Do YOU Use Your Applecare?

[AvSRoCkCO1067]

Another member had the idea of posting a poll asking this question:

Out of those of you who purchased the extended Applecare plan for an Apple product, how many actually used it?

After answering the poll, let us know which product you purhcased Applecare on and what you did/didn't get repaired.

[iGary]

My God, yes.

[eidrunner247]

I buy it, and use it, especially on laptops.

[Lau]

I'd rather take the risk, myself, and have never purchased it. I sold my broken PowerBook to a seller last year who was able to fix it, and made no more of a loss than if I'd bought Applecare, and now have a new iBook that I bought with the proceeds. I have a massive problem with manufacturers selling an extended warranty on a product that seems to cheerfully fail after 2 years or so. The MacBooks are a good step in the right direction with replaceable hard drives though.

Not to mention the service in the UK is dreadful (on evidence on 3 occasions), and so I just point blank bloody refuse to pay extra for their crappy service. However, now I no longer get an educational discount I will probably buy my Macs in the future from John Lewis for the same price as from the Apple store, who also give a standard 2 year warranty on them.

[AvSRoCkCO1067]

My God, yes.

What, specifically, did you purchase it on - and how did you end up using it??? :confused:

[drake]

My experience with warranties is that you're completely at the mercy of the manufacturer or vendor who can honor a repair or not. So, why spend the money?

[katie ta achoo]

Pft, I paid out the nose for it, and I'll use it, dangit! :D

got a HD replaced, the top plate of the case replaced, and probably more in the coming years.

[backsidetailsli]

imac, ipod. hellyes i do

[~Shard~]

I have only purchase done Mac in my life, and I did not buy AppleCare with it. It is coming up to 3 years old now, and I have not had one issue with it, so it looks as though I made the right decision. :o ;) Macs are extremely reliable and well-built, which I why I wasn't too bothered to go without the AppleCare, but that being said I realize that things do go wrong from time to time. I still think though that if something major is wrong with your system it will become evident in the first couple weeks of use, in which case you're still under Apple's 90-day warranty even without AppleCare.

I could see if you made a significant investment in something like a Mac Pro though, that it would be more important to get it. For me and my iMac though, I never really thought too hard about it. :cool:

[mdickson]

Where's the choice if you only used it once?

[Spaceman Spiff]

It's well worth it, I believe. On some computer's I've had and seen go through the computer, it was necessary. On others, it wasn't. However, if you don't use it at all for the full 3 years, they refund you. At my local store, anyway.

[Rocksaurus]

However, if you don't use it at all for the full 3 years, they refund you. At my local store, anyway.

Apple Store? Or Authorized Reseller? Can anyone confirm this?

[Spaceman Spiff]

Apple Store? Or Authorized Reseller? Can anyone confirm this?

Authorized reseller. Simply Computing in Vancouver. They informed me of it in June, but I didn't cash in on it since I ended up using it for a screen problem.

[asxtb]

No. I think it is too expensive. I got a warantee from the store I bought my iBook at a fraction of the cost of Applecare (About $20) It is a 3 years warantee and the store will replace it if anything happens to it such as dropping it, spilling water on it, etc... Does Applecare do that? :rolleyes:

[Nermal]

I've never bought AppleCare, there's not really any point for home users in NZ due to the way warranties work here.

[Rocksaurus]

Authorized reseller. Simply Computing in Vancouver. They informed me of it in June, but I didn't cash in on it since I ended up using it for a screen problem.

Dah. I have had Applecare for just about a year now and have yet to touch it and can't imagine touching it so I was really hoping... Oh well. Maybe I should move to Canada.

[Dr.Gargoyle]

I have never purchase the applecare plan for any of my Macs. My PM MDD is almost three years old and my iBook is one year old and I have never had any problems with them (touch wood).
Before I bought my first modern Mac, I asked a sales rep at the Applestore Prince street what his thoughts was about it. He told me that if there is some problems with the computer, it will most likely emerge within the first year.
Problems that occur after the first year are mostly user induced, i.e. abuse or accidents. If you have a good home insurance, you can in these cases get some compensation from the "idiot clause".

[ipacmm]

I usually buy apple care for all of my Mac's because I do use it and it will pay off in the end if I keep the computer. My TiBook went through over $1k worth of work and it was all free thanks to apple care.

[hayduke]

I get it for my work machines. My work encourages its purchase. I've needed to use it once for each of two laptops.

I don't buy it for my home machines. Work doesn't pay me enough!:D :D :D

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Never gotten AppleCare. Too expensive compared to what you get...

