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NikoBeaR

macrumors member
Nov 20, 2020
58
80
But won't cover you spilling water or coffee into your keyboard or dropping your computer.
Sorry I forgot to mention - I was getting a Mac Mini M1. That obviously changes the dynamic :)

For your comment, dry it really enough maybe one could get away with std. Warranty repair ;)
 

crawfish963

macrumors 6502a
Apr 16, 2010
942
1,671
Texas
Sorry I forgot to mention - I was getting a Mac Mini M1. That obviously changes the dynamic :)

For your comment, dry it really enough maybe one could get away with std. Warranty repair ;)
Well in that case I probably would not. I don't usually get AC on non-portable devices.
 

MFDoom

macrumors member
Mar 30, 2009
84
27
Ah, very good answer!

Then my laptops which do leave all have AppleCare+.

So my home bound: iMac, Mini and Pro don't ever leave the house...
I personally would self-insure those. I’ve bought them before on my mini’s and never used them. Things that leave the house for some reason attract “trouble”
 
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Ocnetgeek

macrumors regular
Sep 1, 2018
185
105
Oak Creek, WI
Normally I would say it’s a no brainer but then I usually get macs worth more than £2K. I’ve just paid about 1100 for an 8GB/512GB and it seems a bit OTT to pay nearly 20% extra for AppleCare+ for it as well. What’s everyone else doing?
Yes. I have had reasons to use it in the past. With a brand new chip I thought it would be best
 

gregpod9

macrumors 6502
Apr 27, 2007
307
91
I did not bought AppleCare on MBA M1/16GB/512GB. My credit card adds an extra year of warranty on purchases. I'm still debating if I should purchase AppleCare to my MBA. Does anyone know the time frame for adding AppleCare on the MacBook Air?
 

crawfish963

macrumors 6502a
Apr 16, 2010
942
1,671
Texas
I did not bought AppleCare on MBA M1/16GB/512GB. My credit card adds an extra year of warranty on purchases. I'm still debating if I should purchase AppleCare to my MBA. Does anyone know the time frame for adding AppleCare on the MacBook Air?
Likely 1 year, depending on your country.
 

smoking monkey

macrumors 68020
Mar 5, 2008
2,363
1,508
I HUNGER
I always get it. I’ve used it 3 times in 23 years and a couple of times a week out from the 3 years to get a new screen or battery etc. I will say that I think you get preferential treatment if you have AppleCare. That is based on nothing except anecdotal evidence. So take it for what it is.
 
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badsimian

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Aug 23, 2015
374
200
I did not bought AppleCare on MBA M1/16GB/512GB. My credit card adds an extra year of warranty on purchases. I'm still debating if I should purchase AppleCare to my MBA. Does anyone know the time frame for adding AppleCare on the MacBook Air?
60 days from purchase in UK and US for AppleCare+. The old non-plus AppleCare used to be a year
 

scatopie

macrumors member
Aug 19, 2013
67
49
No, I plan on possibly selling my Macbook Air and upgrading to a higher spec 16" MBP when they inevitably release it hopefully within a year. Until then, I'll take my chances, but purchased a $30 case and put on a keyboard cover that came with it (not only to hedge against accidents, but also to preserve resell value minimizing small dents).

Though just in case I can't afford a 16" by the time they come out, or if it happens to not be what I want, I can still keep this Air, high enough specs for development (16 gb / 1T).

Although people view this as a 1st gen product, I view it as a later-gen iPad Pro processor inside of a 4-5th gen shell design / other internals. So in case I keep this laptop for more than a year, I feel pretty safe with its hardware.
 

Erehy Dobon

Suspended
Feb 16, 2018
2,161
2,017
No service
AppleCare is insurance. Since it is not required for computers, it's really just a gamble.

For sure, Tim Cook is getting actuarial reports showing the breakdowns of coverage levels and claim rates. Without a doubt, Apple is pricing AppleCare to turn a profit for Apple. The services segment is the fastest growing component of Apple's revenue pie; that's where AppleCare revenues would report.

Paying for AppleCare is paying for peace of mind. In the long run, Apple makes money off of this. This doesn't mean than an individual Apple owner can recite anecdotal stories about how AppleCare saved them hundred/thousands of dollars of repair costs. The fact is if you add this all up, Apple comes up ahead.

My guess is that AppleCare's gross margin is above the average GM for the company as a whole.
 

bombardier10

macrumors member
Nov 20, 2020
62
45
Nearly all PC computer parts (CPU, graphic, motherboard , SSD , power supply ) are covered by the 36 months warranty. So if You pay apple care You pay for nothing...Extra money for Apple )
 

strukt

macrumors regular
Aug 8, 2012
123
127
Norway
No. But I live in a country that forces Apple to a 5 year consumer law. Meaning if the machine breaks or have an issue that is not related to physical damage or liquid damage. Apple has to repair it for free, and they do.

