I see a lot of messages from people buying Applecare with their new purchases. I've never bought a computer warranty and would have never had a claim. Am I putting too much faith in Apple quality?
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Why all the extended warranties?
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Nothing is perfect in this life. It is up to you whether you want to use AppleCare or not to extend your warranty on your expensive items. Apple products are made from various suppliers and assembled in other countries ie China. Even with QA things are bound to happen or wear out at any given time.
When you drop a lot of $ on a premium product, it's nice to know that you are covered for 3 years. And since this is an in-house Apple program, and not a third-party program, you are less likely to get d***ed around.
http://www.apple.com/support/products/proplan.html
http://www.apple.com/support/products/proplan.html
Apple products like many other computer or electronic products are mass produced, so errors and failures are bound to happen.
This forum alone gives many examples as to why an extended Apple Care Protection Plan might be useful.
I myself had to use one, albeit a third-party warranty, after my iBook's logic board failed after the infamous 18 months (was a widespread issue then) and the reseller provided me with a free repair. Without that warranty I would have seriously been Foxed, as my iBook didn't fall under the Repair program Apple has set up at this time.
I purchased extended warranties for all my Apple computers, except for my last purchase, for which I will wait until the last month of the one year warranty, as my previous computer has been stolen from work.
This forum alone gives many examples as to why an extended Apple Care Protection Plan might be useful.
I myself had to use one, albeit a third-party warranty, after my iBook's logic board failed after the infamous 18 months (was a widespread issue then) and the reseller provided me with a free repair. Without that warranty I would have seriously been Foxed, as my iBook didn't fall under the Repair program Apple has set up at this time.
I purchased extended warranties for all my Apple computers, except for my last purchase, for which I will wait until the last month of the one year warranty, as my previous computer has been stolen from work.
It's a gamble. It's insurance. Nothing is infallable. Gotta come to terms with the reality that the shop that made your immpecably built Apple product is probably the same shop that is making those shoddy products from a competitor.
If you buy an extended warranty and never use it, you paid for your own peace of mind and to help pay for some other schmoe's ultimate system failure. If you take the gamble, don't get the extended warranty, but have lots of problems, you lose.
As a general rule, I'll always buy an extended warranty on a laptop because as a portable, they're gonna be subject to more than a desktop. An iMac, especially these new ones where more components appear to be easily removable than in the past, probably won't because it's just gonna sit on my desk and I know I'll be able to fix most anything myself.
If you buy an extended warranty and never use it, you paid for your own peace of mind and to help pay for some other schmoe's ultimate system failure. If you take the gamble, don't get the extended warranty, but have lots of problems, you lose.
As a general rule, I'll always buy an extended warranty on a laptop because as a portable, they're gonna be subject to more than a desktop. An iMac, especially these new ones where more components appear to be easily removable than in the past, probably won't because it's just gonna sit on my desk and I know I'll be able to fix most anything myself.
When my iMac (7600GT white 24) died the bill was nearly 1500... under warranty it was free
In the UK and as long as you are happy to use formal procedures then this wouldn't happen, and over here there is no need to further the apple tax by buying applecare.
What do you mean by this? I'm not sure I understand.
That as a customer I have certain rights to get the logic board replaced, as Apple acknowledged the failure on certain models?
Also the extended warranty I bought was only 70 instead of Apple's price for its extended warranty. The third party reseller, Gravis, is the only one I know here in Germany, that offers those in-house warranties. I only had to use it once, but I was worth it instead of shelling out 4-500 for a new logic board.
The Sale of Goods Act route is moot. It would require legal proceedings and you'd have to prove that the fault existed when you bought the hardware.
Not exactly the same as AppleCare where you contact Apple and get a repair/replacement.
I'd recommened John Lewis who offer a 2 year guarantee, only thing is they only offer off-the-shelf spec machines...
No you just have to prove you didn't/hadn't abused it or damaged it.
No its not the same as Applecare, but its' a helluva lot cheaper! Apple machines are expensive enough as it is and their QC is no better than anyone elses despite their price.
