|
| Home Log In Sign Up FAQ's Contact ProBlogs About ProBlogs |
|
Buying a Computer? Don't Forget to Include Support CostsBy Danny Davids(13,021)   Posted Wednesday, December 19, 2007 View All Blog Posts submitted by Danny Davids With Christmas nearly upon us, many gift-givers may be thinking of purchasing a computer for that special someone. You've probably researched the brand you want, checked with those in your business and social circles to find out exactly what options you want, and maybe even included a software program or two. That's great. Did you think about the customer support costs?
 Probably not, and it's no surprise. We have a tendency to think in terms of what-do-I-need-to-make-it-run. We don't think so much about what-will-I-need-if-it-stops-running. Even with increased improvements in computer production and quality assurance, some computers do give up the ghost for various reasons. A larger majority continue to stay alive, but produce the occasional hiccups and burps and other strange outbursts that signal something isn't quite right.
Part of this is the it-won't-ever-happen-to-me mentality. The truth is, more often than not computer problems are the fault of the operator rather than with any hardware. The inexperienced computer user starts downloading all kinds of "free" stuff from the Internet, and ends up installing viruses/Trojans/spyware/malware/adware unknowingly, bogging the system down and in some cases bringing it to a halt. It's even worse with the computer user who claims to know it all, and in reality only knows enough to be dangerous. When this individual starts tinkering, the end results can only be grave--as in dead computer belongs in one (accompanied by the user, in my humble opinion).
Whether it's the fault of the hardware or the fault of the user, computers do have problems and users do need experienced, capable support. The time to think about it is when you purchase the computer. Companies usually include a warranty on new computers that extends from 90 days to one year. Refurbished computers also come with a limited warranty, generally in the 90-day ballpark. Additional support can be purchased for both types of systems, in some cases for up to five years.
What type of support should you consider? If your giftee is PC-knowledgeable, it may be enough to purchase the package where the vendor ships the hardware, the user replaces the defective piece with the new one, and the user ships the defective piece back. For those users who wouldn't know how to get around the inside of a computer with a map and a manual, spring for the package where a technician comes to your home to effect the repair. Both types include extended phone support, although your recipient may have to brush up on a foreign language or two to be able to understand the person on the other end of the line. A big plus in support packages these days is direct connecting to the user's computer, where support staff take control of the computer via the Internet and actually do their support work directly on the computer while the user sits back and watches. It can be pretty cool, and is definitely a time-saver. Finally, some companies offer an option where after so many repairs on a computer, they will replace the system with one of equal or greater value.
If the computer you're purchasing is a laptop, extended warranty support is a must. Being portable means many more things can go wrong with hardware (especially when the laptop falls off your lap, gets dropped while in its briefcase, is jostled while traveling, gets coffee spilled on it when you're trying to access Google Maps while driving, etc.). A computer that will be used for business purposes also requires a warranty/support package. However, if you purchase a used computer, I recommend not buying one. They're usually limited in nature, and older hardware may not be available for replacement. Regardless of how intensive you want to go in your support package, I don't recommend going any longer than three years. By then technology will have advanced enough to where your recipient is going to be looking for a new one. If not, don't worry. Companies usually notify the owner shortly before the warranty expires and give the option to purchase additional support if desired.
So unless your friend or loved one is a PC guru (that's real, not self-proclaimed), consider adding in some computer support to that new system. It could come in handy down the road and save your recipient a lot of time and expense. Merry Christmas!
This Blog Post has been read 313 times. Posted to ProBlogs.com on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 View other posts by Danny Davids Comments on this blog post: No comments yet. Leave a Public Comment or Question: Your New Electronics Device: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility Train Yourself! Avoid Being Part of the Big Chief Brigade! Electronic Votes: Better or Worse Than Paper? The Future of Television: Meet OLED D:Scribe Lets You Text By Hand(writing) USB Bluetooth Device Lets Your Computer Talk To Your Bluetooth-Compatible Cell Phone Technophobia - what is it, have I got it and how do I get rid of it! |
|
| Home | FAQ's | Categories | Blogging Guidelines | Recent Referrals | Terms of Use | Privacy | About ProBlogs | Contact ProBlogs |
| Copyright 2008 ProBlogs.com - All rights reserved. |
