The accidental damage coverage is something only you can decide. If you take care of your notebook and have a well padded case you should not need it. But if you will be jarring it around a lot and if you think there is a risk it could be damaged then you may want it.
Also, it depends on the cost. My notebook was $1299 so I just got the 2 years limited warranty coverage (see below). If you are spending over $2,000 that may be another matter but with 64bit Windows Longhorn coming hopefully you are not overspending and you are staying in the $1,000-$1,500 sweet spot.
You can double the 1 year limited warranty (that does not cover accidental damage or drops but rather component defects only) to 2 years for free by using a American Express card or Visa/Mastercard that has electronic warranty doubling (doubles any item for up to 1 year). All you have to do is keep your receipt if you have this and make the claim through the credit card company after the 1st year.
I wouldn't leave the battery out of the notebook unless it is dormant for extended periods (then, that is a good idea). However, hopefully you can run down the battery at least once or twice a week and then you can just rechage it while you are using the notebook plugged in.
Lithium batteries don't have 'memory' issues like the older nicad batteries so it is not critical you have it fully charged but I think it is better to cycle it at least occasionally and not leave it fully charged or fully discharged all the time.
Hi
I recently bought a HP DV1040 and i have a question about the battery. Most of the time i use it, i have it plugged in with the battery in the computer. The only time its unplugged is when i travel with it, and when i go back to school the 27th. My question is... will leaving the laptop plugged in with the battery, hurt the battery's life?
Can i leave the battery in there and have it plugged in?
Or should i remove it?
Also should i extend my warranty? Should i choose the regular warrenty from HP or the more expensive one that covers accidental damage?
Thanks
Eddie

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