I don't think anybody ever bothered trying it legally yet, but Norwegian law should give us "reklamasjonsrett" - right to complaint, literally - against any errors on computer equipment, that should not occur due to "normal use", at least for two (and probably five) years, depending on whether the equipment is meant to last "considerably more than two years" or not. Much better than the standard 1 year warranty from Apple, and probably even better than the extended warranty provided by AppleCare... and that's for free... :cool:

[apfhex]

I have a 4th answer: my current purchase is the first one I've gotten Apple Care with. Given the few parts that eventually broke on my PowerBook (after the first year), I think it's worth it for my Mac Pro/Cinema Display. Of course I hope I don't have to use it.

[eenu]

Never gotten AppleCare. Too expensive compared to what you get...

I don't think anybody ever bothered trying it legally yet, but Norwegian law should give us "reklamasjonsrett" - right to complaint, literally - against any errors on computer equipment, that should not occur due to "normal use", at least for two (and probably five) years, depending on whether the equipment is meant to last "considerably more than two years" or not. Much better than the standard 1 year warranty from Apple, and probably even better than the extended warranty provided by AppleCare... and that's for free... :cool:

Same in the UK. Consumers are entitled to argue that a fault may not be due to "normal use". Problem with this country is no one complains...

[tobefirst]

I bought it on my iMac G4 when I got it and used it for nothing more than telephone support. "How do I do this?" kind of questions.

Since then, I've purchased a Power Mac G5 and a MacBook, and assisted my sister in purchasing an iBook. None of these computers have AppleCare.

I've never had to use AppleCare to replace a part, and now that I know how to use the computer and maintain it, I no longer have to call and ask questions.

[IJ Reilly]

Poll takers, please distinguish between actual AppleCare use and warranty service during the first year of ownership. Otherwise, this poll is pretty meaningless.

[zap2]

It saved me about 2k.. on my iMac G5 Rev A..i should buy it for my intel Mini(also rev a) because its a rev A Mac..but i still have 10monts to buy it some i'm not in a rush

[AvSRoCkCO1067]

Poll takers, please distinguish between actual AppleCare use and warranty service during the first year of ownership. Otherwise, this poll is pretty meaningless.

Thanks. Everyone needs to be specific - don't follow iGary's "My God, Yes" response...

[IJ Reilly]

Thanks. Everyone needs to be specific - don't follow iGary's "My God, Yes" response...

My God, no. ;)

[bloodycape]

Pft, I paid out the nose for it, and I'll use it, dangit! :D

got a HD replaced, the top plate of the case replaced, and probably more in the coming years.

may I ask what went wrong that you got your top plate of the case replace? I would like to get the bottom of my case replace but Apple store told me since it wear and tear issue(low fall) that I will have to pay even though I purchased Apple Care.

[Passante]

My powerbook G4's hard drive started to make light saber noises 2 months after apple care would have expired had I purchased it. Ended up spending less that apple care would have cost to replace the original 80 gig drive with 120 gig drive. Got lucky.

[Nermal]

Norwegian law should give us "reklamasjonsrett" - right to complaint, literally - against any errors on computer equipment, that should not occur due to "normal use"

Same here, which is what I was alluding to above.

[LastLine]

I didn't on my first Mac purchase as I simply didn't have the money to get it at the time.

On my more recent iMac and Macbook purchases I still haven't as I buy through the UK HE Store which gives me a 3 year warranty as standard so all Applecare gives me is the phone support.

[gauchogolfer]

Thanks. Everyone needs to be specific - don't follow iGary's "My God, Yes" response...

If you've been around awhile, you'll know exactly what he's talking about, though. He's an AppleCare Legend™.:D

[rdowns]

What, specifically, did you purchase it on - and how did you end up using it??? :confused:

My dear boy. You have earned an F in MR History 101. Here's (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=194882) a good place to start.

[n8236]

I seriously would consider AppleCare if they had a flat fee all across their machines. An extra 70 bux from a macbook to macbook pro AppleCare, hmmm, lets see the difference.....video card, enclosure, and that's all I can think of. I guess that goes hand in hand w/ auto insurance, SCAM!

[AvSRoCkCO1067]

My dear boy. You have earned an F in MR History 101.

Well I knew iGary had some problems on his Powermacs or something like that - I just didn't want everyone else responding the same way he did.

