applecare debate

[joegomolski]

I've had AppleCare on all my mac products.

It happens that twice I had problems after the 1 year expired, because I had Applecare, 1 mac was replaced, the other repaired at no cost.

By the way search the internet you can find AppleCare selling at a big discount. Ebay is 1 place.

 

[tennez]

I just got a call from an apple rep, he was trying to sell me applecare for 230$ after some discount. Original price is 340$.
I told the guy what happen if I just buy it from ebay....cuz they are around the same prince. He was like "you shouldn't do that because that is illegal..."
I told him I would think about it....I'm just a poor college student, plus I still have 7 months more of coverage.
Just my two cents..

 

[corkscrew]

YES, YES, YES get the AppleCare

These forums are riddled with poor souls whose Apple Products have failed and have found that replacement/repair can be a very costly thing. If your unit never fails (and it probably won't) consider it cheap insurance. But, on the other hand, if it does fail you will save a small fortune. Example, my Power Mac G5 Quad suddenly presented me with a Kernal Error (the PC version of the dreaded blue screen of death). A new logic board...Processors.... and replacement of a sticky keyboard later I virtually had a new Mac after having had it for two years. Did I mention that since it was a desktop I had in-home service? Lastly, I haven't even mentioned the excellent/patient technical support that is included with the Protection Plan. I would pay the fee for that alone.

 

[operator207]

Please explain a bit more. What "claim" can you have with a homeowner's insurance that they paid you back for a dead laptop?
This could really help in the future!

On my homeowner's insurance, I have property coverage. They also have a "computer" coverage. I called and asked, as the computer coverage I have, I got for my servers at home. I asked if the PB was insured, they said any computer is insured. I told them I never gave them the serial. He said it did not matter, I just had to have proof of purchase if they asked. I told them I has the email from Apple. He asked for the part number and the date I bought it. He called me back a few weeks later asking if I wanted the money in a check or direct deposit it into a checking account. I asked how much, and he said $2606.23 which included a $100 deductible. I have the check in hand. Oh ya, my premiums went up $8 a month. 27 years from now, I will break even.

They also cover the computer outside my house. I am not sure if its specifically covered under the homeowner's insurance, or some other policy with them. I specifically asked if I use it at work, and its broken there, will this insurance cover it. I was told yes. I asked if it was stolen, would they cover it. They will, if I file a report, and fax it to them.

Obviously my insurance company is pretty cool. They are USAA. If anyone knows who they are, you would understand.

I am pretty surprised how they work. You do not have an agent, you just call, and if its something that will require a call back, the person you talk with will do that, or get you over to the dept that deals with that type of problem.

Sorry for that first paragraphs, its a bit choppy, and run on like. I am tired.

Oh ya, the laptop died on Dec 17th 2007. I called in the claim on March 25th 2008 or around there. +3 months after the fact.

For those of you who just have to have proof: http://filedrop.unmerciful.com/PB/

Check for the claim and claim form telling me I get money. Important stuff blurred out for obvious reasons.

 

[chewbaccacabra]

I debated it too. i have feeling I will want to upgrade my AIR in 9-10 months and just sell the current model.

 

[CanadaRAM]

Applecare is insurance like any other.

On average Apple charges more for Applecare than they have to pay in expenses, pooling the experience of all Applecare owners.

What you get with insurance is peace of mind, that if you are unlucky and the machine breaks down, you won't have exceptional costs. Of course, if it never breaks you have an assured $250 (or whatever) cost.

One thing to remember is if you spill liquid into your machine, drop it, or have it stolen, your investment in Applecare is lost. That is one argument for waiting until the 11th month to purchase and register Applecare - you save that cost if you accidentally damage your own machine in the first year.

Applecare is relatively more valuable to you if:

1) You can't handle diagnosing and repairing a machine on your own (benefit from telephone and service support)
2) You are planning to sell the machine within the three year period (better resale value)
3) You have a notebook Mac (notebooks are more prone to breakdown)
4) You travel with your Mac (AppleCare is good at any Apple store or independent Authorized Apple service provider - note that international coverage is on the portable machines only)
5) You are buying the first release of a new model (Rev 1 machines tend to have more issues, later revs generally are more sorted out)
6) You need to have a predictable repair budget (such as a business that has to budget ahead)
7) Your model of machine has experienced more than average problems in the first year, or you have already had to claim on the warranty on your own machine.
8) You have an Apple brand monitor that you can get covered as well for the same price.
9) You have a top of the line configuration (Applecare is the same price for the type of machine, no matter if its a budget or a premium configuration)

Applecare is less valuable to you if:

1) You plan to modify your machine yourself
2) You don't need phone support
3) You have a history of dropping, losing or damaging your Macs (investigate third party coverage that includes accidental damage)
4) You live in a country with a history of poor Apple service support.
5) You have a desktop machine (desktops on average are more reliable and cheaper and easier to replace components like drives -- however logic boards and CPUs are still expensive)



Also remember that Applecare does not provide for a loaner machine, or for guaranteed fast turnaround, and does not provide for data transfer or recovery.

You absolutely must have a solid backup regimen that you actually run regularly. An external hard drive or Network Storage drive plus TimeMachine, SuperDuper or CarbonCopyCloner make it easy.

Your machine may be in for repair for days or weeks. If you are using your Mac professionally, and it is mission critical, then you must have a backup machine available, ready to go (including the software, fonts, email accounts etc.) This might be a backup machine that you buy, or it may be a rental machine that you know you can access with your backup data and applications.

 

[zap2]

depend on how long you're keeping it.


Personally, I normally buy the computer, and when the first year nears its end, I consider buying it. I never got it for my ACD, perhaps a bad idea, because I'll be using the for a while. My Mac Mini, I'd likely skip it, because I'd add the 169 towards a new Mac. Plus I never planned to keep my Mac Mini 3 years, although I'm nearing 2 years, soooo we see how that worked out