Best Buy upgrades the typical product warranty--but is it worth it? Yesterday Best Buy announced its new Black Tie service plan through the Geek Squad. This plan covers things that warranties historically have not wanted to touch such as the battery, normal wear and tear, and replacement for a gizmo that is just no good. According to the brochure, an “advanced plan” offers a No Lemon Policy for laptops that would replace that laptop if it requires four qualified repairs.The plan is not just for computers either. According to the press release, “customers with a Geek Squad Black Tie Protection premium plan for their televisions will automatically receive a loaner TV if their TV cannot be repaired on the first visit.” Good news if your TV goes on the fritz just as the new season of Lost starts. I found it difficult to get a handle on pricing for these plans and, despite several phone calls and e-mails, could get no one at Best Buy to answer questions for me. But the service plans are offered only on products purchased at Best Buy and all service is provided by the Geek Squad.The hard sell that preys on consumer confusion regarding warranties has long been a gripe of mine with the retail computer and high-tech industry. And because of this arm-twisting we get at the checkout, it has been hard to answer this fundamental question about computers: “Is an extended warranty worth the money?” As a general rule, I say yes. Computers are complicated machines, so a lot can go wrong. But I also advise people to research all their options. A new computer comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, you usually have a grace period to decide after a purchase, and the manufacturer sometimes offers a better warranty than the store’s. But at first glance and with a million questions unanswered, I’m in favor of this move from Best Buy. It looks particularly attractive to the novice computer user, since it offers a lot of hand-holding options. So if you are shopping for electronics gear at Best Buy over the weekend, ask about this plan, what it can offer you, and — especially — what it will cost.But stay tuned because I also have a slew of warranty questions, (Best Buy and otherwise), options, and strategies I plan to address here soon. Technology Industry