Although you're right - me asking iGary to run through his problems could take ages...:eek:

[bearbo]

No. I think it is too expensive. I got a warantee from the store I bought my iBook at a fraction of the cost of Applecare (About $20) It is a 3 years warantee and the store will replace it if anything happens to it such as dropping it, spilling water on it, etc... Does Applecare do that? :rolleyes:

are you sure they are gonna replace it when you drop it, spill water on it? have you ever gotten it replaced that way?

i bought a laptop at a local computer store years ago, and got the so-called replacement warrenty, but it turns out when i brought it back, they find all sorts of excuses to not replace it, nor repair it for free(not that i think they know how to repair it)... now THOSE would be scam

to another poster, the reason for laptop warrenty to be more expensive.

well, it's obvious, laptop is more integrated, problem with part one may require the replacement of part one two three and eight... where as in desk top the problem with part one only require replacement of part one

p.s. i know how to count

[Kirbdog]

I would use applecare more if I wasn't on hold for 20+ minutes everytime I tried to use it.

[semicharmed]

Bought it and used it on a G4 Powerbook.
One of the RAM slots failed and the MB had to be replaced, this was already after my one year of support was up.
So just for that, it was worth it.

[~Shard~]

If I was in the market for a new 24" iMac, I think I probably would. With that size of an investment in an AIO which I can't re-use the monitor on if something fails, etc., I think I'd want as much insurance as possible. ;) :cool:

[apachie2k]

i use/abuse pro care, if something is not right...i get it fixed! i don't deal with crap...pro care rocks!!!

[~Shard~]

i use/abuse pro care, if something is not right...i get it fixed! i don't deal with crap...pro care rocks!!!

Yeah, if you're paying for it, might as well get your money's worth! :D

[OnceUGoMac]

Got my G3 iBook's hard drive replaced three times, logic board replaced three times, and got it upgraded to my current G4 iBook. The G4 iBook has had the hard drive replaced twice and the optical drive replaced once.

[jessep28]

Warranties are a cash cow for computer manufacturers and retailers.

Here's an interesting article I found via our friend Google:

http://www.warrantyweek.com/archive/ww20051025.html

Here's my take. Before you buy, ask yourself the following questions:

1) Will my use/care of the machine cause it to fail prematurely
2) Does the system I am going to buy have known problems

Even with #2, most problems are going to crop up in the first year or so, hence most computers carry a 1yr warranty.

Since I believe you can still get applecare up to 1yr after purcase, I would wait, check before your 3 month anniversary for any problems and again at 1 yr. If major issues are present with your system by then get applecare.

If not, then you just saved yourself $120 or more.

[Shotgun Pete]

well most companies provide a 1 yr warrenty because most problems will occur during the second year.

And ALL companies including apple will do everything in their power to find some way you voided the warrenty.

[brightlights]

Never bought it. I have needed a repair though, but it was less than the cost of applecare. My plan for the future is to sell my computer each year after the standard warranty runs out and then buy a new one. Macs seem to hold their value pretty well.

[Maxiseller]

Whatever you decide to do it will be the wrong choice.

If you don't get it, you'll wish you did.
If you do, you won't need it!

I've purchased it for my recent macbook of which I've since had two replacements and am thanking god I brought it as I can't see it being a faithful computer for the next three years.

So; rev A - yeh get it. I wouldn't have purchased it if I had to pay full price though. I got it at £50 as I'm a student.

[2ndPath]

I bought Apple Care the first time, when my iPod broke beeing about 11 Months old. I did this in the first place, because it was $99 and the replacement of the old one, even though it was under warrenty, would have cost me $50 without having Apple Care. So I thought for $50 I get 1 year of warrenty on a new product of the same type of a product that broke after less than a year. So I thought that was a good idea.

For my first Mac (the first Powerbook G4) I didn't buy it and when it was close to three years old, the Firewire port broke. A repair shop even discouraged me from getting it fixed, because the necessary logic board exchange would have been several hundred dollars. So risking to break it myself I fixed it for a couple of dollars. If I had had it, I would probably have used it, but am not sure, whether exchanging the hard disk, which I did twice, would have voided the Apple Care warrenty anyhow.

Now I have a MacBook Pro with Apple Care, but did not have to use it yet.

[kondspi]

I didn't purchase AC. My nano broke once and they charged me less than the AppleCare cost to fix it. I tend to count on the reliability of Macintosh. I suppose if I ever bought5 anything over $500 at the Mac store, I would go for AC. Someone posted on the SF bay Craigslist today: They had a macbook and they spilled orange juice on it and now it's screwed.

[eva01]

Have bought AC for all of my apple computers.

Used it on the iBook twice. (when i had it)

So i am grateful that I have it.

