What to Look for in a Hardware Warranty

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You have done research for months to find the perfect computer at the perfect price, with the perfect accessories. Everything should turn out perfect. But, when the computer box arrives, everything is not completely perfect. The "On" button does not do anything except make an interesting clicking sound, and your computer is dead on arrival (like 20% of new computers). The problem is you need to have this computer up and running by the end of the week to manage a new client database. . .

This can be a big problem, or a small one. It all depends on your warranty.

While not the most glamorous aspect of purchasing new hardware, the warranty is a crucial consideration. A good warranty can save you from many headaches down the road. The guide below will help to unravel the mysterious world of warranties.

The Standard Warranty

Hardware manufacturers and dealers should provide some sort of standard warranty on their products. The warranty will usually only cover manufacturer defects, and will not cover damages from shipping (this is the shipping company's responsibility) or misuse (insurance is needed).

In order to obtain warranty service, the company will most likely require proof of purchase (a dated sales slip), the serial number of the equipment, and contact information, making it very important to maintain records for all new equipment purchased.

It is advisable to look for a three-year standard warranty on new hardware (especially new computers). A one-year warranty may show some corners are being cut, and 90 days should make a buyer beware. The warranty should cover all shipping costs and labor.

In addition to the three-year warranty, on-site support and loaner programs are extremely useful options if you do not have sufficient in-house technical support. For larger offices with a systems administrator, return merchandise authorization can be a necessity to keep an office functioning smoothly.

On-Site Support

Many computer and printer manufacturers will also give you the option for onsite support. This can be an expensive option, but it can be a life-saving option as well when mission-critical work is at stake. A malfunctioning web/database server that houses your organization's intranet can bring down the entire office's productivity if you do not have the internal support to fix problems quickly.

The important thing to consider when deciding to pay extra for on-site support is the reputation of the company's support. Most companies will provide support within a certain timeframe, and this can vary from hours to weeks.

Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA)

Systems administrators at larger organizations usually have the technical expertise to replace a malfunctioning network card or RAM chip, and many manufacturers will send a new part with the promise that they will receive the old part after it is swapped out. Return merchandise authorization (RMA) ensures your computer will never be without a part.

Loaner Equipment

One of the advantages of buying computer hardware through a local company is that they are close by when you need them. Some of these dealers will give buyers the option of a loaner service. This service means that they will provide, on loan, a replacement piece of hardware while the damaged equipment is being repaired or replaced. This is an especially helpful service when considering printing equipment. If only one printer that handles all the printing in an office, waiting for the repair can be extremely detrimental to getting work done.