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December 6, 2005
Dear CNET members, OK, here's a scenario for you: you're at local retailer. After a long conversation with a helpful salesperson, you've made the decision to buy the product. You're ready to check out when suddenly the salesperson blindsides you with the pitch, "Would you like the extended warranty with that?" Your first reaction is to say no, but the salesperson starts to lay on the spiel about the benefits and the things that could go wrong with the product. You start frantically try to rationalize, but because you're on the spot, you accept. Then you go home and think: "Did I make the right decision to buy that extended warranty?" Does this sound familiar to you? Well, you're not alone. I've been in that situation plenty of times in the past, and I can remember only one instance where my extended warranty paid off. The rest weren't well-thought-out decisions. So do you think extended warranties are worth the extra protection, or are they simply a rip-off? Got a good or bad extended warranty story to share with us? Before you take on TalkBack to tell us your story, read editor Tom Merritt's article, "Should you pay for an extended warranty?" to get the real deal on extended warranties and tell us what you think. We're listening.
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This week's hot topic:
Are extended warranties really worth it?When buying consumer electronics, is it worth shelling out extra for an extended warranty? That's the question Tom Merritt asked in his latest The Real Deal column, and many of you offered some interesting insights. It's just not worth it A true gadget lover, CNET member fire1fl never buys an extended warranty for a variety of reasons. He also urges us to consider the "life cycle" of what we're buying--if it's something that we'll likely want to replace in a couple years, extended warranties hold less value. Read fire1fl's full post in CNET TalkBack A must for mobile devices When it comes to laptops and handhelds, many of you shared experiences that show how an extended warranty can be a real lifesaver. CNET member Jonathanrayce has made it through multiple drive crashes, faulty networking, and broken cooling systems without breaking the bank--all thanks to his extended warranty. Read Jonathanrayce's post in CNET TalkBack All the way to the bank CNET member rholley13 has an innovative solution. Take the money you would spend on any extended warranty, and put it in the bank instead. Even if you end up paying for repairs, odds are you'll still end up ahead. Read rholley13's full post in CNET TalkBack Speak Up! Do you think an extended warranty is a good idea? Read "Should you pay for an extended warranty?" and and share your experiences in the TalkBack section. • Extended warranty for your HDTV: worth the price? From The Screening Room • Tech Nightmares: Customer service From CNET Reviews  Here are some interesting comments you've recently submitted
on CNET. Read up and talk about it.
 Is your PC a drug mule? Today, criminals are making more money from cybercrime than from drug-related crime. But before you ask what's being done about that, maybe you should see what's running inside your own computer. Will law enforcement ever get the upper hand on cybercrime? Is it folly to think so?  Navigation systems: why they're lame, what they need He's said it before, and he'll say it again: In-car navigation systems are a joke. CNET editor at large Brian Cooley thinks they're not that smart, and some of the features are just useless. Yet, he's not giving up hope. Read on to see which three technologies have him excited for the future of in-car navigation. Do you think today's in-car nav systems are a joke? What would you do to improve them?  What's your most useful digital photography tip? We've all experienced the joys, the frustrations, and that magical moment when a workaround solution to a particular problem jolts you. Here's a chance to share your brilliance with fellow readers and learn a bit from them on digital photography. |
Weigh in on this week's hot topic:
 Yes, I always buy them (tell us why) No, they’re a rip-off! (please explain) It depends on the price of the item (for example?) What's a warranty? (you're in trouble) I should’ve gotten one for my boss,he's malfunctioning!
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