Vaio SZ: Should I extend my warranty?

Hi,

I just got a SZ120, it was really expensive. I am debating if I should get the extended warranty (1 or 2 years).

I think laptops nowadays are pretty well built, so I am confident my laptop will be problem frees for at least 2+ years...BUT there are parts that I do think would die easily like the HD.

So my question is, for sony laptops (SZ120 to be specific), can I change their HD or RAM as easily as other laptops? I have heard stories where sony laptops needs to use sony parts ONLY.....so if my HD dies, do I need to get an HD from sony? or can I get an HD from third party (Toshiba for example) and install it myself? How hard is it to install them?

If there are any sites with HD install or RAM install information on the SZ, it would be very helpful.

Thanks all

 

I would get it for sure. I got 2 years on mine, which together with the 1 year makes it 3 years. Why I got it? Its useful, they will repace your laptop free of cost if anything happens. In 3 years say it breaks and they cant replace it they will give you a new model free of charge - awesome.

My sz came with a messed up geforce and within 9 days of buying I found out, took it back and they replaced it free of cost.

Totally worth it.

 

i'd recommend it as well. though it is quite costly now, in the
long run it might well end up saving you money and aggrivation.

i have three years on my sz1xp as well.

 

i spent the extra money when i purchased my 120 from Circuit City (i think it was 2 yrs for $260), sometimes its just worth it i think

As for memory, i have been talking to Memory Giant about getting additional RAM for this, their 1 gig chips are $99 a piece

http://www.memorygiant.com/index.cf...r=Sony&model_id=57734&model=VAIO+VGN-SZ120P/B

 

And I too bought the 2 year extension from Sony (my SZ160P was a direct order from them).

Compared to the cost of getting a Sony fixed, it's cheap.

 

As much as I'm loathe to admit it, I think extended warranties are worth it on notebooks. A few things to note:

-- a 2 yr "extended" warranty from most stores INCLUDES the first year that the manufacturer covers. It's for a total of 2 years, not 1+2.

-- most warranties cover accidental damage (drop it an you'll find out the hard way how expensive it is to replace). Some may even replace the battery, which will pay for itself.

-- HD's, although one of the few "moving" parts are one of the more reliable. 3rd party drives are plentiful and generally easy to replace, with some basic tech know-how, provided you take your time

I hate paying extra for these and think most don't benefit the consumer but if you're willing to suffer the morons on the support lines and keep asking for what you deserve, it'll pay off. Good luck.

 

As for the parts being Sony, I have never seen or heard of an HD/RAM made exclusively by Sony. They use third party parts to build their PCs.

 

just be careful on "accidental damage" coverage. It may not cover "oops I spilled coffee on my laptop" type of accidents.

 

I also got the 3 year plan + accidental damage coverage, but I bought mine from a SonyStyle store. It's just comforting to know that should anything happen, the "geek squad" won't be messing around with my baby...

Javier

 

Hey guys, thanks for all ur comments...

that's the thing, it doesn't cover physical damage......

But it's true, if I did get the warranty, I will be worry free for the next 3 years.....but it cost like 300 CAD and chances are, the only thing that would die is probably the HD...

Ummm....I have 30 days to think about it I think I will decide later...

 

the accidental damage coverage doesnt cover physical damage? That makes no sense at all.

 

oh s*t if it doesnt cover dropping what does it cover. i bought it and feel ripped off.

 

yeah seriously. i would assume that what accidental means. dell and gateway's accidental covers physical damage. even a cracked lcd.

 

It really depends on the wording of the contract, and how adamant you are when trying to talk to the service people. Some store sales people might even say "yes you can", but in reality it's actually a "no, you can't".

 

nono I dunno anything about accidental warranty or whatever it is called,

I am talking about the extended warranty, the extended warranty doesn't cover physical damage......I have no idea what the accidental warranty is...



Another question...... if I swap my HD, my recovery disks would no longer work right? (since the new HD won't have the recovery partition).....so I am going to have all the problems people are having with a clean install?

 

If you swap your hdd, your recovery disc's will still work. Also what hdd are you planning on getting? and can you make a guide/


Post links......


thanks,

 

will the shock protection still work?

 

Hmm im not exactly sure on that. As i dont have my SZ yet.