[bousozoku]

I've bought AppleCare for the last two computers, a PowerMac dual G4/800 and a 15.2 inch 1.33 GHz PowerBook and never used it. The PowerMac's processor card failed after the coverage was gone, of course.

I bought CompUSA T.A.P. on the prior machine, a PowerMac G3/400, and never needed service on it.

However, my dad's iMac G3/350 slot loader, had CompUSA T.A.P. and had to be serviced several times, part of which came from CompUSA's refusal to replace parts.

[suwandy]

Hmm,

this is my first time I am going to buy a Mac, which will be the C2D MBP. I'm weighing between buying the AC or not buying it. Can I please have an advice from people, who have been using Mac for a while now?

Whether first timers should buy the AC just because of the 3 years support, or the n00b's inexperience with the Mac could kill it?

Or don't buy it, since the n00b's aren't familiar or do not know the tricks with trying to talk your way out of things like if you accidentally "voided your warranty", or something like that.

Thanks

[generik]

I sell it before 1 year elapse and upgrade to a new system.. recurring warranty! :cool:

Applecare pricing is typically 25% of the system's cost.

[risc]

I purchase AppleCare on machines I can see myself using for more than a year. So far unfortunately I've needed to use it on ALL OF THEM except my PowerBook G4, and my new iMac.

I had an iBook G4 that needed the logic board replaced twice, the video once, and the burner twice. I gave the machine to my sister when I upgraded and the repairs listed have included her issues with it. That notebook is craptacular! :rolleyes:

I had a Power Mac G5 + 2 20" AL ACDs. When I bought the 2nd display I noticed the original monitor was very dull, something you couldn't compare without a 2nd monitor so AppleCare got me a replacement monitor. :)

My GFs iMac had AppleCare purchased with it. Within the original 1 year warranty period the HDD failed, but we used the AppleCare to get it replaced quickly.

Like I said my PowerBook was perfect and even though I sold it to a friend it still hasn't had any issues that required the use of the AppleCare, but rather safe than sorry as they say!

I bought a MacBook Pro recently and never got around to getting AppleCare for it (this machine shipped to me with a DOA HDD, and within a month had TFT issues - all fixed under normal warranty), I chucked it on eBay as soon as I heard about the iMac Core 2 Duo. The iMac (no issues yet) is a fantastic machine and I can see myself keeping it for quite a while so I'll purchase AppleCare for it sometime in the next 11 months.

So do I use AppleCare? YES. Do I wish I had to? NO. Would I not buy it, and just risk it? HELL NO!

Damn as I read this list of issues I have I think I might have to say Apple sure have some QA issues, or I'm just unlucky. Very very very unlucky.

[benthewraith]

I sell it before 1 year elapse and upgrade to a new system.. recurring warranty! :cool:

Applecare pricing is typically 25% of the system's cost.

Depends.

[Eniregnat]

Lap tops (iBook and PB). It has always been worth it!
I wore out 3 or 4 iBook keyboards, despite the fact that they were rated for millions of key cycles. I have had screens replaced and had numerous other things fixed including optical drives.

I don't buy a laptop, even if I have to, unless I can afford the extended warranty, have a good case, and can afford 1 spare battery and can max the RAM through a third party. This means that I rarely buy new computers.

[mduser63]

I didn't vote in the poll, because I couldn't really pick an appropriate option. I have AppleCare on my iMac, but it's only 3 months old, and I've had no problems with it. That doesn't mean there won't be any in the next 2.75 years though.

My PowerBook doesn't have AppleCare, but it might have been nice. The cloth around the optical drive came off, and Apple said it'd be about $300 to fix. I ended up fixing it myself, but it's sort of a makeshift fix, not something that's very professional.

No AppleCare on the Power Mac G5 either, and at 1.5 years old it's had no problems whatsoever.

[generik]

Ultimately it depends on how long you intend to keep your computer, if you aren't planning to sell it then it is best to just get AC. Bear in mind that nobody in this world apart from Apple can fix an Apple branded computer, and with that in mind the decision becomes much easier.

[nightelf]

Never bought AppleCare before. I do plan to get it for 2 iMacs.

I only had one HD problem with an old iMac G4, but dont remember if it was within the first 3 years.

I do not live in the US, so ill have to check if the coverage is the same.

[ricgnzlzcr]

I had apple care on my 12 inch powerbook and it had to have its hard drive changed once (those are hard to do by yourself), case changed for pitting, and the audio jack changed because it was acting sketchy. My brother's iMac had a hard drive failure I believe and the lady's macbook has had to have a hard drive fixed, combo drive changed, something related to video changed, and now I have to go take it in because the isight isn't working. The only machine I couldn't see myself buying applecare with is a mac mini.

