Laptop Warranty service comparison - which brand is the best/worst?

[weirdo100]

In terms of tech support, and how good their warranties are, which company would you say is the best, or the worst? Dell, Gateway, HP, Compaq or any others. I'm looking for good/bad experience stories and advice.

Thanks,
Weirdo

 

[Zepper]

PC Magazine has a Quality and Satisfaction survey every year covering PCs, laptops, printers, etc. So go to their site and check it out! PC Magazine .
.bh.

 

[MWink]

As I'm sure some of you know (RossMAN) I've had a lot of experience with Dell's support. Some of the time they're good other times they are terrible. I've finally determined that as long as you Email them you're safe. If you call them something WILL get screwed up! Every single time I called them something went seriously wrong.

I had some modem issues with my Inspiron 8200 and after just a few Emails I got them to send me a new modem (they let me install it myself). I did eventually get that fixed. One time with my Inspiron 8000 I had a video problem and I called them. I sent it in for repair and they replaced my GeForce 2 Go with an ATI Rage Mobility (NOT the Radeon). That was the worst experience.

I recently tried to order some new fans (had to call Dell Spare Parts) and after spending 45 minutes on the phone while they found the (incorrect) part number they sent me a heat pipe. I RMA'd it and forced the next person I talked to to use the part number I had. He did some looking and said it was correct and this time I should get fans. Well let's just say I got a free motherboard with my fans. :Q

 

[GizmoFreak]

I've always had excellent warranty support from IBM. They overnight a postage-paid box to you in which you send your computer. Always comes back fixed in a very reasonable amount of time.

 

[Chatterjee]

My girlfriend has an HP laptop and paid the extra amount for the accidental damage protection coverage. They have very good support and send you pre-paid Fed Ex boxes so that you can send whatever back.

-niyogi

 

[RossMAN]

Dell and IBM have great warranty coverage on their laptops.

Make sure to buy with a premium VISA, MasterCard or Amex so you'll receive 1 extra year of warranty coverage for FREE.