AppleCare worth it?

nido24 · Oct 25, 2011

Hey guys. I know this is probably been asked a million times but I'm wondering if AppleCare is worth it for the Mac Mini. I can get it for $99 (student) and am not sure if it is something worthwhile. While it is nice knowing I am covered for three years, I don't want to spend the money if it isn't needed. Thanks!

-Soon to be Mac user (nido24)

GGJstudios · Oct 25, 2011

AppleCare
AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac or Apple Display

As to whether AppleCare is worth it or not, that's a matter of opinion. You'll find lots of opinions on both sides, with roughly 75% saying it's worth it. You really need to decide if it's worth it to you.

You can buy AppleCare any time during the first year warranty period, so you don't have to buy it at time of purchase.
You can check your remaining warranty and/or AppleCare coverage here
AppleCare will extend the 1 year warranty for an additional 2 years, for a total of 3 years coverage from the date of your Mac purchase.
It also extends telephone support from 90 days, which is included with your original warranty, to a total of 3 years.
You cannot buy AppleCare again or renew it once it expires.
Neither the Apple Warranty nor AppleCare will cover damage from accidents, spills, etc. They only cover manufacturing defects.
For more detailed questions, read the AppleCare Protection Plan (pdf) agreement.

dolphin842 · Oct 25, 2011

It's worth it if your mini breaks in its 2nd or 3rd year. It's not worth it if it breaks at any other time. It's all about how much risk you're willing and able to assume for those two years.

Minicube · Oct 25, 2011

I'd say it's definitely worth it for laptops, not for desktops. 20 years of experience with this...

powerbook911 · Oct 25, 2011

It does really depend. $99 is a pretty good deal for Student pricing. You can always call Apple Care during your first year though to add it, and they should give you the college student pricing then too, if you are one.

However, the Mac Mini is also not terribly expensive so the $99 becomes a good percentage increase in the price of the machine.

You will have to make the best decision for you. The most I ended up using it on the desktops that I had it on, was to replace keyboard, mice and video cables that wore out during the 3 years.

philipma1957 · Oct 25, 2011

THE REAL KEY IS WHAT MINI. A server is 1000 bucks with 7200 rpm 750gb hdds it is 1100 with ssds it runs close to 2k. with a thunderbolt display you are over 3k if you buy everything in one shot and buy apple care with the student price at the same time you get more then 3k in coverage for 3 years. I would say it is worth it. look at the thumbnail that is a lot of gear for 99 dollar policy

IF YOU BUY the base mini for 579 with no options I would say it is not worth it.

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