|
In the information age, it seems like the only thing worse
than not having a computer is
having one that is too old or slow to perform as needed. To stay on the leading
edge
of software releases, a customer really cannot afford to own an older computer.
Whether you are looking to the leading edge or just looking
for your first family PC, this
guide is for you.
Some of the most important details about computer buying
are often overlooked by
consumers. Do you know what your rights are concerning your computer? If you
wanted to return your computer, could you? Is there a restocking fee if you return
your
computer for a refund? If you need repairs, are you going to pay shipping? Do
you know what your
warranty covers?
If you need support, do you know when that support is available?
These questions apply whether you are purchasing a desktop
or a laptop, and it is
always important to research and know an individual company’s policies before
committing to that company.
Your Rights:
Do you like to tinker? Welcome to the world of computers. As
long as you have a
careful hand and take appropriate precautions, you can upgrade individual parts on
your
computer for a lot less than it would cost to buy a new computer, but how does
your computer
maker feel about this? This is not an investigative report, so names will
not be
named, but there are plenty of computer makers (desktop and laptop) that
place stickers over accessible
portions of the computer’s innards which state,
“Warranty void if removed.” If you
think you may want to upgrade something in your
computer at any point in time, make sure that
putting in a new part is not going to
cost you your warranty.
Computer Returns:
Computer manufacturers have a wide range of return policies.
Manufacturers give you
anywhere from seven to thirty days from the date your PC was
shipped to
decide
whether or not you are going to keep it. Depending on how your PC was shipped and
when it
arrived, this could give you as little as two days to get everything
set up and
ensure that the system meets your needs. And what about restocking fees? Many
computer manufacturers charge a
restocking fee, generally around 15% of the unit’s
price, which means that if you return
your $1,000 computer within the return period,
you will only be refunded $850. Every
manufacturer has a policy on returns, so make
sure you are aware of this policy before making your
purchase.
Please be aware that, in general, computers do not fall
under so-called “Lemon” laws.
If you are concerned about your
computer breaking down, speak with a sales manager
before
your purchase to find out if there is anything to protect you if
your computer
has to be sent in for repair multiple times in the
first year, especially if that repair is for
the same issue each
time. Nothing is worse than finding out you are stuck with a
bad
purchase.
Warranty Repairs:
There are several important details that you should know about your
potential
computer’s warranty: Who covers shipping if repairs are
needed? What components
are covered? Does coverage
expire on certain components before the warranty itself
has expired?
There are several computer makers who now cover shipping both
ways for warranty
repairs, but this is by no means standard behavior
yet. Many companies still require
that the customer pay shipping to the repair center, and they will cover shipping back
to
the customer. You should be aware of who will be responsible
for warranty shipping
before you ever purchase your computer, and
you should also know what kind of
shipping will be used. Do
they ship overnight back to you? Do they ship 2-day? Will
your
system be shipped back UPS Ground? If you know this up front,
you will not be
surprised later.
On laptop computers, it is equally important to find out what is
covered, and for how
long. If you purchase an extended
warranty, for example, chances are extremely good
that your battery
and your AC power adapter will only be covered for the first year
(these are considered consumable items).
If an accident happens and your screen is cracked, or perhaps a
little water is spilled
on the system, you will be responsible for
any damages that result unless you take
advantage of new “Accidental
Damage” warranty policies, which, while they add up to
$300 to the
cost of your computer, can save you up to $600 if your screen is
ever
damaged.
Support:
Tech support is
extremely important for your system. Is there a toll-free
number for
you to use? Is the support based in America or offshore? Is the
support there when
you need it, or only during business hours? What is the average hold time?
Find these
things out before you buy your computer and you will have
a much happier experience
if you ever have to call tech support.
If you keep these tips in mind, you will set yourself up for a
much happier total
experience with
your computer.
Tim
Return
|