[solvs]

Bought it for my iMac. I want to know I'm covered for the next year or so I'll still have it, and it was only $120 edu. Haven't had to use it yet, but we'll see. If I buy the warranty, I don't usually have a problem. If I don't, then I have issues. Plus, if I pass it on to someone later on, it'd be nice for them to have it if they need it at first. I remember telling my Sister to get it for her Dual 867 G4 PowerMac that was flaky, but she didn't think about it, and a little over a year later it started having issues with the power supply and CPUs. She wound up buying parts of eBay to fix it because it was too expensive to go through Apple w/out AC.

Now they just upgrade every year, so it doesn't really matter I guess.

[azzurri000]

I purchased Applecare for my iPod last July, and I'm really glad that I did!

The hard drive kept clicking, until I got the sad iPod icon a couple of weeks ago. The hard drive was broken, so I sent it in, and I got it back this morning! The Apple repairs were fast... my only complaint was with the shipping service they used, DHL, on the return trip.

My iPod was replaced with either a new/used/refurb model, I'm not sure. It looks brand new, but the battery charge was low when I first turned it on.

I was really happy with how Apple sent me the shipping materials... all I had to do was either call UPS or drop it off at one of their stores. I found it all very easy. I'm very glad that I purchased the Applecare; I know that the cost of the repairs would have been about the same as buying a new iPod.

edit: I guess my post, being about an iPod, is probably irrelevant, but I'll leave it up anyway, as I was very happy (overall) with my Applecare experience.

[Karpfish]

I didny buy applecare for my 12" powerbook back in early '04, and i wish i had.After about a year and a half, my HD failed, the case started separating, etc. few hundred bucks in repairs, applecare would have been nice.i bought it for my macbook.

[plinkoman]

I haven't had to touch my applecare yet (though I'm still under the complimentary year). My PowerBook has never had a single problem. (unless you want to count the ac adapter being doa :rolleyes: )

[scott523]

I'll prolly will not be buying AppleCare with my MacBook. I expect Apple products to be made in good condition (or else why buy if it a defect is expected?). If not, and that problems arise within the first year, I'll buy the AppleCare for the next 2 years.

[YS2003]

I think I will skip Applecare for my next purchase of MBP/MB or MP. All of my current Macs have Applecare which I have not used once. So, I am one of those lucky campers.

The way I purchase computers products has helped me avoid the "problem-prone" or "problem-riddled" ones at the time of purchase. This is not a fool-proof buying habit but it certainly helped me avoid the one which increase the chance of lemon products.

1. check on products' reliability and user comments on the web. (I understand there are vocal small group of people who have problems with units and complain loudly on the web forums; but, I can detect the pattern of the problem areas by looking at various comments)--> this help me avoid the products which shaky reliability (i.e.. current MB and 15" MBP)

2. buy Applecare (if I so decide) a few months before the standard 1 year warranty expires. I don't buy Applecare at the Apple Store because I pay sales tax. I buy from the web retailer tax free before the 1 year expiration. Usually, the ones need to be repaired will show their ugly "need repairs" heads in a first few months.

[mduser63]

Ultimately it depends on how long you intend to keep your computer, if you aren't planning to sell it then it is best to just get AC. Bear in mind that nobody in this world apart from Apple can fix an Apple branded computer, and with that in mind the decision becomes much easier.

Well I fixed my own PowerBook, and it was a very involved repair (complete disassembly/reassembly). Also, Apple authorized service centers (and there are many) can fix Apple computers. Of course, I believe in that case Apple will pay for the repair if it's covered under AppleCare.

[w8ing4intelmacs]

i have bought applecare for a number of Macs, but have never used it. although i've had some warranty issues (hard drive failure, display problem, battery problem), there were either under the one-year warranty and/or under some special apple extended warranty program (e.g., a powerbook display), neither of which required applecare.

couple that with the fact that most credit cards will double the manufacturer's warranty, it seems that applecare isn't that necessary.

if you do buy applecare, buy on ebay. i got a powerbook applecare for $160 last winter.

[xUKHCx]

I used applecare lots, mainly to get my rev A iMac G5 fixed. This was done after the normal 1 year warrently would have run out. Means i can now get a 20" iMac with 2 gb ram 256 vram wireless keyboard and mouse and applecare for £5 more than i paid for my 17".

