I went ahead with the 4-year, $99 warranty (includes accidental handling damage). I like that there's no deductible or limit on how many times it is fixed and shipping both ways is included. I always get warranties on anything I don't want to re-buy. Now I can enjoy the reader to my heart's content :D

Anyone else purchased a warranty plan? Anyone used it?

No, but I don't buy warranties on anything if I think I could find the cash to replace it. I figure all insurance is, on average, more expensive than the repairs I'm likely to pay for. But your election to do so might have been smarter. I would really hate to have to pay out another $300. And four years is a pretty long time for a new gadget.

And the $99 is because I have accidental damage, it's cheaper without. I.e. it covers more than just the reader just malfunctioning. If it breaks during normal handling, they cover that too.

I bought the 3 year warranty with the accidental coverage for $70. I considered the 4 year extension but I think in 3 years it will be time to replace the 505 -- not because it won't function but because there will be significant advances in readers.

I got the 3 year warranty with accidental damage coverage after reading about people who had problems with their screens breaking accidentally. Usually I don't buy extended warranties.

I got the 3 year warranty with accidental damage coverage after reading about people who had problems with their screens breaking accidentally. Usually I don't buy extended warranties.Funny you mention that because I got the warranty because of a guy who posted here who almost didn't get his fixed for free. I don't bang it against a cement wall, but I put it in my purse and take it with me everywhere.

I figure all insurance is, on average, more expensive than the repairs I'm likely to pay for.
Sony wanted to charge me $270 to fix mine, so $99 for four years seems pretty good to me. My experience is that the eInk display is quite fragile. I did have a happy ending after getting some help from a Sony executive. It seems that the Sony repair service doesn't yet know how to price repairs for this device. I saw a price schedule for Sony's Vaio laptop repairs and it was $270.



PCH

I think I would have had it been available, but the first exclusion excludes devices used outside the US, which makes it a non-starter for me.

Sony wanted to charge me $270 to fix mine, so $99 for four years seems pretty good to me. My experience is that the eInk display is quite fragile. I did have a happy ending after getting some help from a Sony executive. It seems that the Sony repair service doesn't yet know how to price repairs for this device. I saw a price schedule for Sony's Vaio laptop repairs and it was $270.



PCH

You're the reason I got mine :D

I just pruchased the 505, retiring my 500 to the gym; I purchased the 2 year warranty with accidental ... in two years the ebook universe will be totally different!

I didn't get the warranty for either my prs500 or my wife's... but I recommended it to my nephew for his prs505. Make that "...recommended it very strongly...", as he has a tendency to be hard on gadgets. Also, his Dad agreed to purchase the warranty for him "as long as it includes accidental damage" -- a deal that can't be beat! Now I just wonder whether he's done it...

Xenophon

It's worth checking whether or not your house contents insurance includes cover for accidental damage to devices such as the Reader. Here in the UK at least, they generally do. Mine even gives me cover if the damage occurs away from the house.

It's worth checking whether or not your house contents insurance includes cover for accidental damage to devices such as the Reader. Here in the UK at least, they generally do. Mine even gives me cover if the damage occurs away from the house.

Unfortunately here in the colonies most insurance policies have a deductible amount. The lower the deductible, the higher the premium. This helps to prevent frivolous claims and lowers premiums. An item such as a book reader would be unlikely to reach the deductible amount.




PCH

My policy has an "excess" (ie the amount that I have to pay myself) of £50 ($100). Still a lot cheaper than buying a new Reader :).

I'm a little confused. I bought the 4 year warranty which includes "accidental damage" but only paid $59.00 (+ tax = $64.00).

What are you confused about?

I'm a little confused. I bought the 4 year warranty which includes "accidental damage" but only paid $59.00 (+ tax = $64.00).

I would double check that it includes accidental damage.

2 Year Service Plan $24.99
2 Year Service Plan with Accidental Damage from Handling $44.99
3 Year Service Plan with Accidental Damage from Handling $69.99
4 Year Service Plan with Accidental Damage from Handling $99.99
3 Year Service Plan $39.99
4 Year Service Plan for Portable Electronics $59.99

I was very specific with the Sony rep. Yes. She brought up the "accidental damage" before I bought the contract.

Well, I was on the phone with Sony Style for a good part of yesterday afternoon and evening. In fact, I DID NOT have the product replacement plan. According to Sony, the product replacement plan is not available for the Reader. Anyway, I wound up cancelling the 4 year Service Plan (which DID NOT include accidental damage) and purchased a 2 year service plan with accidental damage.

Thanks for the posts which alerted me to the cost discrepancy that prompted me to call Sony!

They DO have accidental damage for 4 years, at $99. I would call back if you really want it.

Yeah my Rep at Sony Style explained the difference. The plan with accidental coverage is the best one. My wife has, shall we say, a particular talent for turning electronics into paper weights.

I did get the 2 year warranty with accidental damage included. The rep also told me that, even if they had a product replacement plan for the reader, it is better to have the service plan, as it will cover any problems for 2 years (or more, depending on which you purchase). If they had a product replacement plan, they would only replace it one time and the plan would be void!