Thinkpad warranty questions

I am thinking about buying my first IBM after being a Dell guy for a long time. I really like the T61p with the option of the GDDR3 570M in the 15.4" size, and the ability to use a docking station with it. I have been reading some and have heard conflicting reports about the warranty coverage with IBM. Will Dell I have never had a problem with any of the computers when I wanted something covered under warranty. With Dell if you need to send your computer in I have always been given the option to have Dell send a prepaid box to send it in so that you don't have to pay for shipping, is this the same with IBM? Also, when I have needed repairs from Dell I have been able to convince them that I have the expertise to do the repairs myself instead of them needing to send a technician to do so, and they have overnighted me the parts that I have needed so that I could do it myself. Will IBM do this or when there is a repair needed are you required to ship the computer to them? I don't really trust repair depots or technicians because I have heard many stories and had some experiences where the computer comes back in worse shape than you sent it in or the technician scratches it up during "repair".

 

What you are looking for is an 'at-home' warranty. When you buy a notebook, if the warranty description on that page does not say 'at-home' or 'on-site,' then that isn't what you are looking for. There would probably be an 'at-home' upgrade option though so make sure you look.