If youre about to start recommending that your clients buy extended service plans for new notebook PCs, be sure to get a written statement detailing whats included and not included.

Unfortunately, PC vendors wont always tell you specifically whats not included. Sometimes, youll only be able to surmise whats missing by comparing written warranty statements from different PC vendors.

Hazard Coverage

For example, most notebook PC vendors specifically exclude warranty claims arising from obvious neglect issues, such as spilling liquid on a notebook or dropping it. Other notebook PC vendors, for a hefty price, may cover such calamities under limited circumstances.

Also, consider whether your clients end users will be traveling with their notebook PCs. Unlike their desktop PCs, which likely stay relatively stationary throughout their life cycle, notebooks go "on the road" a lot.

International Coverage

Some notebook PC vendors include international warranty coverage in the base price of the extended warranty. Others charge extra for this supplemental coverage. Regardless, if your clients end users of notebook PCs travel abroad, be sure to ask about specifics.

Just as with a desktop PC, find out whether the notebook PC extended warranty is on-site, whether technicians come to your clients, or whether your clients will need to ship their notebooks back to a service depot for warranty work. Also, ask about promised response times and estimated turnaround times.

The Bottom Line about the Notebook PC

Make sure you have reviewed a price list of available notebook warranty upgrade options. Also, examine the related terms and conditions of what is and isnt covered under various warranty upgrade plans. Find out if the notebook PC warranty limits coverage under certain circumstances.

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