Manufacturer Warranties and Protection Plans

[ash10is]

I purchased a Sony VAIO for $749 on 7/3/2010.  The laptop was working fine until 11/8/2010 when all of a sudden, there was a triangle in the lower right hand corner and I couldn't see the entire screen.  The laptop was taken to BB that day and the Geek Squad said it was a cracked screen that needed to be shipped out.   I got an email from Geek Squad providing an estimate that I would need to pay for repair and they provided an estimate (over$700).  I called back and they said the damage was liquid damage and a cracked LCD screen and audio.  They said the cost of repair was greater than or close to the cost of a new laptop so it will go out an dthere will be paperwork (3-5 more business days) on whether my warranty covers this (researching).  I got the accidental protection plan so I don't understand what the problem is.  I didn't submerge the laptop in liquid or run over it with a car or throw it off a high height.  I was just working on it and viola! out pops some sort of triangle.   I called the store and they said they would call me back. 

I will be going out of town over Thanksgiving.  Is there any chance this process will be done by this Monday?  I heard (from the sales rep that sold me the warranty) that you replace the laptop at the store...and since no repairs will be done apparently, is it a pretty quick proces?

[JoshSB]

It is a quick process if they have already verified they cannot repair it.

All they have to do is validate the warranty to ensure it is in effect and make sure it's ADH and they SHOULD be able to replace it with a comparable model.

Keep in mind the comparable model is most likely going to be a bit cheaper than the one you originally purchased due to technology getting cheaper with time, but it should be spec for spec the same unit if not better.

Anyways, I hope you have a good day and get your new machine as soon as possible.

Keep in mind it may NOT be on Monday, but it is possible. If you want a better estimate you can call the store and see if they have an update or call (800) 433-5778 (GeekSquad)

~ Josh

[ash10is]

Josh, thanks for the reply.

They told me that the computer may qualify for the "no lemon policy'.  I thought the no lemon policy was activated after three repairs.  This is the first time the computer was sent in for service.  Is it still policy that the no lemon policy would be activated after teh first repair if the cost of repair is too high?

And once the new computer is replaced, the only warranty that is on the new computer (the one I replaced the current computer with) would still have the 1-year manufacturers warranty if some defect with the hard drive or whatever comes up right?  The Best Buy warranty that I purchased on 7/3/2010 for 2 years (so theoretically active until 7/3/2012) becomes null and void right?

[CrystalWoW Community Veteran]

They may still decide to repair it. Sounds like there was an issue with the order saying you had adh coverage. Now that they research it and find you do, they may not just replace it. If they do decide to, the warranty will be used to replace it and a new one will be required to be purchased if you want additional coverage. I think the likelihood that it will be resolved by monday is probably rather low as they may go ahead and repair it which will take awhile after they finish researching.