Question about the Apple store and Protection Plan

[iEugene]

Hey everyone, I have a question about the Apple store if someone would be so kind as to answer it.

Okay, I recently bought my iMac Intel just two weeks ago and I am totally pleased with it. I've had some very minor problems (such as just basic "switching" problems, like getting wma's to work and such, nothing terribly big.) but, we live in a world full of problems and even Apple has them (gasp), so ultimatley I probably will have some sort of reason to come down to the Apple store.

I have the Protection Plan and just got my confirmation in the mail yesterday. So I guess I'm offical on that at Apple HQ (?)

Anyway, here are the questions.

1) Regarding the apple store. If I have a problem with my Mac (say that theres a power cord issue or a heat issue.) How exactly do I go about taking it to the Apple store? Meaning, do I call them and explain my problem and just talk to them working out a reservation at the Genius Bar? Does the Genuis Bar cost money?....This is probably a real dumb quesiton because the answer is probably obvious as to HOW to go about making a reservation to talk to an Apple employee. But I was just wondering.

2) Okay so with the Protection Plan I recived it says that I have 3 years of phone and repair support. Does that mean that until 2009 I can take my computer to any Apple store and get it repaired for free? Also, I didn't get the chance to ask the employee about the phone support...I didn't see a number anywhere on the packet (unless I didn't look hard enough) that I could call for the actual phone support.

I apologize for the two "noob" questions, and I suppose all this could be answered by just going down to the Apple store and asking them all of this. But I am currently in school and was wondering this out of no where, and know this is full of answers. Thanks guys.

Edit - Sorry I posted this in the wrong section.

 

[iGary]

I have the Protection Plan and just got my confirmation in the mail yesterday. So I guess I'm offical on that at Apple HQ (?)

Yep - hold onto that piece of paper with your life.

1) Regarding the apple store. If I have a problem with my Mac (say that theres a power cord issue or a heat issue.) How exactly do I go about taking it to the Apple store? Meaning, do I call them and explain my problem and just talk to them working out a reservation at the Genius Bar? Does the Genuis Bar cost money?....This is probably a real dumb quesiton because the answer is probably obvious as to HOW to go about making a reservation to talk to an Apple employee. But I was just wondering.

Go to http://www.apple.com, and then click on "Visit a Store" at the bottom of teh home page until you find yours....then go to the Concierge section of your local store and make a reservation.

2) Okay so with the Protection Plan I recived it says that I have 3 years of phone and repair support. Does that mean that until 2009 I can take my computer to any Apple store and get it repaired for free? Also, I didn't get the chance to ask the employee about the phone support...I didn't see a number anywhere on the packet (unless I didn't look hard enough) that I could call for the actual phone support.

Your e-mail should have your "covered through" date. 1-800-APL-CARE

Welcome to Mac.

 

[iEugene]

Wow that was fast and extremely helpful, thanks iGary!

 

[PlaceofDis]

Wow that was fast and extremely helpful, thanks iGary!

if anyone knows about AppleCare, its Gary.

and you can do walk-ins at the store, but thats mainly for people with portables, and who knows if they'll be able to fit you in.

 

[iEugene]

if anyone knows about AppleCare, its Gary.

and you can do walk-ins at the store, but thats mainly for people with portables, and who knows if they'll be able to fit you in.

So you would just either call in and make a reservation or make an online one right?

 

[exeterbohemian]

i had a wonderful experience with applecare a few months ago when the lower ram slot in my powerbook stopped working. my advice: any problems that you encounter, call applecare first. they're friendly, efficient, and will advise you as to the best course of action. chances are they'll have you take it in to the apple store if it's something that can't be diagnosed over the phone. most hardware repairs (if they can't be done at an apple store) will require you to ship the computer to apple, although apple considers some things like ram upgrades to be 'do it yourself' repairs. oh, and i should mention that it's all free. phone support, parts, repairs, shipping, everything. you've made a wise investment. apple won't let you down.

 

[mmmcheese]

If you buy AppleCare after the first 3 months, do you get the calling "privilege" back, or is it gone for good?

I know, dumb question...but I have to ask.

 

[PlaceofDis]

If you buy AppleCare after the first 3 months, do you get the calling "privilege" back, or is it gone for good?

I know, dumb question...but I have to ask.

you get the phone support back as well. no worries. after all, you've paid for the service contract.

 

[iGary]

Any problems that you encounter, call applecare first. they're friendly, efficient, and will advise you as to the best course of action.

 

[exeterbohemian]

i'm not sure i know what that face means...

 

[PlaceofDis]

i'm not sure i know what that face means...

i believe he is trying to say that that course of action shouldn't always be first.

 

[exeterbohemian]

i believe he is trying to say that that course of action shouldn't always be first.

well, i mean, the first course of action should probably be to check out the macrumors forums. and to gather all of the information that you can. but once it becomes evident that you are in need of repair, i can say at least that from my experience, applecare has always been overwhelmingly helpful and swift. and for me, a simple phone call is a heck of a lot quicker than a three-hour drive to my nearest apple store.