K2 Battery NOT Covered Under Extended Warranty

BurBunny · 02-13-2009, 01:31 PM

In order to try to decipher extended warranty Terms and Conditions from Service Net's Kindle 2 policy, I wrote to Service Net with the following question:

Quote:

It's not clear to me from the Terms and Conditions for the extended warranty for the Amazon Kindle 2 if you cover battery replacement costs. If so, would it only be for total non-functioning of the battery, or at a certain point where the battery is no longer holding X% of a charge? I look forward to your response.

Their response:

Quote:

As batteries are considered a consumable item we would not be able to cover the cost of replacement.

Thanks,

name removed upon request
Consumer Support Specialist
Service Net Solutions, LLC.

So for those who are looking at the "replaceable" batteries being non-consumer replaceable as an issue, this might make it more of one.

For me, it's still a non-issue, but Service Net just lost the sale of an extended warranty - I'll self-insure (for the battery) and buy a padded cover (to protect against damage).

daffy4u · 02-13-2009, 01:36 PM

I've seen reports on the Amazon forums that the Square Trade insurance costs less and is for three years (including the accidental damage coverage). I'm not sure if the battery is covered or not. If I can find some head-to-head comparison data, I'll post it.

grisjuan · 02-13-2009, 02:10 PM

Many credit cards add extra warranty coverage automatically: e.g. my Chase Visa extended the warranty on my laptop from 1 to 2 years (and I did end up using their coverage to pay for repairs...it was painless). Have any of you used this type of warranty for a Kindle repair?

This means that the value of the $65 extended warranty might just be in the "one time" accidental damage coverage. I am still considering adding the warranty because I travel a lot so my K2 will live in my laptop bag.

NavyDad6 · 02-13-2009, 02:20 PM

Good info! I am glad I didn't get the extended warranty. I almost did just for the battery, but now that is a moot point.

As with most extended warranties, they are designed as a vehicle for high profit margins, not to actually benefit the average consumer.

daffy4u · 02-13-2009, 02:23 PM

I think some kind of coverage is more important for the screen. The battery is cheap compared to having to buy a whole new unit if the screen gets damaged.

BurBunny · 02-13-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daffy4u

I think some kind of coverage is more important for the screen. The battery is cheap compared to having to buy a whole new unit if the screen gets damaged.

Agreed - the battery is a relatively low cost replacement compared to the whole unit. But as far as absolutely needing screen coverage, I think it depends on the person, and how it's being used and with what protection. I've had laptops since the early 90s, along with PDAs and numerous other portable electronics, and for me, I've found I treat my items fairly kindly. Others, carrying in backpacks or in less protected means or without covers, might consider that high importance.

I don't tend to go for extended warranties unless I see a compelling reason. Battery replacement could have been one of those for me, but that's now moot. In 2 years, I'd likely want a different, updated unit anyway. So I'll take my chances (and hope I didn't just anger the gods and ensure my screen's demise by tempting Fate with that comment).

NavyDad6 · 02-13-2009, 02:28 PM

Will a warranty cover damage to a screen? I mean like you dropped it or something. I was under the impression that the warranty covered defects.

pilotbob · 02-13-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NavyDad6

Will a warranty cover damage to a screen? I mean like you dropped it or something. I was under the impression that the warranty covered defects.

It depends on if it is an extended warranty or an accident plan. Some are actually both.

BOb

NavyDad6 · 02-13-2009, 02:35 PM

I guess all I have to do is read.... this is from the 2-year extended warranty description:

Two years of coverage (limited to a single claim) for accidental drops or damage

daffy4u · 02-13-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NavyDad6

Will a warranty cover damage to a screen? I mean like you dropped it or something. I was under the impression that the warranty covered defects.

In the early days, Amazon would replace Kindles for very little reason. As time passed they became more strict and would send a refurbished unit for half price ($180). Dropping the Kindle is not considered a defect, it's an accident. The Whispernet radio not functioning properly or the cursor wheel breaking were considered defects.

The newly offered extended warranty is covering accidental dropping one time only.

NavyDad6 · 02-13-2009, 02:56 PM

Yeah... I drank some more Koolaid and ordered the 2-year extended warranty.

That one time drop insurance is a good deal.