John Lewis sounds good and you still have the legal route should you need it.
In my case, I got a prelimanary ruling that a £1k computer that hadn't moved shouldn't have a faulty (lots of lines) screen after 15 mths of use. In the end Apple didn't even contest it and they paid all my costs.
In the UK you can pick up Applecare on ebay for around £40 for an iMac and £66 for laptops. It extends the warranty on your Mac to three years of support. The plan includes three years of telephone assistance, global repair coverage, courier pick up service for desktops along with a free full repair service on all components. For a £1200plus computer I reckon it's worth it.
aside from the obvious point that a £1200 computer should maybe be of higher quality and that the large profit margins on Apple computers mean that Apple should provide this as standard then maybe you are right.
Apple goes where the quality is at the time, and now DVD is screwin up on them, maybe its time to switch blu-ray I'm just sayin'
If a manufacturers products do not provide you with the level of service you expect (i.e. fail prematurely in your opinion) cease buying them. Why continue to throw good money after bad?
There are numerous companies whose products I will never buy again. If Apple should make that list, so be it.
There are numerous companies whose products I will never buy again. If Apple should make that list, so be it.
I've purchased 9 Macs since 1995. Power Mac 7100, 8500, Power Mac G3, Power Mac G5, Powerbook (can't recall model), Powerbook (can't recall model), iBook G4, MacBook 2.4 GHz, Mac Mini 2.26. Only one of them (one of the Powerbooks) ever had a problem, and in that case it was out of warranty, but old and in need of replacement anyway. I didn't buy Apple Care for any of them, and as anyone can see, that was good financial decision. In case you're curious, the 7100, 8500, G3, G5, iBook G4, and all the newer models all still work perfectly.
On the other hand, I did have an Apple 20" CRT monitor that failed out of warranty, but was only a few years old. When I called and complained, to their credit, Apple sent me a refurbished 20" CRT free of charge, despite technically not owing me anything.
The only Apple product I'd consider buying an extended warranty for would be an iMac, but I wouldn't buy an iMac because I've seen research data that suggests that all in one designs are not as reliable as traditional desktops, and I don't like the idea of buying a new monitor every 5 years or so.
On the other hand, I did have an Apple 20" CRT monitor that failed out of warranty, but was only a few years old. When I called and complained, to their credit, Apple sent me a refurbished 20" CRT free of charge, despite technically not owing me anything.
The only Apple product I'd consider buying an extended warranty for would be an iMac, but I wouldn't buy an iMac because I've seen research data that suggests that all in one designs are not as reliable as traditional desktops, and I don't like the idea of buying a new monitor every 5 years or so.
Extended Warranty
I bought mine... puter broke. Apple didnt want to fix it without 600.00
I have been using apple since 87. They never even replaced an ipod shuffle which was lost in the mail (they mailed it). They said, we will ship you a new one! Apples Extended Warranty stinks from Cupertino to wherever they sell. Buy your Laptop and for 300 bucks, but a nice Camera and ipod. You'll get your monies worth.
I bought mine... puter broke. Apple didnt want to fix it without 600.00
I have been using apple since 87. They never even replaced an ipod shuffle which was lost in the mail (they mailed it). They said, we will ship you a new one! Apples Extended Warranty stinks from Cupertino to wherever they sell. Buy your Laptop and for 300 bucks, but a nice Camera and ipod. You'll get your monies worth.
The odds are not in your favor that the product will fail. That is why the warranty exists. Apple creates the warranty at that specific price so they can make money, just like insurance. You are always better off NOT buying the warranty. You will save money in the end.
That being said. I always buy extended warranties for computers and also my tv I got from circuit city. Luckily the third party that took over, covered my claim of dead pixels. The logic board and the RAM failed on my imac. Extended apple care got a third party to come to my house within a day or two to repair it.
Maybe I'm unlucky, but I always buy the warranty for piece of mind, even though the rule of thumb says you shouldn't. In My case, it paid off. For the majority, it won't.
