HEL80 from Powernotebooks or Z96J from gentech? (warranty and more)

I've read all the reviews I can find on these two machines and I'm still torn over which to get. I realize a lot of people have had the same problem, but there were a few questions I couldn't find answered.

My last laptop was an inspiron 9100 and I really regretted not buying the extended warranty (especially when the motherboard died 6 months after it expired). One of my main concerns for this laptop is warranty and reliability. Along those lines, if a part does die (something not easily purchased from a 3rd party - like the video card for example), I'd like to have it fixed quickly and for a reasonably quickly.

The HEL80 I would buy from powernotebooks I think, I've been impressed with their site and their interaction on this board. The Z96J I found from gentechpc.com costs about the same as the HEL80 and also comes with a 3 year warranty. Because of my deadlock on the machines themselves, I think it might come down to the reseller. (I'm also open to other suggestions if people have them)

Basically, I'd like to know if people have any insight into the warranties these two companies offer. Also, if I break my warranty in some way (say, for example, I OC the videocard too much and damage it) which company would would be easier to deal with in terms of getting that part replaced. For (yet another) example when my Inspiron broke, it was going to cost me a bunch of money just to have dell look at the laptop and come to the same conclusion I did about it being the motherboard, then I'd have to pay for the part and and the labor to fix it. Ideally, I'd like a company that I can call and say "hey, I broke my video card, I'd like to order a new one" (and not be charged 2x what most video cards cost). Are either of these companies significantly better than the other one?

I hope that all came out clear, I'm having a difficult time expressing my concern without resorting to a bunch of examples. Since I can't figure out which of these computers I'd like more (if people want to throw out ideas on that topic alone, please do so, but like I said I have read all the previous threads I could find). Since I can't figure that out, I thought I'd look at the company who will be handling all the repairs, etc.

Thanks for the help.

 

There are many topics on this forum about that... just use the search button.

Note that powernotebooks.com offers 3 year warranties on all its powerpro models.

http://www.resellerratings.com/topstores.pl
powernotebooks is on top

 

I can't speak for Gentech, but I know that my limited exposure to their 24 hour phone support is excellent at powernotebooks. No machines or push here to talk to this guy, or elevator music.. A live person answered the phone around 10PM PST (after 2 rings) when I called, and it was also the technician to help my issue. I've never been down talked either which is very nice since I've got years of technician work, most of the certs in the book, and I work at Intel. I also recieved several phone calls from the same guy during my "fix time" starting the day after, till the day I actually got the part needed, just to give me status updates on the tracking of the item, their availability, and probably other stuff that wasn't necesary, but nice.

Donald, the sales rep I ordered from also spoke to me during this time in voice and email. He's pretty active on this forum as well. He's even participated in overclocking the HEL80's video cards to give everyone safe values to work with.

I also know they are known to cross ship items.

They have had a good rep with people I've known for a long time, and I've been watching their site since they started selling the Clevo 5600 series gaming laptops (the ones alienware kinda made famous a few years back for true portable gaming).

 

FWIW, I went with the Compal from powernotebooks. Even though both companies had excellent reviews, the customer service I had with PNB (before I even bought anything) was exceptional, and I really like how active they are here on this forum.

(Also, when I called PNB, a real live person answered the phone. Not having to deal with automated phone systems was almost enough to win me over immediately).

 

Congratulations on your purchase. I'm sure you will enjoy your new notebook.

 

If you OC something and kill it, do the responsible thing and pay for it. That is NOT what a warranty is for - that is what a purchase protection plan is for.

 

I didn't say I would use the warranty to replace things I broke. I was merely asking who would be easier to deal with when it came to ordering the replacement part. Dell was horrible about selling spare parts to me. They always wanted me to send it in (even if it wasn't a warranty issue) which meant paying for the overpriced part and the labor to install it. I wanted to avoid that this time around.

 

I would think either company would be easy to deal with in that case. I can vouch for powernotebooks, but I have also heard good things about gentech.

I can say with confidence that powernotebooks will take good care of you.

 

I totally agree with chrisyano. Powernotebooks is one of the best places (could be best, I'm just leaving some breathing room ) to buy your notebook. Their support is more than spectacular and their laptop's build quality is on par with their support quality.

In a nutshell, I'd buy the Powernotebooks one.

 

Oh sure, I start getting a bunch of replies after I make my decision Glad to hear all the positives about PNB though (especially since I went with the wire transfer option Can't wait to get it.