I am just hoping that the Kindle ships before my wife sees the bank statement.... lol.

rhadin · 02-13-2009, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grisjuan

Many credit cards add extra warranty coverage automatically: e.g. my Chase Visa extended the warranty on my laptop from 1 to 2 years (and I did end up using their coverage to pay for repairs...it was painless).

I have made use of this type of insurance in the past and it really is good -- BUT in my experience, the extended warranty doesn't change the terms of the warranty, only extends its life. So if the original warranty doesn't, for example, cover a battery, the extended warranty won't either.

BurBunny · 02-13-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grisjuan

Many credit cards add extra warranty coverage automatically: e.g. my Chase Visa extended the warranty on my laptop from 1 to 2 years (and I did end up using their coverage to pay for repairs...it was painless).

Thank you for reminding me of this. I tend to forget about that coverage. A quick call to Chase for me confirmed that the card I plan on using does have this coverage as well. Still won't cover for damage due to dropping or similar, but nice to remember I do have true warranty coverage for 2 years.

StanDaMan · 02-13-2009, 04:48 PM

Why must they be so cheap? It's an effing battery.

Also, why can't they come up with better battery technology?

daffy4u · 02-13-2009, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StanDaMan

Why must they be so cheap? It's an effing battery.

Also, why can't they come up with better battery technology?

It seems they feel they have. Time will tell. I'm not having problems with the current battery.

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02-13-2009, 01:36 PM	#2
daffy4u I'm Super Kindle-icious Posts: 6,734 Karma: 2434103 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Drive, Calinadia Candafornia Device: KDXG, KT, Oasis	I've seen reports on the Amazon forums that the Square Trade insurance costs less and is for three years (including the accidental damage coverage). I'm not sure if the battery is covered or not. If I can find some head-to-head comparison data, I'll post it.

02-13-2009, 02:10 PM	#3
grisjuan Enthusiast Posts: 38 Karma: 404 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Washington, DC Device: iPhone 3GS	Many credit cards add extra warranty coverage automatically: e.g. my Chase Visa extended the warranty on my laptop from 1 to 2 years (and I did end up using their coverage to pay for repairs...it was painless). Have any of you used this type of warranty for a Kindle repair? This means that the value of the $65 extended warranty might just be in the "one time" accidental damage coverage. I am still considering adding the warranty because I travel a lot so my K2 will live in my laptop bag.

02-13-2009, 02:20 PM	#4
NavyDad6 Reading is FUNdamental Posts: 233 Karma: 1516 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: WA state Device: Kindle 2	Good info! I am glad I didn't get the extended warranty. I almost did just for the battery, but now that is a moot point. As with most extended warranties, they are designed as a vehicle for high profit margins, not to actually benefit the average consumer.

02-13-2009, 02:23 PM	#5
daffy4u I'm Super Kindle-icious Posts: 6,734 Karma: 2434103 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Drive, Calinadia Candafornia Device: KDXG, KT, Oasis	I think some kind of coverage is more important for the screen. The battery is cheap compared to having to buy a whole new unit if the screen gets damaged.

02-13-2009, 02:28 PM	#7
NavyDad6 Reading is FUNdamental Posts: 233 Karma: 1516 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: WA state Device: Kindle 2	Will a warranty cover damage to a screen? I mean like you dropped it or something. I was under the impression that the warranty covered defects.

02-13-2009, 02:35 PM	#9
NavyDad6 Reading is FUNdamental Posts: 233 Karma: 1516 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: WA state Device: Kindle 2	I guess all I have to do is read.... this is from the 2-year extended warranty description: Two years of coverage (limited to a single claim) for accidental drops or damage

02-13-2009, 02:56 PM	#11
NavyDad6 Reading is FUNdamental Posts: 233 Karma: 1516 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: WA state Device: Kindle 2	Yeah... I drank some more Koolaid and ordered the 2-year extended warranty. That one time drop insurance is a good deal. I am just hoping that the Kindle ships before my wife sees the bank statement.... lol.

02-13-2009, 04:48 PM	#14
StanDaMan Connoisseur Posts: 79 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2009 Device: kindle	Why must they be so cheap? It's an effing battery. Also, why can't they come up with better battery technology?