New to Macs and not completely comfortable troubleshooting.
So, I felt it was worth getting Applecare for my new 24" iMac.
So, I felt it was worth getting Applecare for my new 24" iMac.
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New iMac: Did you pick up Apple Care?
- Thread starter bembol
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The AC warranty is priced pretty competitively but I would never even think about buying it. Most of the time, warranties have a very high margin (except when they actually do repair or replace the computer), but there are many things AC doesn't cover.
It's a good way for Apple to cash in because it cost them next to nothing to offer you.
In a few years many people (but not all) will find it not worth it to repair an old computer...I know in 3 years from now I would probably just want a new one, but I do understand that many other people keep their computers for far longer.
It's a personal choice. But if I were you I wouldn't go back to buy it. I know that Apple salesmen are non-commissioned, but heck, when I worked at a big box electronic store, people buying the warranties was like a gift...we made tons of commission on them.
It's a good way for Apple to cash in because it cost them next to nothing to offer you.
In a few years many people (but not all) will find it not worth it to repair an old computer...I know in 3 years from now I would probably just want a new one, but I do understand that many other people keep their computers for far longer.
It's a personal choice. But if I were you I wouldn't go back to buy it. I know that Apple salesmen are non-commissioned, but heck, when I worked at a big box electronic store, people buying the warranties was like a gift...we made tons of commission on them.
It depends how much you're willing to spend for repair. I bought Apple Care for my PowerMac G5 a couple years back (runs out July 08) and have not had to use it yet.
Meanwhile, about 10 out of 25 first gen iMac G5's have had to have their logic board replaced at work, while 21 core duo imac's have not had any problem and they've been around for a year.
It's like any insurance - there if you need it.
Meanwhile, about 10 out of 25 first gen iMac G5's have had to have their logic board replaced at work, while 21 core duo imac's have not had any problem and they've been around for a year.
It's like any insurance - there if you need it.
I bought it mainly beacuse the system doesn't look good for DIY repair, and it's kinda all-or-nothing if something important breaks.
I got it and normally, I wouldn't. But, for the iMac, it's not easy to fix yourself and with my last computer my DVD drive went out about a month after the warranty expired so I just look at it as peace of mind. Apple's service seems to be much better than other companies, so I think it's worth it.
To the OP, all I can say is if you decide not to get Applecare on your new iMac and you start having issues outside the manufacturers warranty in the back of your mind you will place blame on the forum members that talked you out of it. You may not think so but human nature says you will. That's why you should make up your own mind and don't take advice from the forums on this subject.
Nope.
I've spent something like $600 on Applecare packages for the computers I've purchased in the past two years for myself and others. The only time I had a problem is was deemed to not be covered by Applecare. Interestingly, the repair cost less than the combined costs of Applecare; I'd have more money today had I not purchased it in the first place.
Having said that, I've come to consider the following two points:
Having said all that, I do purchase Apple products because I truly believe them to be a superior product, but I am no fan of their customer service and warranty policies.
I've spent something like $600 on Applecare packages for the computers I've purchased in the past two years for myself and others. The only time I had a problem is was deemed to not be covered by Applecare. Interestingly, the repair cost less than the combined costs of Applecare; I'd have more money today had I not purchased it in the first place.
Having said that, I've come to consider the following two points:
- If it's a hardware issue, it'll probably come up within the first 12 months of warranty, considering the amount of use my purchases get; and
- Extended warranties should come standard with a product. I feel strongly about this in the case of Apple because:
- As an alternative to standard PCs, Apple sells itself as creating a superior and more reliable machine, and should certainly stand behind it's products and offer a better warranty than it does; and
- As a PC that sells itself as "all in one" and comes with all the hardware and software you need straight out of the box, and justifies it's above average list price thusly, a stronger warranty should be included and not cost ~10% of the product's price.
- As an alternative to standard PCs, Apple sells itself as creating a superior and more reliable machine, and should certainly stand behind it's products and offer a better warranty than it does; and
Having said all that, I do purchase Apple products because I truly believe them to be a superior product, but I am no fan of their customer service and warranty policies.
Yes, I purchased Applecare with my 24" iMac.
I always purchase Applecare with displays.
The rest of the hardware will probably last 5 years if it survives the first 90 days.
I always purchase Applecare with displays.
The rest of the hardware will probably last 5 years if it survives the first 90 days.
We bought a 20" iMac this week, no AppleCare. But then we never do buy it and have saved thousands over the years with this policy. All extended warranties are a bad deal, by definition.
Have you bought a HDTV lately?
Yes. So?
All extended warranties are priced to make a healthy profit for the seller. That's really about all you need to know, but if you need to know more, read this advice from Consumer Reports.
With that logic, a person mind as well get rid of their car insurance and health insurance because odds are, you won't need them. Most people do not get into car accidents. Also, most people do not go to a doctor more than once a year. Extended warranties that are offered from the manufacturer are like an insurance policy. I have saved lots of money with extended warranties. Also it increases the resale value quite a bit.
You are comparing dissimilar items. A closer comparison would be an extended warranty of a car and one for a computer. Even these items are much different from each other. Car insurance and health insurance are in no way at all like an extended warranty for a computer. Electronic products have MUCH higher reliability than vehicles and human health.
Yep, I did. This is my first Mac and I wasn't sure if I should, but at the price - it was a no-brainer. Hope I never have to use it .
Rich
.Rich
Even more to the point, insurance is a thing you buy when you can't afford to fix or replace something if it's broken, or in the case of health insurance, to pay a big hospital bill if one should happen to come along. If a Mac falls into that category for you, then by all means buy AppleCare. Just don't expect to collect more than you paid for it -- Apple makes sure you won't, on average.
And for another thing, we buy car insurance less to protect ourselves against damage to our cars than to cover damage we might do to the property and health of others. Comparing liability insurance to extended warranties just doesn't work.
I bought AppleCare for my MacBook but I certainly would not pay retail for it: eBay sells it much cheaper. Extended warranties are generally a bad idea but if you can pick it up for cheap and your iMac is showing signs that it might be one of the few that could benefit, then by all means do it.
I got it cause I am in college and 150 dollars could save me a lot if it took a **** on me for some reason.