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<p>Make sure Best Buy services any problems in a timely manner. They’ve been quite hit-or-miss from what I heard from friends and clients. Plus, I recalled a lawsuit because Best Buy sat on a laptop sent in for warranty repair and then tried to charge the client because the time they sat on it just happened to exceed the warranty coverage on it. </p>
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<p>Depends on how it is carried and whether the laptop’s build quality is good to begin with. With the exception of that crappy first notebook I had in college, every other laptop I’ve had is still running fine…even the one I picked up in the late '90s despite heavy daily usage and carrying it around everywhere. I used a Fed-Ex bubblewrap envelope as a protective cover around my notebooks before I placed it in my backpack without issues. </p>
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<p>I’d only advise going that route if you/your student is able and willing to serve as their own tech support…including feeling comfortable spending time to troubleshoot problems and completely disassembling the notebook to repair/replace parts as needed. </p>
<p>Though I am able to do so, I valued my time as a student/professional enough that if I have to pay money, I’d rather buy a high quality notebook new with warranty. </p>
<p>Better that than to deal with the hassles of supporting older notebooks/possibility of getting a lemon with no warranty support. If the notebook is more than 3-5 years old…the only way spending on replacement parts is worth it IMHO is if the notebook came as a free hand-me-down and you’re prepared to use it for another 3+ years. </p>
<p>Even then…the ROI is debatable if you factor in wear & tear and greater possibility of further component problems/failures down the line.</p>