Number 262 - March 2005

What Warrantee?
By Lynn L. Kauer, Feb 2005 Blue Chip News, Saginaw Valley Computer Association
This past month I saw a 160GB Iomega external hard drive advertised for sale at a local office supply store for $150.00 less $50.00 rebates. It looked like the optimum thing I could use for backing up. So I made a trip to the store to purchase it.    As I was being checked out the clerk asked me if I wanted to buy an extended warranty. I said, "Why should I buy a warranty for something that is already warranted for a year?"    He replied, "Hard drive warranties start on the day of manufacture, not on the day of purchase."	I said, "You mean to tell me that this drive could have been sitting in a warehouse for a year and is now out of warranty?" We spoke for a bit and learned that I had 14 days to purchase the extended warranty.    When I returned home I went to Iomega's website and entered the serial number of the drive. You guessed it. The drive was already out of warranty even though I hadn't removed it from the box. TOGGLE Editor's Note:    Maybe most dealers are more reasonable and will deal with you fairly if you buy faulty equipment from them. However, remember when it comes to any sale item: Caveat Emptor - Let the buyer beware!
Number 262 - March 2005