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Mac versus PC Part II Kat Vossler  |
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Note: This is the second section of a three part series called Mac vs PC.
When I first put together my Dell four years ago, I saw a red, blue and green stripe across the screen. I spent hours and hours working with tech support over the phone to find out that my entire CPU needed to be replaced. Where do you go for that? Third party vendors are available to fix the machine, but where are the guys who put my computer together? I decided to investigate computer warranties and services.
Since I bought my computer four years ago, I called Dell (1-800-WWW-DELL) to see what they currently offer for warranty packages. After going through a series of prompts, I spoke with a representative. After taking down my name, address and telephone, they were ready to piece together my computer. I mentioned the Dimension B110, and asked about the warranty. I would love to report back with the protection that comes with the computer, but I wasn’t given a straight answer. I do know that you can get one to four years of warranty, but what the warranty on my computer comes with, I’m not sure. And the cost of Dell warranties? I was told by my Dell representative that prices are “market driven” and I can’t be quoted a price today, because I wasn’t buying a computer yet.
My next resource to find warranty answers was Dell’s website. The Dimension B110 comes with a limited 90-day warranty. Other features that I can purchase are the “Quick Help Kit with Live Expert” for $149. Online experts are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions. They also offer an online forum, which answers most FAQs. What if you need one-on-one training? Dell offers a one-time service of set up and consultation in your home for one hour.
I’m tired of technical support over the phone. I need people to look at my computer, because computer jargon is over my head. Just because Dell can’t be there for everything, that doesn’t mean that all hope is lost.
I looked into the Geek Squad. For those unfamiliar with the Geek Squad, it’s Best Buy’s technical support in your own home. According to their website it will cost you $159 for the Geek Squad to give you an hour of training to learn your computer. Dozens of other services are available (anything from basic set up to hard drive recovery), but the price seems a little steep. However, for the convenience of coming to your home at an exact time is certainly tempting.
Apple’s phone call was a little smoother (1-800-MY-APPLE). Thankfully, I wasn’t given the run-around about pricing. They told me about Applecare, Apple’s three-year warranty that can be purchased. If something happens to my computer, I can bring it into any Apple Store, call their technical help line, or mail it out. Depending on the computer that I purchased, Applecare costs $149 to $349. If that seems too steep, Macs automatically come with a limited one-year warranty.
I asked Apple about one-on-one training, and they mentioned that this can be done in their retail store locations. Calling one of their retail locations, I was briefed on Procare. For $99, I get an hour long, weekly training for a year in their retail store. I also receive yearly tune-ups, expedited service on repairs, and complete set up when I purchase a computer.
Compare $99 a year for one-on-one training and an average of $249 for a three-year service warranty to Geek Squad’s $159 one-on-one training and the ambiguous price of the Dell one- to four-year warranty. Apple not only appears to have better prices, but they offer more bang for your buck. |
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