Laptop for life

[Glenn]

Buy 1 laptop and get a replacement free every 3 years. http://www.fujitsu-siemens.co.uk/lifebook4life/ The deal is a genuine, my friend has called Fujitsu and they have confirmed the offer.

[Rik]

I find myself wondering where the catch is, Glenn. On the face of it, it looks to good to be true.

[Glenn]

That's the first thing I said to my friend, but he has contacted them, they have confirmed the offer. Maybe they hope people will simply forget or apply too late to get the replacement laptop?

[Rik]

There has to be that calculation on FS' part, but even if only 10% of people follow up, that's a considerable commitment for the company. I'd be interested to know how they are funding it.

[kinmel]

The offer is for the replacement to be  of like for like specifications every 3 years for the rest of your LIFE!

Do you want a notebook that is technologically 6 years out of date at the second replacement ?

[Rik]

Would they be able to build a genuine like for like though, Alan?

[Broadback]

Perhaps they will take notebooks returned as faulty, repair them them keep them to hand out to keep their commitment. Similarly those returned for replacement would be refurbished then then handed out down the line. I used to work for ICL later Fujitsu, but sadly no longer any contacts who could explain the operation of this. 

[Rik]

We must plant a mole, now.

[kinmel]

Would they be able to build a genuine like for like though, Alan?

I always believe the small print, great care goes into the crafting of them.

The T & Cs it could equally have offered an up to date replacement, but didn't.

[Rik]

The joys of modern marketing tricks, eh.

[Glenn]

From the T&C's

The replacement Lifebook value will be determined by the original purchase price shown on the invoice, increased by 10% every 3 years. For example; a Lifebook purchased for £1000 today would be exchanged for a model with a recommended retail price not exceeding £1100 in 3 years time.

http://www.lifebook4lifeclaims.co.uk/terms_conditions.php

[Rik]

Which should, in theory, lead to a better machine, depending on exchange and inflation rates.

[Steve]

Quote

"Only original Fujitsu Siemens accessories and upgrades should be installed during the period of ownership. The original Lifebook must be returned, in good working original order, with no damage or faults to the address provided in the claim pack sent to successful applicants. Returned Lifebooks will be examined before a replacement is issued."

I would worry a laptop I have used for three years would fulfil those conditions

[Rik]

No damage, with a notebook, is rather restrictive, isn't it...

[john]

We must plant a mole, now.

My brother works for Fujitsu, he's very difficult to get in touch with, but if I can find any more details then I'll post them.

[Rik]

Thanks, John. 

[Sebby]

Very interesting. I'd love to hear more about this...