That being said. I always buy extended warranties for computers and also my tv I got from circuit city. Luckily the third party that took over, covered my claim of dead pixels. The logic board and the RAM failed on my imac. Extended apple care got a third party to come to my house within a day or two to repair it.
Maybe I'm unlucky, but I always buy the warranty for piece of mind, even though the rule of thumb says you shouldn't. In My case, it paid off. For the majority, it won't.
I buy it for piece of mind too. The first Mac I boughta 2003 iBookhas never needed so much as a telephone support call; it still works to this day. My second Maca 2006 iMacneeded multiple repairs including being gutted twice. But I consider this to be an exception rather than the rule.
I just appreciate the comfort I have knowing if something does go wrong, it can easily be fixed with little effort on my part. I'm never going to be surprised with a $900 repair bill or the inconvenient cost of having to replace a relatively new machine.
I just appreciate the comfort I have knowing if something does go wrong, it can easily be fixed with little effort on my part. I'm never going to be surprised with a $900 repair bill or the inconvenient cost of having to replace a relatively new machine.
I certainly don't get them on everything, but if I'm spending a significant amount of money, I personally feel better knowing that if there is a problem, I'm covered.
The nice thing about AppleCare, is that at least in my experience, they don't mess with you. I needed to get the hard drive on my MacBook replaced. Yes, it would have been cheaper to do it myself than what AppleCare cost in 2007, but they did it for me in the store while I waited and I got the latest version of Leopard and iWork on it and that saved me considerable time of having to reload the OS and run updates and whatnot. That's important.
Also, with my iMac, I'm paying primarily for the monitor than even the computer itself. I'm buying a $2200+ computer, paying another $160 to make sure I can get it repaired within three years if something goes wrong is worth it to me. It isn't worth it to everyone.
I got in on my iPhone only because of their easy switch out policy. Again, I drop $300 on a phone, I don't want to have to be at the mercy of re-buying it at the non-subsidized rate if it breaks after a year.
The nice thing about AppleCare, is that at least in my experience, they don't mess with you. I needed to get the hard drive on my MacBook replaced. Yes, it would have been cheaper to do it myself than what AppleCare cost in 2007, but they did it for me in the store while I waited and I got the latest version of Leopard and iWork on it and that saved me considerable time of having to reload the OS and run updates and whatnot. That's important.
Also, with my iMac, I'm paying primarily for the monitor than even the computer itself. I'm buying a $2200+ computer, paying another $160 to make sure I can get it repaired within three years if something goes wrong is worth it to me. It isn't worth it to everyone.
I got in on my iPhone only because of their easy switch out policy. Again, I drop $300 on a phone, I don't want to have to be at the mercy of re-buying it at the non-subsidized rate if it breaks after a year.
I've owned seven Macs since 1986. They are as follows:
Macintosh Plus
Macintosh LC
Performa 600
Power Mac 6100
Power Mac G3
Power Mac G4
iMac 24 inch (late 2006)
I've never purchased AppleCare for one of them and I've never had a problem. I used all of them for just over three years with the exception of the Macintosh Plus, which I used for about five years.
My Macs rarely, if ever, get moved from their location on my desk. There were a few times over the years that I was really sick and bedridden so whatever Mac I had at the time was temporarily moved into my bedroom but those were rare exceptions.
I also keep my Macs on 24 hours a day, every day. I do use the energy saver feature that puts both the hard drive and screen to sleep when it's not in use after a short amount of time.
I should also add that earlier this year my 24 inch iMac actually fell to the ground on two occasions. The cable from the special mouse that I use actually got caught in my wheelchair and when I backed up it pulled the whole thing off the table and came crashing into the ground! Fortunately the ground was carpeted however the desk that it's on is higher than your normal desk. Believe it or not the iMac survived both instances and still works perfectly. The only blemish came from the second time it happened and that's a very small scratch on the bottom right hand corner of the screen that's barely noticeable. I have since made it so this can never happen again. So the point being these things are built pretty well. I don't know if it's the same with these new iMacs though.
