1. Ask questions. Ifyou're purchasing a new device and you want to know if specific damages are covered under the warranty, ask the salesperson.

2. Don't believe what the salesman says. If a salesman tells you the warranty covers (or doesn't cover) something specifically, ask him to show you where that is stated in the warranty.

3. Read the fine print. The cmopany is likely going to make its warranty decisions based on its written policies, not what the salesman promised.

4. Pay special attention to the exclusions. Nearly every warranty includes a stipulation that says it doesn't cover abuse, misuse, accidents, wear and tear... alien abduction, acts of God.

5. If you're a klutz, maybe think twice about eating or drinking near your computer. Definitely don't swim with it.

6. Be gentle. New laptops may be as thin as a novel, but don't toss them around like one.

7. If you know you're right, Don't Give Up. Do some research on-line, find similar complaints and then file an appeal with the company's top executives to show other consumers are having similar problems with their product.

(Tips courtesty of Eric Arnum, editor of Warranty Week and Sun Intern Extraordinaire Sara Murray, an admitted abuser of high-tech devices.)

Or follow in Brand's footsteps...