Cost of applecare £120 (approx when i bought it)
3 x logic Board = 3 x £412 = £1236
1 PSU = £56
Labour = 4 x £65 = 260
Total Cost = £1552

To put this into perspective that £1552 could easily by the stock Mac Pro.

[bryanc]

My first Mac was a TiBook, for which I did not buy Apple-care coverage. It worked flawlessly for 4 years, and then got dropped by some knuckle-dragger at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in San Francisco (they politely refereed me to their disclaimer about damage not being their problem), so Apple Care wouldn't have helped.

I've also got an iMac G5. I didn't buy Apple Care for this machine at the time of purchase, but it's power-supply failed just within the 1-year warrantee period (and was repaired by Apple at no charge), but that made me nervous. So I bought the Apple Care extended coverage, and within a month of the 1-year complementary coverage the power supply failed again. Then the main-board had to be replaced, and then the display. So Applecare paid for itself many times over on that machine.

After my TiBook got killed by the Hyatt Hooligans, I bought an AlBook as a replacement. I bought the AppleCare extended warrantee on it, and haven't used it. The machine is just approaching 2 years old now, and has shown no signs of problems, but I'm just as happy to have the coverage.

So its a gamble.... Ya win some, ya loose some...

Cheers

[powerbook911]

I have it on my 12-inch Powerbook that is 18 months old.

I haven't had to use it yet (knock on wood). My luck it won't break until the warranty is over.

[i4k20c]

I purchased it for my powerbook g4, my 1 yr warranty ended in september 06, so i just recently purchased it. I thought really hard about it, being a student at a university, i knew i was going to keep my pb for at-least another 3 years, so i just went ahead and purchased the app.. I'm not going to lie though, i live in Chicago and we have loads of apple stores, the closest one is 20 minutes away from me; that's one of my main reasons for buying the app is so i can go to the store and let them deal with shipping and getting it fixed. If i didn't have a apple store close by, i would've got my pb from Bestbuy, because i've had some great success with their warranties as well.

I think at the end of the day, if you have a notebook, it would be very smart to buy app; if you have a desktop, it's more of a tossup imo since everything isn't crammed into a tiny space.

I've had my pb for a year, and nothing ever went wrong, but i did not want to take the chance so i purchased it. If i never knew macrumors existed, i would for sure purchase applecare to just get the phone support! Much love to macrumors, lol, even though i have app, i'd rather post my problem on macrumors than call apple!

:o

[Dubba]

I do indeed use Apple Care.

In fact, my Apple Care was 'moved' from the US to the UK in 2005 with no problems.

Unfortunately, my 12" PowerBook has had logic board problems twice, and now the Combo Drive doesn't work.

After calling Apple Care on Tuesday, they have agreed to send me a NEW 15" MacBook Pro as a replacement for my 12". However, I REALLY want the 17", and offerred to pay the difference in value. I was informed that although they do this in the US, it is not an option in the UK.

All said and done, I am glad that I had AppleCare, and will definitely take it out on my new Macbook Pro - however, I will just buy it in the US where it costs almost 50% of what it costs here.

[Yannick]

I bought AppleCare at the time I bought my PowerBook (for it to cover also accessories I bought the same day, like Airport Express).

I didn't use it yet.

In my mind, it is safer to have it with laptops, and I would advise it to anybody who plans to sell his computer after 1 or 2 years of use (which is my case).

[Sijmen]

I bought AppleCare for my PowerBook 12" three days before the 1-year warranty ended.

I've had an annoying problem in the first year, the bottom case had to be replaced but the AASP and Apple couldn't work out the deal. Take a look at my blog (http://a404.net/blog/?page_id=77) for the full story. Sumarry: all okay in the end.

A week or two before the 1-year warranty was over I started noticing backlight issues. To be sure I finally gave in and bought AppleCare.

Yesterday I went to an(other) AASP because the backlight problems were getting really bad (uneven lighting). Also there was a bright spot somewhere on the screen and my Mighty Mouse stopped scrolling down, and cleaning it as described on the support site didn't help anymore.

The guy told me that the backlight was being replaced under AppleCare. When he was looking at the screen he also noticed the bright spot on the LCD and opted to replace the screen, too. The Mighty Mouse was out of 1-year warranty, but he registered it as bundle with my PowerBook and now it's being replaced under AppleCare, too.

So, had a very bad and very good experience. But I'll hope I won't have to use it for my next machine.

[generik]

I do indeed use Apple Care.

In fact, my Apple Care was 'moved' from the US to the UK in 2005 with no problems.

Unfortunately, my 12" PowerBook has had logic board problems twice, and now the Combo Drive doesn't work.

