Warranty Coverage

The MOST IMPORTANT difference between our laptops is warranty coverage.

Lenovo PC laptops

Lenovos come with a 3 year Think Pad Protection warranty as standard. This can be extended to 4 years. This covers everything that might happen to your computer other than theft, including damage done by drops and spills. Read more about Lenovo's ThinkPad Protection and Accidental Damage Coverage.

In addition, Lenovos come with Priority Technical Support. While not necessary while you're on campus at Bucknell, it's perfect for those times when you're at home or away from school and need computer assistance. Priority Technical Support is an enhanced warranty plan that provides direct anytime-access to the right level of technical support on the first call, making your priority our priority. Read more about Lenovo's Priority Technical Support.

Apple MacBook Pro laptops

Macs come with a 1 year parts and labor warranty that covers parts that fail. We recommend that you extend it to 3 years through AppleCare. This does not cover accidental damage like drops or spills.

If you drop your MacBook, or spill a soda/coffee/beverage on it, it is not covered by any warranty. We will need to order replacement parts from Apple or we may need to send your laptop to Apple for repairs. You will be liable for damages and repair charges such as:

  • screen/display - $450-600
  • hard drive - $70
  • logic board - $700-900
  • superdrive - $200
  • top case with keyboard - $300-500
  • bottom case - $90

If you drop your Lenovo, or spill a soda on it, it is covered by warranty. We have replacement parts on-site and we can swap them out for no charge, usually within 2 business days, and provide a loaner for you while we do it.

Recommendations

  • Keyboard cover
    We strongly recommend that Mac users buy a silicone or plastic keyboard cover. Covers remain on your laptop while you type and can protect your laptop from minor spills.
  • External hard drive
    We strongly recommend that Mac and PC users buy an external hard drive and back up all important data, including music, documents, and photos. (See Back It Up! for more info.)
  • Dorm room insurance
    For Damage -- Similar to renters insurance, this coverage can often reimburse you for damages to your Mac laptop, if purchased at the appropriate coverage amount.
    For Theft -- Many plans also add theft/loss coverage (not covered by ThinkPad Protection or Apple Care). If you choose to go this route, make sure your selected insurer offers coverage for electronics.
  • Square Trade
    For Macs, another alternative is Square Trade, a company that specializes in selling warranty coverage. For a $1300 MacBookPro, a warranty that covers Accidental Damage would cost about $300 for 3 years - which sounds expensive until you look at the costs listed above! See Square Trade for more info.