For other countries that dont have good consumer laws, yeah. I would consider buying Applecare, especially on a 1st gen device.
 

manny88

macrumors member
Oct 31, 2016
65
30
UK here.

I had a 2011 iMac which gpu failed. I got it repaired 3rd party because I thought it was out of warranty. That repair only lasted a little while, like a6 months. I ended up chucking it and getting a replacement windows pc. My mum was using the iMac when the gpu failed, I had the new MacBook 2016 (which I eventually sold to my bro).

Later on I learnt it was a common fault which Apple finally admitted, and because of UK law I could have gotten it repaired under the 6 year warranty.

Its the same thing with the keyboard gate issues. Because it was a defect already in the machine, even if Apple stop their free keyboard replacement program, I’m pretty sure you would still be able to get it under UK law 6 years later regardless.

Hence when I bought my 2017 MacBook last year for £800 new from Curry’s, even though I was frustrated with the keyboard issues on my last MacBook Pro 2016 (which had AppleCare), this time I didn’t bother, making sure to keep the receipt of purchase, because I know I’m covered on this issue up to 6 years if it develops, I.e. 2025.
 

David Hassholehoff

macrumors regular
Jul 26, 2020
122
90
The beach
AppleCare has become more expensive and less inclusive, so no, I doubt I will ever get it again.
We have pretty good consumer protection coverage in the EU anyways.
 

PsykX

macrumors 68030
Sep 16, 2006
2,745
3,922
It’s not really about taking care of things. Computers just stop working sometimes, which has nothing to do with the user.
In Canada we are covered for a whole year, without any cost. If you pay with a credit card, some of them add a second year (with more limitations though).

Considering there's no more mechanical drives, considering CPUs rarely (if ever?) break, same for memory... I only see the motherboard and GPU that can cause problems at this point.

Which have higher chances of happening AFTER AppleCare expires than during your coverage.
 

jazz1

Contributor
Aug 19, 2002
4,676
19,794
Mid-West USA
I did for the mini, I thought 99 was reasonable, 249 is not.
That is one reason I decided to go MacMini vs. the M1 laptop. Odd I know. But my RAM and SSD upgrades already pushed the money I was willing to spend. Note I have an iPad Pro for mobile use.

I get it a mobile laptop is more apt to get damaged. I just wish Apple had level of coverage choices....maybe even “good driver” like car insurance discounts?
 

glindon

macrumors 6502a
Jun 9, 2014
632
902
Phoenix
On my homeowners insurance I have a computer replacement rider that’s only a few bucks a month. For $100 deductible it covers 100% and it doesn’t matter if I spill coffee, lost, or stolen. (It also covers my iPad) So I’ve never considered buying Apple care. Of course I can’t get extended tech support from my insurance, but I’ve never needed tech support.
 
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ajaan

macrumors regular
Dec 15, 2013
139
69
As others have said, six year consumer law protection here in the UK, independent of any EU laws, so BREXIT won't change this.

No point to AppleCare, unless for accidental damage, especially as you're in the UK.

I've had numerous 3-4 year old machines repaired, including new logic boards under this law. Employees at the various Apple Stores are well aware of it, but don't volunteer the information, so you have to mention it, and sometimes push. Then they'll call out a more senior member of staff to inspect the machine, to make sure it's not been damaged in any way, and they are usually pretty good at honouring it. No paperwork or anything, they just take it in, and a few days laters, your machine (or iPhone) is fixed.

Here's the deal from the Apple website:


Edit: Apologies to Scots: it's 6 years in England and Wales, 5 years in Scotland.
 

lcseds

macrumors 65816
Jun 20, 2006
1,228
1,120
NC, USA
No. Pretty expensive for a Macbook Air. And then there is a surcharge for repairs. Nothing against Applecare, but the price for the air is too high for this price point computer.

I used to get Applecare without question on every device I bought. Don't think I ever used Applecare. Now I don't buy it on anything. Odds appear in my favor.
 

Luposian

macrumors 6502
Apr 10, 2005
389
258
Here in the US, I wish AppleCare+ for Macs was monthly renewable (i.e. "endless"), like it is for the AppleWatch, iPad, etc. I'd gladly play $50/mo to know my Mac was covered for as long as it was supported, not just "up to" 3 yrs. But doubt that's ever gonna happen...
 

jdb8167

macrumors 601
Nov 17, 2008
4,859
4,599
I didn't because I don't expect to own my M1 MacBook Air for more than about 18 months--maybe less.
 
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