After calling Apple Care on Tuesday, they have agreed to send me a NEW 15" MacBook Pro as a replacement for my 12". However, I REALLY want the 17", and offerred to pay the difference in value. I was informed that although they do this in the US, it is not an option in the UK.

All said and done, I am glad that I had AppleCare, and will definitely take it out on my new Macbook Pro - however, I will just buy it in the US where it costs almost 50% of what it costs here.

Just curious do you get a brand new replacement or one that is from their replacement stock? Also is the open of buying Applecare for the replacement MBP open to you, or will its warranty expire at the end of your original warranty coverage?

Either way it is an insanely good deal :D

[logicpro7]

does anyone know if applecare is transferable?

what would happen if i sold my Mac with 3 yr applecare,would the buyer get the benefits? :confused:

[jessica.]

Usually an extended warranty on things like a computer is a waste of money because most stores require that you buy it when you get your computer thus giving you overlapping coverage. Ritz Camera does the same with their swag. However, I bought AC on my PowerBook because of the price and the fact that I could wait 11 months before I bought it. This is a better deal. I hope to never use it, but I bought it all the same because $2200 later and not a soul in sight that understood why $2200 Apple laptop over $800 Dell/HP/Compaq, I simply don't have it in me to have it break and me be out of a computer. ;)

[Sijmen]

does anyone know if applecare is transferable?

what would happen if i sold my Mac with 3 yr applecare,would the buyer get the benefits? :confused:

It's tied to the Mac, not the person IIRC.

[dirtleg]

I had never bought an Applecare warranty for any of my own Apple products over the years. But I did get it for my daughters iBook G4 last year. Good thing too (I hope). She called home last night from school and she has had a start up freeze problem crop up. I talked her through the self help routines, nothing helped. She is taking her iBook in to the University tech center today for help.
I am hoping her Applecare will take care of it.
Any opinions?

[yg17]

I'm about to use it later today.


********* lemon of a powerbook :rolleyes:

[clintob]

The beauty of AppleCare is actually not in the replacement and repairs. That's certainly a nice feature, and very welcomed should something happen to your machine. I'd recommend it highly for laptops, as it's just the nature of notebooks that they are quirky, the parts are smaller and run hotter, and generally they have shorter lifespans. Apple makes very high quality products, but it's still a notebook, and you're still rolling the dice a bit.

That said, the REAL beauty of AppleCare is that at any time you can call Apple tech support and have them walk you through virtually ANY problem, issue, or question that relates to your Apple product. They technically don't support third-party stuff, but if you get a nice enough agent sometimes they'll help you out there as well.

I personally don't use this feature much since the vast majority of the issues I run into I can fix myself, but for people who aren't comfortable working inside their computer or who really don't know much about the technical workings of the machine, AppleCare is well worth the money.

[Gaelic1]

I have never purchase the applecare plan for any of my Macs. My PM MDD is almost three years old and my iBook is one year old and I have never had any problems with them (touch wood).
Before I bought my first modern Mac, I asked a sales rep at the Applestore Prince street what his thoughts was about it. He told me that if there is some problems with the computer, it will most likely emerge within the first year.
Problems that occur after the first year are mostly user induced, i.e. abuse or accidents. If you have a good home insurance, you can in these cases get some compensation from the "idiot clause".
I bought my first Apple in 1982 and have had many since then. I NEVER bought an Apple Care and have never had any problems with any of my computers, including a G3 PowerBook that I still use. I currently have a G5 tower and it works flawlessly. Am I just lucky? Perhaps people who have problems are the vocal ones on this site. I really don't know.:)

[Sijmen]

I bought my first Apple in 1982 and have had many since then. I NEVER bought an Apple Care and have never had any problems with any of my computers, including a G3 PowerBook that I still use. I currently have a G5 tower and it works flawlessly. Am I just lucky? Perhaps people who have problems are the vocal ones on this site. I really don't know.:)

Yeah, that's always an issue with these kinds of threads. I don't think I would post if I didn't buy AppleCare.

[Dubba]

Just curious do you get a brand new replacement or one that is from their replacement stock? Also is the open of buying Applecare for the replacement MBP open to you, or will its warranty expire at the end of your original warranty coverage?

Either way it is an insanely good deal :D

generik,

From what I understand from our conversation, it will be a new machine. This is because he said 'I will personally put in the order to have the machine built after we receive your old machine.' Additionally, he also told me that I can buy AppleCare on this machine, offerred to refund the outstnading days on my current AppleCare (less than 45), and give me a discount with on an external monitor if I wanted one. This is what I call EXCELLENT customer service. The only thing is that they would not let me pay the difference between the base 15" and the 17" (which is what I really want), whereas he said that this was the norm in the US.

