ACP or not to ACP for the M1

[abhi182]

In the past, I have taken Apple care (not ACP) for my macbooks but not for iPad/iphone

This was primarily because (and possibly anecdotal), I have heard of far few catastrophic failures on the ipad/ iphone while Intel Macs (esp the newer models) have been prone to issues

With the M1 coming out, I decided to sell my Intel MBP within just over a a year.. And while performance was certainly one factor, weighing on the decision- I had also assumed longevity as another given because of the ARM architecture

Unfortunately it seems there have been more than several reports of failed logic boards and some scattered complaints of display issues as well.


The other problem is that unlike the older apple care (which could be extended at any time before expiry of the 1st year warranty) , I just have a couple of weeks more to take a call on this.
At 25% of the cost of a new device, it surely isn't cheap for insurance but on the other hand, the performance of the device is so good that I am sure I will want to keep it for 3 years if not more before upgrading.

Just wanted to get a sense of what other folks have opted for

 

[Freakonomics101]

Depends what you need it for and how often you use it. I have the M1 Air, base. Purchased for $899. I added Apple Care to it since I need it for school.

 

[Modernape]

Unfortunately it seems there have been more than several reports of failed logic boards

Really? Can you link where these reports have been made?

 

[abhi182]

Really? Can you link where these reports have been made?

There is an ongoing (and fairly long) thread on this on this board also - think it's titled My mac m1 won't turn on or similar

 

[JeepGuy]

My wife uses her laptops for her small business, she likes the added protection in case it gets dropped, plus she can write it off as expense.

 

[mgymnop]

I just got it because I bought the almost maxed out version of the MBP with 16/ 1TB which costed me over $2000 with tax.

 

[abhi182]

I just got it because I bought the almost maxed out version of the MBP with 16/ 1TB which costed me over $2000 with tax.

Yeah - does make a lot of sense on the maxed out version
for the base model though, its quite high as a % of the total cost..

Will probably get it anyway - no point in worrying every time I plug it into a USB C hub - which is probably the only reason I started looking at ACP to begin with

I just wish there was more clarity available on the root cause of said failure mode. That would have made it a more informed decision rather than one made due to FUD.
Given it’s unlikely to get any clearer in two weeks, might as well save myself the (probably unnecessary) worry

 

[JeepGuy]

Yeah - does make a lot of sense on the maxed out version
for the base model though, its quite high as a % of the total cost..

Will probably get it anyway - no point in worrying every time I plug it into a USB C hub - which is probably the only reason I started looking at ACP to begin with

I just wish there was more clarity available on the root cause of said failure mode. That would have made it a more informed decision rather than one made due to FUD.
Given it’s unlikely to get any clearer in two weeks, might as well save myself the (probably unnecessary) worry

There is always a small percentage of laptops that die in the first few weeks, it could be any number of problems from bad solder, to a bad component. There have been a few that were killed by cheap USB-C docks. If it were a bigger problem you would here about it.

 

[Zazoh]

I’m 57, never purchased an extended warranty or replacement policy for this type of stuff. I’ve saved enough over the years, for self insurance, at this point.