Futureshop/Bestbuy vs Applecare: Warranties..

[stefan15]

I searched a bit but didn't quite find what I was looking for.

I am torn between getting a macbook from Futureshop or from Apple.ca. I DO get the student discount at Apple.ca (so that's a plus for the webstore)

However, I am told that Applecare isn't great for damage, RMA, or replacement, but good for general servicing for parts. I'm more concerned with replacement if something is either DOA or goes bad on me. I'm fine with upgrading the machine and changing parts by myself so I don't need it for that. And I have mever required tech support (sorry if that sounds conceited but it's not really a concern).

My experience before with Futureshop's extended warranties has been generally quite good; they typically just replace the product. I have not had experience with Applecare (this will be my first mac).

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[furryrabidbunny]

Go with Applecare

Sorry, double post.

 

[furryrabidbunny]

Go with Applecare

Best Buy warranties are the same as Applecare, they aren't going to protect you if you caused damage to your computer. With Applecare you also get the choice of where you want to get your computer repaired and Apple's phone/online chat support. Compare that to Best Buy/Futureshop (I've never been in a Futureshop, but I am assuming they compare to Best Buy), where you have high school kids that know nothing about computers helping you, and whose customer service skills are generally crap. Then you are dependent on B.B/F.S. for the service, although they outsource it, you really have no idea where it is going. I bought my rebel at Best Buy and got the extended warranty. I had to have it serviced, took over two weeks to service, and when it came in I wasn't even called. It was sitting at Best Buy for five days. I had to go check online, something your not supposed to have to do. I complained a lot about that, because after thirty days of holding it, your property supposidly becomes their property, something I question. So weigh it this way: do you want to deal with the actual company that built your computer, and their authorized repair locations, or do you want to deal with the folks over at Best Buy/Future Shop?
Also, you expressed concern over DOA problems, Applecare protects against that? Search this site, there are plenty of DOA stories, and Apple happy replaced them.
My experience with Best Buy service is poor, and their replacement policy is just as bad as Apple's. Companies just generally don't want to give you new hardware if they know it can be repaired. And while i've had bad experience getting my camera repaired, my new iMac needs repair and I was given no hassle getting it into a repair place. I vote Applecare, hands down.

 

[carfac]

Best Buy warrantees are not worth anything- if you are going that route, just send your money to me.

Apple does stand behind their products, and is a pretty good deal. Best Buy... well, just google "Best Buy Warrantees" and you'll see...

 

[stefan15]

Thanks for the advice.. going with the Applecare. Student discount applies on that as well (comes to $218).