshiba Qosmio; remember: YOU ARE THE CUSTOMER AND YOU ARE ALWAYS RIGHT

 

[ND40oz]

Update, got my bestbuy bucks today. I'm going to hold onto them until I find something I like. Thanks everyone.

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: ND40oz
Update, got my bestbuy bucks today. I'm going to hold onto them until I find something I like. Thanks everyone.

:thumbsup: Wait for a big sale, then get the laptop and maybe even TV for your living room, and possibly some other accessories!