Regarding the purchase of W520

[DesertRat2]

Sigh, I am trying to make up my mind whether to purchase the W520 at today's lower prices (before the W530 comes out).  I'm actually very willing to buy the W520, but the SSS issue is holding me back. I really don't want to spend hours debugging SSS issues, if whatever W520 I receive ends up as being one of the unlucky ones affected by SSS.

Still sitting on the fence on this...will see if any Lenovo announcements occur during next week's Accelerate event (at Las Vegas). 

[webo]

I'm in the same position.  I'm really tempted by the current W520 prices but I'll be on the move for the next couple years and I can't afford to have a laptop with a stability issue that hasn't been fully resolved.

Hopefully the W530 prices won't be TOO much higher than current W520 prices

[Elantric]

I'm also considering a W520 but the SSS shut down issue is of great concern.

I read this post on this very thread:: "   The pre-built systems come with a 3 year warranty."

 Can someone clarify the details of this warranty? Is this standard ? or must be purchased separately?

For example: Am I to assume this specific pre-built Lenovo W520 - 42763JU   at B&H Camera ( a Lenovo TopSeller partner) already includes a standard 3 yr / 1 yr battery  depot repair service  warranty ? - without buying any additional "accident protection warranty upgrades?

• B&H # LEW5208500I7
• Mfr# 42763JU

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/842841-REG/Lenovo_42763JU_ThinkPad_W520_4276.html

My reference material is here:

I read this document regarding all hardware options and details of all Lenovo Products,  including all versions of the W520:

http://www.lenovo.com/psref/pdf/psref417.pdf

On page 57

"ThinkPad® W520 4276 (Optimus) - TopSeller (October 2011)"

"4276-3JU i7-2760QM 4GBx2 15.6" FHD 1000M 720p 500G 7200 Intel 6205 WWAN upg Finger 9 iAMT vPro Pro 64"

"A depot repair service 3-year limited warranty"

"Limited warranty  - 3-years/1-yr battery - depot repair service / service upgrades  available

Bottom line - I'm confused!

[zoltanthegypsy]

Hello and welcome,

In my experience, the warranty varies with pre-built machines purchased from retail outlets.  Usually 1 year or 3 years, depending on model.

That bh photovideo link that you posted claims a 3-year warranty.  It's on the right side of the page, waaaay down at the bottom, in "what's in the box".

The tabook (ThinkPad specs) says the same thing for the model in question: 3-years/1-yr battery - depot repair service / service upgrades (22) available

That 22 is a footnote that describes the upgrades possible.  On-site service, ThinkPlus service, etc.

The base warranty for that machine is 3year/1 year battery.

Ah, maybe you're reading that as saying it's the 3-year that's an upgrade?  Pretty sure that the "upgrade" is in addition to the 3-year base.

Z.

[Elantric]

Thanks for the feedback.

But as a customer, looking for a deal on the W520,  I find it extremely odd that:

#1) A Lenovo reseller (B&H Camera)  offers a pre-built W520 with everything I need with 3yr warranty for $1375 with free shipping out the door.

 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/842841-REG/Lenovo_42763JU_ThinkPad_W520_4276.html

#2) While the Lenovo Online store sells  a similarly configured "build to order" W520  - but the same 3yr warranty as Item #1 above must be purchased separately  - and even using  a few  recent Lenovo discount codes is still roughly $250 more than item #1 above.

[Elantric]

Pending review.

[zoltanthegypsy]

I have to agree with your observation re Lenovo and retail pricing.  I tend to shop at NewEgg for computer hardware, and they occasionally have Lenovo machines pre-configured at somewhat better pricing than Lenovo's web sales.  Volume purchasing, location of warehousing, taxability, what ever is sitting in inventory, and who knows what else probably influence retail pricing.

That said, I usually end up buying my ThinkPads direct from Lenovo phone sales.  It might be worth a call.  They often have access to eCoupons that don't show up on line.

I don't speak for Lenovo.  Just relating my own personal experience.

Z.

[Elantric]

I like Newegg to,  but  since I reside in California - and 8.95% sales tax, I tend to do more business with Tiger Direct and B&H for my  big ticket items.

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

also, Lenovo have a policy of not directly competing with the channel partners (i.e. retail stores), so that these channel partner would continue do business with Lenovo.

[ThorsHammer]

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lead_org wrote:
also, Lenovo have a policy of not directly competing with the channel partners (i.e. retail stores), so that these channel partner would continue do business with Lenovo.

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How do they consider selling direct non competitive?  If you sell direct, you compete with EVERYONE.