What exactly is Apple Care ?

[yly3]

First I would like to say hello to everyone and soon I will (finally) enter the Mac world. I've been a 50-50 type of guy (Apple/Microsoft) and I had the majority of the multimedia Apple products without actual Macs though.
I was tempted to buy a MacBook before but I always wanted something sleek, sexy yet with a good sauce of performance since I am not a heavy usage type of guy and for gaming I will be getting a 360 Slim later on. Finally that day has come and I will be buying the ultimate 11".
Question is, is it worth the extended Apple Care plan? I searched for answers on the official Apple site, googled up for a couple of days but I didn't find exactly what I wanted.

Does it cover (for example) accidental damage? Or what are the real advantages of having an extended Apple Care plan?
Since it will be my first Mac I will want to take extra care with it.

 

[MacDawg]

AC is just an extended warranty against manufacturers defects
No, it does NOT protect against accidental damage at all

There are insurance programs available if that is something you desire

 

[miles01110]

Does it cover (for example) accidental damage? Or what are the real advantages of having an extended Apple Care plan?

Doesn't cover accidental damage. It covers faulty parts- malfunctioning screens, batteries, logic boards, hard drives that die, etc. Replacement parts and service are free for such incidents. You also get 3 years of phone support.

 

[yly3]

Thanks for the fast answer guys. I heard of this "award-winning" Apple warranty before. For example in this period of 3 years if for any reason the notebook needs a replacement (new one) will I get one ? Besides the care, I am sure this adds to the resale value, although I think I won't sell mine anytime soon it will help for peace of mind.

 

[miles01110]

For example in this period of 3 years if I for any reason the notebook needs a replacement (new one) will I get one ?

Usually the same problem has to be fixed three times before they replace the entire laptop. If the machine needs replacement due to user damage... no.

 

[yly3]

No, it's ok. I understood the part with the user damage. It was to be expected anyway..
So it's basically just an extended warranty + that call line.

 

[firemedicmark]

No, it's ok. I understood the part with the user damage. It was to be expected anyway..
So it's basically just an extended warranty + that call line.

exactly

 

[GGJstudios]

You can find out exactly what AppleCare is and isn't by reading the information Apple has provided on their site:

AppleCare Protection Plan
AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac and Apple Display
AppleCare Protection Plan Terms and Conditions

 

[Squadleader]

Not accidental damage, but great for anything else...Check the links offered above...^^^^^^^^^