With that all said I obviously don't really have a whole lot of motivation to suddenly start buying AppleCare when I get my next Mac (which may be soon). Just buying it for peace of mind alone is worth it - if you're so worried about it. After all these years and my previous experiences I have no such worries so it's very unlikely I will purchase AppleCare.
But no matter how you analyze it it's a gamble, just like any warranty or insurance. This has been my experience but everybody experiences are different so you're going to have to make up your own mind. Good luck with whatever decision you make.
-PN
Macintosh Plus
Macintosh LC
Performa 600
Power Mac 6100
Power Mac G3
Power Mac G4
iMac 24 inch (late 2006)
I've never purchased AppleCare for one of them and I've never had a problem. I used all of them for just over three years with the exception of the Macintosh Plus, which I used for about five years.
My Macs rarely, if ever, get moved from their location on my desk. There were a few times over the years that I was really sick and bedridden so whatever Mac I had at the time was temporarily moved into my bedroom but those were rare exceptions.
I also keep my Macs on 24 hours a day, every day. I do use the energy saver feature that puts both the hard drive and screen to sleep when it's not in use after a short amount of time.
I should also add that earlier this year my 24 inch iMac actually fell to the ground on two occasions. The cable from the special mouse that I use actually got caught in my wheelchair and when I backed up it pulled the whole thing off the table and came crashing into the ground! Fortunately the ground was carpeted however the desk that it's on is higher than your normal desk. Believe it or not the iMac survived both instances and still works perfectly. The only blemish came from the second time it happened and that's a very small scratch on the bottom right hand corner of the screen that's barely noticeable. I have since made it so this can never happen again. So the point being these things are built pretty well. I don't know if it's the same with these new iMacs though.
With that all said I obviously don't really have a whole lot of motivation to suddenly start buying AppleCare when I get my next Mac (which may be soon). Just buying it for peace of mind alone is worth it - if you're so worried about it. After all these years and my previous experiences I have no such worries so it's very unlikely I will purchase AppleCare.
But no matter how you analyze it it's a gamble, just like any warranty or insurance. This has been my experience but everybody experiences are different so you're going to have to make up your own mind. Good luck with whatever decision you make.
-PN
this applecare thing is a curious thing... with most credit cards, they double the manufacturer's warranty. So applecare really only buys you ONE year, not two. The fanboys will say it isn't the same, but it reallyis. I have used it before. the second issue IS reliability. For applecare to pay off - you have to have an UNreliable computer. Are apples unreliable? How unreliable? This warrants some discussion. If apples are unreliable then YES, you need it. If they are reliable, then you don't. You probably already have 2 years of coverage.
Bought 1 Mac Pro and 2 Macbook Pros over the
past three years. Never purchased AppleCare and
I am happy to report no problems with any piece
of hardware.
However, with this new 27" iMac i7 I have decided
to buy the care. Why? This is my first iMac and
quite frankly, I don't trust them.
You are stuffing a lot of electronics in a small
package. I don't trust these iMacs will hold up
over time. What really put me over the edge
were all these recently reported problems with
the first wave of releases.
So, for me, it's merely peace of mind.
past three years. Never purchased AppleCare and
I am happy to report no problems with any piece
of hardware.
However, with this new 27" iMac i7 I have decided
to buy the care. Why? This is my first iMac and
quite frankly, I don't trust them.
You are stuffing a lot of electronics in a small
package. I don't trust these iMacs will hold up
over time. What really put me over the edge
were all these recently reported problems with
the first wave of releases.
So, for me, it's merely peace of mind.
yes you are lol.
applecare is seriously a must have.
now, that doesn't mean that your computer WILL break.
but, maybe a year and a half from now, when your warranty is expired, something will break, that you can't replace yourself, which could be many things because it's a imac and you can't really do much with it.
soo.. applecare is a must have, unless you plan on getting a new computer in a year.
applecare is seriously a must have.
now, that doesn't mean that your computer WILL break.
but, maybe a year and a half from now, when your warranty is expired, something will break, that you can't replace yourself, which could be many things because it's a imac and you can't really do much with it.
soo.. applecare is a must have, unless you plan on getting a new computer in a year.