Best Buy Geek Squad 'Black Tie Protection' promises premium service, cummerbunds

Just when you thought your computer and all of its (potentially pornographic) secrets were safe in the hands of Best Buy's Geek Squad once again, the big-box electronic retailer would like to reassure you with its "Geek Squad Black Tie Protection," a product service plan intended to "deliver peace-of-mind for hundreds of devices."

While grandiose talk of security and well-being is nice, here's the nitty-gritty on the service plans:

--Complete coverage for product failure due to normal wear and tear usage or power surges;

--Access to Best Buy personnel by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week to report problems and obtain guidance on service support options;

--A comprehensive service plan portfolio for customers to file at home for future reference;

--The ability for all service plan holders to conveniently locate service drop-off locations and track details about their individual plans at a web portal located via bestbuy.com and geeksquad.com.

In addition, a new premium-level plan for popular products such as TVs, laptops and digital cameras, provide other customer benefits. For example, customers with a Black Tie premium plan for their televisions will automatically receive a loaner TV if their TV cannot be repaired on the first visit. On the laptop front, premium Black Tie plans provide preventative services such as optimization, virus/spyware protection and online data back-up.

What's more, there an advantage to making no claims: These customers qualify for additional points in the Best Buy Reward Zone member loyalty program, which they can use toward the purchase of products at Best Buy stores and online.

For what it's worth, this ZDNet blogger is waiting for Geek Squad white tie service, complete with tails.

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