Is AppleCare worth it?

[JTToft]

You, I like you. What do you do for a living?

- Well, thanks. I'm a university student and I freelance in translation.

 

[macrumorsscout]

I was frustrated to find out that frayed cables on MagSafe power adaptors aren't covered under AppleCare. That was one of the primary reasons I purchased AppleCare as I've had a number of issues with fraying in the past (as apparently have many, many others given the 1.5-star rating for chargers on their web store). The adaptor itself is covered under AppleCare, but fraying is not.

 

[Patcell]

I was frustrated to find out that frayed cables on MagSafe power adaptors aren't covered under AppleCare. That was one of the primary reasons I purchased AppleCare as I've had a number of issues with fraying in the past (as apparently have many, many others given the 1.5-star rating for chargers on their web store). The adaptor itself is covered under AppleCare, but fraying is not.

You're kidding... I didn't know that either. That's one of the reasons I bought also... They have replaced frayed lightening cables for me under AppleCare on many occasions.

 

[jerryk]

You're kidding... I didn't know that either. That's one of the reasons I bought also... They have replaced frayed lightening cables for me under AppleCare on many occasions.

iPhone Applecare is different than Macbook Applecare. iPhone Applecare+ even covers accidental damage, MacBook Applecare does not.

 

[Patcell]

iPhone Applecare is different than Macbook Applecare. iPhone Applecare+ even covers accidental damage, MacBook Applecare does not.

I am well aware of the differences. The Apple store I used processed the replacements of my lightening cables as "defective" not an accidental damage claim, for which there is a charge. I am just very shocked that they will not honor a replacement of a frayed charging cable. Especially when the language of the AppleCare policy for portable Macs specifically mentions the power adapter as a covered piece; evidently they don't mean the cables attached to the power adapter...

 

[jerryk]

I am well aware of the differences. The Apple store I used processed the replacements of my lightening cables as "defective" not an accidental damage claim, for which there is a charge. I am just very shocked that they will not honor a replacement of a frayed charging cable. Especially when the language of the AppleCare policy for portable Macs specifically mentions the power adapter as a covered piece; evidently they don't mean the cables attached to the power adapter...

They claim the cable fraying is wear and tear. It sucks.

 

[Patcell]

They claim the cable fraying is wear and tear. It sucks.

Yeah, that seems crazy to me... Especially because after you use the "cable management system" a couple of times, the cable is twisted beyond repair. I'm more careful with the power adapter than I am the computer itself...

 

[jerryk]

Yeah, that seems crazy to me... Especially because after you use the "cable management system" a couple of times, the cable is twisted beyond repair. I'm more careful with the power adapter than I am the computer itself...

Agreed. One thing. Don't use the hooks that fold out of the charger to wind the magsafe cord that goes to the laptop. Some claims those are only to wrap up the detachable power cord that goes to the wall socket. The turns are too sharp for the cord with the magsafe connector.

 

[Patcell]

Agreed. One thing. Don't use the hooks that fold out of the charger to wind the magsafe cord that goes to the laptop. Some claims those are only to wrap up the detachable power cord that goes to the wall socket. The turns are too sharp for the cord with the magsafe connector.

Thanks! I had a feeling that may have been to blame...

 

[JTToft]

They claim the cable fraying is wear and tear. It sucks.

- I happen to agree with them on that.

I have never had an Apple cable fray or become damaged, and I have some that are 5 and 7 years old.
I use the fold-out hooks of my 5 and a half year old MagSafe adaptor to wind the notebook side of the cable (which is the intended use as per Apple's instructions below), and I've never had an issue.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201600

 

[jerryk]

- I happen to agree with them on that.

I have never had an Apple cable fray or become damaged, and I have some that are 5 and 7 years old.
I use the fold-out hooks of my 5 and a half year old MagSafe adaptor to wind the notebook side of the cable (which is the intended use as per Apple's instructions below), and I've never had an issue.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201600

The instructions from apple are a laugh. Just look at the picture #3. That is exactly what happens when you use the clips to wind the mag safe cord because the clips are so close to where the mag safe cord exits the power supply. And this is right where most people's cord breaks.

I wish Apple would just dump this power supply design and go to a brick and a barrel connector like other laptop makers. I have never had to replace one of those, except due to electrical failure.

 

[JTToft]

The instructions from apple are a laugh. Just look at the picture #3. That is exactly what happens when you use the clips to wind the mag safe cord because the clips are so close to where the mag safe cord exits the power supply. And this is right where most people's cord breaks.

- It's not what happens if you do it properly, as illustrated in Figure 15.

It's perfectly possible to treat the cables well and have them last several years. Just don't subject the ends or joints to strain. Really not very difficult.

 

[pika2000]

I say yes. Since pretty much all Apple computers are no longer user-serviceable, getting AppleCare is almost a must.
I have utilized it to replace the LCD of two different Macbook Airs, and both were past the 1-year mark of the standard warranty.

 

[jerryk]

- It's not what happens if you do it properly, as illustrated in Figure 15.

It's perfectly possible to treat the cables well and have them last several years. Just don't subject the ends or joints to strain. Really not very difficult.

Sure people could treat it very carefully for fear it will break and leave them stranded. But, why should they have to? You don't have to on other computers. Plenty of other notebooks do just fine with barrel connectors at the end of thicker cables. This is yet another Apple looks and style over functionality decision.

As I type this I am looking at an old Sony Vaio laptop whose power cable I have stepped on dozens, if not hundreds, of times over the last decade, wonder why Apple, why did you design your cable to be the width spaghetti?

 

[Hieveryone]

Hey,
So my one year warranty is about to end and I was thinking of extending it, Now I should mention that I almost never use my rMBP outside my office and that I try to take a very good care of it, but still I am afraid it will be a mistake not to extend it and I will be happy to hear more opinions..
One more question, if I replace my machine with a new one, is the apple care transferable?

Thanks

It depends on whether or not you actually use it.

I paid with AMEX so that extended my warranty by a year.

So I was covered for 2 years.

This is my 3rd year, and if I had the warranty it would almost be over.

No problems yet, knock on wood.

 

[JTToft]

Sure people could treat it very carefully for fear it will break and leave them stranded. But, why should they have to? You don't have to on other computers. Plenty of other notebooks do just fine with barrel connectors at the end of thicker cables. This is yet another Apple looks and style over functionality decision.

As I type this I am looking at an old Sony Vaio laptop whose power cable I have stepped on dozens, if not hundreds, of times over the last decade, wonder why Apple, why did you design your cable to be the width spaghetti?

- Hm. I don't consciously treat it very carefully, and I certainly don't fear it will break. I guess different people just treat their belongings differently. I naturally treat my MagSafe adaptor well, and I haven't had any issues.

Clumsy and careless people should probably expect their things to not last as long.