Trying out a laptop in the store will give you an idea on how it works, what it looks like, and a good first impression to help you decide whether or not to buy it.  When you take it home it may be another story...

That is why you need to check out the return policy on your notebook purchase.

Different stores have different return policies.  Some only allow you to return the laptop within ten to fourteen days if it is unopened.  Others let you have thirty days to try it out, and if you don't like it, even if you used it, you can bring it back.  I also know of one store that lets you have six months to figure out if there are any problems with it or if you don't like it, and returning it is hassle free.

Be sure to ask about the return policy, and how it works.  Do they just take your word that it is broken, or do they require that they test it?  If they do test it, how long does that take?  Ask a lot of questions.  Below is a quick list of what you should ask about:

1. What is the return policy on a laptop or notebook?
2. How many days do I have to try it out?
3. Do I need a reason to return it, or can it be just because I don't like it?
4. Can I return it even if it has been opened and used?
5. Do you need to check it before I can get my money back?  How long does that take?
6. If I have XX (substitute the number of days in their return policy) days, does that count days you are not open?
7. What if the price goes down during the time I am allowed to return it.  Do you offer any kind of price protection? 
8. Can I have a copy of your return policy in writing?

This is just a sample list of questions.  I would suggest asking more than one salesperson these questions to ensure that you are getting consistent answers.  Talk to your friends that have used the store as well to get their feedback on their return policy.  If for any reason you feel that their return policy doesn't sound so good, don't buy there.  Sometimes it is also worth paying a little more at a different store to get a more favorable return policy.  Just be comfortable with your decision before you buy.

I get many questions regarding what is covered in the warranty for your notebook.  People assume that everything should be covered, but that is not quite the case.  Typically, your warranty covers the following:

Hardware

Your laptop is covered from any hardware failures for the duration of the warranty.  An example would be if the hard drive failed - in this case, they would replace the hard drive for you.  This covers hardware failure, not you wearing out the machine.  Most warranties are parts and labor - that is they will replace the defective part and install it for you for no charge.

What your warranty does not cover:

1. Neglect

   If you do not take adequate care of the laptop, your warranty does not apply.  Examples such as dropping the laptop on the floor, smashing the screen, and leaving the laptop out in the rain are instances where your warranty does not apply.
   

2. Batteries

   Even though your computer comes with a battery, it is only covered for manufacturing defects.  If you do wear out the battery during your warranty coverage, it will not be replaced under warranty - if you read the fine print in your warranty agreement, it does not include consumable items - which is what your battery is.
   

3. Dead pixels, hot pixels, or stuck pixels

   On LCD screens, you can get dead pixels, hot pixels, or stuck pixels.  Your screen is made up of pixels or dots of light.  Over time, you will get some dead pixels  (a pixel that remains unlit), hot pixels (a permanently lit white pixel), or stuck pixels (a pixel that stays a solid color - either red, green or blue.)  Be sure to read your warranty details as to what the coverage is for your screen - some will cover replacement of the screen depending on the number of problem pixels, but most do not cover problems with the pixels on your screen.

Just like any other agreement, be sure to read what your warranty covers and what it does not.  What has been discussed in this article should not be taken as absolute, rather it highlights the items that are commonly not covered under your notebook's warranty.

Many laptop and notebook owners plug their laptops into a surge bar while at home.  This offers the laptop protection from power surges that can damage or ruin the electrical components inside.  However, have you ever brought any kind of surge protection with you when you are out and about?

Probably not.

I realize that surges are usually few and far between (unless you live out in the country) but it is still a risk.  You can think of it to be similar as to looking both ways before you cross the street – you probably will not get hit by a car, but you take the precaution (looking both ways) before crossing to minimize your risk.

An example of what they look like is below:

Think of them as not only protection for your notebook, but also as an insurance policy.  Most travel surge protectors come with a equipment guarantee:  if the surge protector fails to protect what you have plugged into it, your equipment will be covered to a certain dollar value of replacement.

So, protect that investment you have made in your notebook:  buy a travel surge protector and use it wherever you plug in your laptop. 

p.s.  I forgot to mention prices.  You can get them as cheap as about $5.00.  Check your local computer store or any online auction site.

When people go out to buy a laptop, most retailers and online shops will offer extended warranty.  Some of these extended warranties include repair and replacement for owner negligence such as dropping the laptop on the floor, leaving it in the cold, and other careless acts that damage the laptop.  They are a good option if the cost of replacing the notebook is "a lot of money" to you.  Just a word of warning though - read the fine print.

It is very important that you read the details of your extended warranty - some are better than others.  Also, some have clauses or limitations on what they cover, and some have limitations on the number of claims you can make before the warranty is void.

If you get the extended warranty from the manufacturer of your notebook, what usually do is extend the base warranty - that is they will repair the notebook due to hardware failure in the time that you purchased the warranty.  Also, this type of warranty adds to your existing warranty, so if you were to purchase two years extended warranty from the manufacturer, your total warranty would be three years if the base warranty covered the laptop for a year.

Retailers on the other hand offer different types of extended warranties: some increase your coverage on the manufacturers warranty (replacement instead of repair), some extend the base warranty (similar to the manufacturers extended warranty), and some offer full replacement for the term that you purchase.  Make very sure to read how the warranty you purchase works, also the terms in which the warranty applies.  I know that one local retailer in my home town (which is a large national chain here in Canada) tries to get you to purchase extended warranty on any computer they sell.  The catch with their extended warranty is this:  it is a one time replacement.  The worst part is that if your one time is for example used on day 15 that you own the laptop and it breaks again : too bad for you.

So, make sure you take the time to see what you are getting into by buying extended warranty on your notebook or laptop: it may save you from a nasty surprise later on.