Applecare for Macbook?

[Schtibbie]

Is the $200+ applecare plan worth signing up for with my new Macbook? I bought the computer at a local apple store and when the guy mentioned this option for 3 years coverage I just cringed. I NEVER ever sign up for these sorts of things. I understand that they are major profit centers for companies.

However, if folks around here think they are actually good investments, I might consider it.

 

[killmoms]

For a laptop, DO IT. ESPECIALLY if you'll be moving it around.

For a desktop, probably not as critical, as you're less likely to need it. Unless you have a Mac Pro, which is expensive enough that what's another $200 gonna matter?

You have a year to do it, so it's not like you have to buy it instantly.

 

[WildCowboy]

You do have up to one year from the date of purchase to decide, so it's not crucial that you pony up the cost now. Opinions here are mixed, but it basically comes down to your own personal decision about how much risk you're willing to bear. Laptop repairs tend to be expensive and are much trickier to do yourself if you try to save some bucks that way. I think that it provides good peace of mind for me and my laptops, but not everyone thinks that way.

 

[flopticalcube]

I, too, normally say "no thanks" to extended warranties. In this case, however, I make an exception. AppleCare is worth it if you carry your laptop around a lot and expose it to damage risk. Like WildCowboy said, you have a year to decide so take that time to see how often you are traveling with your mac.

 

[itsme92]

I am the kind of guy who NEVER gets extended warranties. But for laptops, it is worth it. It's the one exception I make.

 

[TraceyS/FL]

I didn't get it on my 12" iBook and regret it. Well honestly, Apple couldn't sell it in Florida at the time - then by hte time they could - i was out of time by 2 weeks

The Trackpad is wonky (apparently an issue with them), and last year the CD drive quit reading disks well. Both issues would have been taken care of under it.

I won't own another without!

 

[Apmonia]

I agree.

On the three Mac portables I have purchased, all of them had AppleCare and it was worth it each and every time. One thing to consider as well when purchasing AppleCare is that Apple's customer service seems to take better care of people that have purchased it than not. After having dealt with them for a friend of mine (bad trackpad on his MacBook and then "someone" lost it), customer service was not nice at all since he did not purchase the AppleCare and almost did not help him. Just another reason to pony up the cash.

Cheers,
Apmonia

 

[yoda13]

I never buy extended warranties, but for laptops, I make the exception...