A common misconception amongst many EeePC users is that if they break the “Warranty Void if Removed” sticker, they void their warranty. Without getting into the legalities of consumer protection, we can say definitively that ASUS has updated its warranty in regard to this concern. It applies to all customers, regardless of whether or not you have consumer protection laws in your country that make the enforcement of such stickers illegal:
http://usa.asus.com/news_show.aspx?id=9223
ASUS Computer International (“ASUS”) recently received feedback from one of its valued customers with questions concerning the purpose of a seal stating, “Warranty Void If Removed” over the access door to the single SODIMM slot on some models of the ASUS Eee PC. ASUS wishes to assure its customers that merely breaking or removing this kind of seal will not void the ASUS Limited Warranty. Although ASUS recommends that customers use ASUS-approved service facilities and components, ASUS is committed to honoring the terms of its Limited Warranty and making sure that its customers are free to make appropriate hardware and software modifications and upgrades, regardless of whether the service is performed by an approved facility, a non-approved service provider, or by the customers themselves. ASUS will replace the warranty label with a label to warn users that ASUS will not be responsible for the damage caused by improper hardware change.
ASUS is taking steps to make sure that the seals in question are no longer used in its products that are intended to be sold in any country where these stickers are not permitted.
ASUS has also modified its written Limited Warranty policies effective immediately to eliminate any provision stating that the ASUS Limited Warranty will be voided simply because the product is serviced by a non-ASUS-approved service facility, or if non-ASUS-approved components or software are installed or used. Current Eee PC customers are advised that ASUS will honor all other terms of its Limited Warranty and that it will not refuse warranty service simply because a customer has either broken a warranty seal, installed non-ASUS components or software, or because the customer’s unit has been opened or serviced by a non-ASUS-approved service facility or by the user.
ASUS customers are reminded that ASUS computer systems, like all other computer systems, contain delicate and complex components that may be easily damaged if not handled correctly. Also, ASUS systems are tested and certified for compatibility and performance to product specifications based on their original configurations using ASUS-approved hardware, components, and approved, factory-installed software.
As with all computer systems, some added hardware, components and software may not be compatible with the product. Also, as with all computers, attempts by persons who lack sufficient knowledge or who are not properly trained to upgrade, repair, or maintain the product’s internal components or hardware configuration, or the installation and use of non-approved or untested hardware components or accessories, may result in damage to the product or severe degradation of the product’s performance and functionality that may not be covered under the ASUS Limited Warranty. Also, as with all computer software, attempts to change, alter, or modify the factory-installed software may result in damage to the product or a severe degradation in the product’s performance or functionality that may not be covered under the ASUS Limited Warranty.
ASUS customers may contact ASUS Customer Service at: 888-768-3688 option 3 regarding ASUS Limited Warranty.
You or any third-party may perform hardware and/or software modifications on your EeePC (meaning, you can open it up), but if you cause damage in the process or as a result of these modifications, you will not be able to seek warranty repairs for this damage. Causing damage, replacing a sticker, and then sending the unit in for in-warranty repairs may be considered fraud.
You should know your rights as a consumer, but also know that any damage you cause is your responsibility. Don't modify what you can't afford to break.
What is the standard warranty length?
All EeePC's come standard with a 1 year ASUS Limited Warranty.
Is there a warranty on the battery?
Yes. ASUS warranties the battery on the EeePC for 6 months.1)
Does it come with an accidental damage plan?
No. Because of the low cost of the EeePC line, ASUS has decided not to extend its 1 year Accidental Damage Warranty (ADW) to any EeePC laptops or desktops.
What is warrantied?
All hardware, software, and accessories that were included with your EeePC and that are required for regular operation are warrantied by ASUS. The warranty covers parts and labor.
Can I purchase an extended warranty?
Yes. ASUS calls it a “Warranty Extension Package”, or “WEP”2). You can obtain a WEP from your dealer. It adds 1 year to your existing ASUS Limited Wrranty. It must be purchased and activated within 30 days of purchasing your EeePC. However, you should weigh the cost of the extension with the price of the EeePC. WEP pricing was factored around more expensive laptops. There are also many third-party warranty extension services (but these do not extend your ASUS Limited Warranty, they simply provide a means of reimbursement for repairs/replacement during the period of coverage). If you purchased your EeePC with a credit card, you may be eligible for free warranty extension through your credit card company. Most credit cards offer at least a 1 year extended warranty, and some offer 2 years on electronics. A few will double the warranty up to a certain number of years. Most consumers are unaware of this feature. Check your cards terms and conditions, or call their customer service number and ask them for details.
Why did ASUS change their warranty? If ASUS did not revise its Limited Warranty, could I still remove the sticker and keep my warranty?
Consumer protection laws vary from country to country, and some countries prohibit warranty tie-ins. In the US, “The Magnuson-Moss Act” is a 1975 Federal law that does just that. Tie-ins are additional purchases you must make from the manufacturer to keep your warranty valid. By placing a sticker over screws, ASUS was suggesting that you could not service the EeePC without risking your warranty, unless such service was performed through ASUS (a tie-in). As soon as ASUS was made aware that their policy was in violation of laws (like The Magnuson-Moss Act), they issued a statement. “ASUS is taking steps to make sure that the seals in question are no longer used in its products that are intended to be sold in any country where these stickers are not permitted.”
How can I take my sticker off without breaking it?
Poking around inside an EeePC, causing damage, replacing the sticker to make it look like you didn't do anything, and sending it in for warranty repair is fraud. However, for those with more innocent motives, some suggest using a heat gun and a razor blade.
Does ASUS have a policy on dead/stuck pixels?
Yes. It's called a Zero Bright Dot (ZBD) Warranty. Within 30 days of purchase, if there is any single dead or bright pixel on any model of EeePC, ASUS will replace the LCD panel free of charge.
Is the SSD covered on the warranty, even if I exceed the maximum read/writes that the SSD is capable of?
Yes.
I have to RMA my EeePC. How do I go about doing that?
http://helpdesk.asus.com/ is a good start. Email RMA Requests: rma@asus.com. Technical Support: http://vip.asus.com/eservice/techserv.aspx. Customer Service Support: 510-739-3777 / 812-282-2787 Ext. 5102.