In any case, like you said, it is an excellent deal.

Dubba

P.S. If anyone wanta a BRAND NEW UNOPENED/BOXED 15" 2.0Ghz MacBook Pro, make me an offer. (List is £1,399)

[Alone2Gether]

So my one year applecare is almost coming to an end. I'm still contemplating whether I should buy it. Since I'm in college, the laptop is always in my dorm room...never seeing the light of day.

[spork183]

Yep, bought it for my Imac G5. It has so far replaced the power supply, the superdrive, and the hard drive. I did the work on the Superdrive, and it fell in the first year, so would have been covered anyways. I also did the HD, but it was outside the year. When Apple sent the new one, I kept it out and popped a 320GB seagate (16mb perpendicular/5yr warranty) in. The power supply was replaced after a diagnostic visit when it refused to startup.

Cost of Applecare- $119 (education price)
Cost of new superdrive $0 (under 1yr)
Cost of new HD 320GB -$109 (Apple was going to soak me $549 for a 250gb if it turned out my original was okay...)
Cost of PowerSupply $85
Knowing I have another 1.5 years of coverage- Priceless

[gferrari]

I've never bought Applecare with the exception of the 23" Cinema Display, basically because I upgrade all my computers every 6-8 months with no exception, but if you have and apple computer longer than a year Applecare is necesary.

[iGary]

I have it for my PM and my ACD, but I don't have it for my PB.

The Apple Care for the lappy would be 350.00, which is about 25% of what I paid for it. It's prolly worth 1,000 now. If it blows up, I'll part it out and buy a new one.

My PM's video card just went up. $1,019.00.

[Sesshi]

I haven't had any of my current Macs that long for the second-year Applecare to kick in (and now it's looking even less likely) but I get the feeling that recently Applecare is a must. I did buy Applecare for all the Macs I purchased as I thought at the time I'd keep them for at least 2 years.

I was a Mac user from the early to mid 90's and with the exception of a problematic Duo I can't remember any of my desktops or laptops going wrong. Now, every Mac I've bought this year bar the Mini has used it's warranty - in a few cases, several times.

Having had a good look inside the iMac, Mac Pro and owned the flawed Macbook / MBP, I'd say these Intel machines being inadequately engineered compared to the other 'good' builders out there will NEED Applecare if you intend to keep it for a while.

[EMAGDNIM]

I have had to use it one time when my HDD failed on my DP G5 (It was around 8 months in). Ever since then, I never had to use it *knock on wood*

[dorqiekat]

I didn't get applecare because I didn't have the money at the time of getting my powerbook and as time went by, I just never had extra cash for it. Well, it's been 2 years and some months and my powerbook is about to die any second now. And the "genius" at apple just told me that it was going to cost me $350 plus tax to repair my HD. I guess if I had applecare it would have paid for it self... that is, if nothing else breaks in the next 9 months.

[ozontheroad]

12" PowerBook

1st time it went in for a new hard drive (roughly 2 years after I bought it)

2nd time they exchanged the battery (it died after 2 years and 11 months):eek:

My PowerBook is on its 3rd hard drive, it came with a Toshiba, then Applecare replaced it with another Toshiba (this one died a month after my AppleCare expired) and now it has a Western Digital installed.

[mattniles007]

I never had to on my Powerbook, but I am going to still purchase it for my new iMac

[mahonmeister]

I just used it on my PowerBook G4 this week. My hinges needed tightening because the screen wiggled. Unfortunately they said the hinges had a lot of wear and they couldn't do much to fix the problem. $400 bucks to fix because it isn't covered. No thanks. Still, I'm glad I bought AppleCare.

[eyedoc_00]

I am using applecare for the first time. I have a rev B G5 iMac. It is about 1.5 years old and just started to randomly shut down. The rev A iMac had this problem and apple has a fix for it. Being a rev B, I need to use my applecare. So while it is in for service, I am having them look in dead pixels on my LCD screen and also having them look into excessive fan noise.

My luck with computers is not good. My last computer lasted about 1.5 years before it shutdown problems. After 3 service attempts, I had tjem replace my computer. It only took Gateway 7 mos to get that correct. That is why I switched to Apple. Lets hope that my iMac will be set after I get it back from service!

[eXan]

This iMac never broke. I'm not sure if it has AppleCare or not, I doubt they sell AC in Russia