Contemplating buying AC+ for my MBA M3 15" 16gb/512gb. I'm generally pretty careful with my devices and I have never had to use AppleCare on my iPhone or iPad. I don't recall ever dropping a laptop in the past. Money isn't an issue, but I also only bought the MBA because I got an amazing deal on it ($1,222). If I had to pay retail ($1,599 IIRC), I would not have bought the MBA.
My gut is leaning towards not buying it. I feel I should take the deal, be careful with it, and not invest more money into this product. It's basically a luxury toy for me to learn programming, Logic Pro, and for light productivity while traveling. I wanted a device I could play with when I want to sit on my couch or outside drinking coffee. I plan to keep the computer in a sleeve when not in use and a padded laptop bag when traveling. I plan to keep this laptop 5+ years. I plan on running it into the ground unless Apple releases a new MBA down the road I want and I get decent trade-in value on mine.
That said, it seems like repairs on Macs are quite expensive. If faced with a $500 repair, I'm not sure I'd fix the computer. I might just call it a day and sell it for parts. Even then with AC+ after you factor in the membership cost + the claim fee ($299) you're still out a good chunk of money.
I see Best Buy offers AC+ as part of their highest tier of membership. It's $179 a year, includes AC+ for each year you're a member, includes discounts, and offers exclusive access to limited quantity items (GPUs, new gaming systems, etc.). I spoke with a couple workers and they said they'd be happy to sell me a Best Buy Total membership and add my recently purchased MBA + Series 9 watch to it. Even with that though I'm still paying more overall for Total vs AC+.
I've read a bunch of threads on the topic and this seems to come down to personal risk tolerance and understanding yourself. I'm more gauging how this community views AC and if you've had to use it or if you bought it and never used it.
My gut is leaning towards not buying it. I feel I should take the deal, be careful with it, and not invest more money into this product. It's basically a luxury toy for me to learn programming, Logic Pro, and for light productivity while traveling. I wanted a device I could play with when I want to sit on my couch or outside drinking coffee. I plan to keep the computer in a sleeve when not in use and a padded laptop bag when traveling. I plan to keep this laptop 5+ years. I plan on running it into the ground unless Apple releases a new MBA down the road I want and I get decent trade-in value on mine.
That said, it seems like repairs on Macs are quite expensive. If faced with a $500 repair, I'm not sure I'd fix the computer. I might just call it a day and sell it for parts. Even then with AC+ after you factor in the membership cost + the claim fee ($299) you're still out a good chunk of money.
I see Best Buy offers AC+ as part of their highest tier of membership. It's $179 a year, includes AC+ for each year you're a member, includes discounts, and offers exclusive access to limited quantity items (GPUs, new gaming systems, etc.). I spoke with a couple workers and they said they'd be happy to sell me a Best Buy Total membership and add my recently purchased MBA + Series 9 watch to it. Even with that though I'm still paying more overall for Total vs AC+.
I've read a bunch of threads on the topic and this seems to come down to personal risk tolerance and understanding yourself. I'm more gauging how this community views AC and if you've had to use it or if you bought it and never used it.
