Laptop overheating - should I sign up for insurance?

TheDot

Hey everyone, over the past months Ive had problems with my laptop over heating and then blue screening. I usually get 2-4 hours use out of it and then I hear a (dodgy sounding) fan cut in and then it freezes up.

Im at uni so obviously this is a problem I would like sorting before I return in september. I was looking at buying a new laptop but this morning I got a letter from COMET.

They must send them out 2 years after your laptop was purchased from them and its offering the COMET BREAKDOWN PLAN. It costs £92.80 (direct debit) and offers unlimited repairs until replacement.

I was just wondering if you guys think it would be worth me siging up to this and getting it fixed/replaced through this insurance- would it be possible to do this?

Any advice or experiences with this breakdown plan would be appreciated.

Thanks, TheDot

Astaroth

Given it is 2 years ago this would suggest you have a 2 year warrenty in which case why not just return it under the existing warrenty? Of cause, if possible, it would be best to check that the fans arent just clogged up with rubbish as this would be defined as wear and tear which is not covered by any warrenty (that I have ever seen)

TheDot

On the back of the laptop next to serial number it says 1 year manufacturers warrenty- so im guessing ive only got a 1 year warrenty.

Or are you suggesting I have a 2 year COMET warrenty?

**EDIT** Just gave comet a quick ring and the laptop was definatley only under a 1 year warrenty, so its been out of warrenty for a year now- would it be worth me buying this extended warrenty and then sending the laptop to them?

TheDot

I had problems a while back with it getting EXTREMELY hot and turning itself off as a safety precuation. That was when I used it on a bed from time to time.

So I have been putting something underneath it for months now, just to give it some extra 'breathing space'.

I have windows update on automatic download and have to anti-virus/spyware programs that I run every few months.

When the fan kicks in it sounds like it isnt doing its job properly, the laptop slows down and then blue screens.

Mikeyorks

Before you jump into the extended warranty - check it doesn't obviate 'pre-existing conditions'?

alanobrien

This is a very common problem with laptops, it just happened with my wife's Toshiba that is just over 2 years old.

Typically the fan or filter blocks up causing a blockage to the airflow over the CPU which then overheats. At that point the machine will exhibit faults or shut down altogether.

In my experience 9 times out of 10 a simple clean of the fan or filter will solve the problem.

If you are handy looking at these things or know someone who is, get them to check this out before spending lots of hard earned on a guarentee that may not be necessary.