Just received my X205-SLI1...should I get the SystemGuard along with an Extended Service Plan?

Hi -
I just received my X205-SLI1 a few days ago and so far, I love it. Very impressed with the performance and build quality. Handles FSX very well too! Before the first 30 days are up though, I need to make a decision about whether or not to invest in the SystemGuard and or the Extended Service Plan. Some background information to note that may help you all with the advice:

1) This is a desktop replacement for me and will be used at home 95% of the time.
2) We have a pair of 7 year old boys at our home and they use my wife's MacBook often which happens to sit directly next to my shiny new Toshiba.
3) When I'm not using the notebook, I keep the screen cover on it and have it closed.

I'm hoping you can help me with this decision.

Also - if you can recommend a good case to carry it in on those very rare occasions when I bring it on the road I'd really appreciate that.

 

I believe you can extend your warranty anytime during the first year of ownership (until your initial 1 year warranty expires). At least that's the case with Acer, so you might not have to decide within 30 days whether or not to get the extended coverage.

If you plan on using it more than a year, then it's always a good idea to invest in a longer warranty.

 

American Express, Visa and Mastercard offer free extensions of warranty. Read the Notebook Warranty Guide for more information.

 

it is true you can extend your warranty through Toshiba anytime in the first year before your factory warranty expires.

However, if you want Serivice Express or System Guard, you must purchase these within the first 30 days of your purchase date.

System Guard is expensive and only worth it if you are prone to accidents that would damage your Laptop in a manner not covered by warranty (like knocking it off of your desk). System Guard is a bit pricey in my opinion and so unless you are a confirmed spaz, not worth it.

Service Express is a bundled priority service level with warranty extension. The priority service means 24 hour priority turn around at any service depot or authorized premier service center. It's a good deal as it moves you to the front of the line ahead of all the folks who only have a regular factory warranty and gives you a guaranteed turn-around on your equipment. This is what I bought as it is very attractively priced (better then any 3rd party plans that I saw when I shopped around.

I don't put much stock in the auctomatic credit card warranty extensions. Too much paperwork and haggling if you have to file a claim from my experience.

 

System Guard saved me. It really did.

One time, I left my Toshiba sitting on the bed (I was sick) and the blankets covered the vents and it overheated.

My 3-year System Guard cost me $210 when I got it.

The board, proc, and fan came to $480 worth of repairs. All covered.

Then, the hinges gave out right before System Guard was to run out. Shipped it off again and had the hinges replaced (over $100 worth right there).

Service was fast and convenient! Take it to a UPS store, fill out a form about the computer, they ship it, you can track it all the way there, track its progress in the repair shop, and track it all the way back. Total time without machine from time it was left at UPS store: 6 days. Both times.

I could not be happier with Toshiba. That's why when I needed a new machine for college, I got another Toshiba with System Guard. So far, so good!

- Trip

 

Hey, I've got a similar question... I've got a SLi1, got about a few days left to buy the system guard, but here's my question... if I upgrade to a faster CPU, add more ram, or swap in a newer harddrive, what would that do to the accident coverage or service express? Would it be voided since I opened it up to upgrade? Or, would I be fine? I'm assuming I'd atleast have to go back to stock CPU and harddrive, but would just opening it up void any said coverage? Thanks for the info!

 

Changing the CPU will definately void your warranty(original, system guard, everything) because you have to crack open the whole laptop. You cant simply replace the old cpu because the casing is tamper proof. If you open it they'll know and void your waranty. HDD and RAM are ok since they have their own seperate bays.

 

ok, so even if i open the case and void the warranty, system guard is still voided as well? Guess that's my question... Assume I bought the system guard for three years to cover in case I have an accident with it, and then void the manufactures' warranty by upgrading the cpu at some point, and it then falls off the back of my motorcycle or something catastrophic, i'd have no coverage? If any of that makes sense...

 

The best thing to do is to read the actual terms and conditions document from Toshiba.

http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/content/product/pdf_files/services_terms_and_conditions_092905.pdf

Most likely, none of us here are legal experts

 

good call there, HA! When in doubt, read the manual!

Yeah, i called em up to ask as my 30 days are about up, but was told that the CPU can't be upgraded, period.... and we all know that it can, you just have to disassemble a good bit of the laptop, more than Toshiba would want me too lol

Just tough to get a good answer, even from the company itself... guess I'll pass and try not to drop it out any windows Course, I probably just jinxed myself on that one

 

reread my post and your question will be answered.

 

yeah, guess my ultimate question was that even if I voided my warranty by cracking the case open and voiding the tamper stickers, would the SystemGuard still be voided, as, I was only really wanting that for massive damage problems, not necessarily warranty repairs. Baiscly, the thing slips off the back of my motorcycle, and shatters and slides at 80mph... that type thing, as I think that would still be an accident no?

 

Hey I don't think the theres any warranty the cover a fall at 80mph LOL.

 

According to the Office Depot guy where I've bought a couple laptops, with his accident coverage it doesn't matter what happens... dropped in a pile of mud, falls out of the car and then ran over all day... bottom line, if something happens, I'm covered for the $2-300 premium for coverage.... was just curious if with Toshiba's direct accident coverage how it all worked, as I didn't get this one from Office Depot, but direct from Toshiba

And takin this thing on roadtrips in a saddle bag on my motorcycle, or the occasion I need it on a job site to meet a customer or whatnot (I build houses for a living), some coverage is kind of appealing ha

 

I heard from someone on another forum that he was in a car accident and his $2000 toshiba messed up. He used his systemguard to get a new laptop of the same model but it took him like a month or more to get it.