Hi this has been bugging me quite a bit and I hope someone could clarify for me.
I purchased a Macbook Air last week from the online HE store (without applecare). I recently found a small irritating mark on my screen, underneath the screen over. I'll be taking the Mac to the apple store in a couple of days to hopefully get a replacement. My question is this: If I do get a replacement MBA instore, will the replacement still have the extended 3 year warranty?
Yes it will.
I purchased a MBP in July of this year. I ordered via phone for my son, to get the University discount. They matched the price that he would see if he had logged in at campus, £1800 for the standard 17" model instead of £2100. It had a faulty DVD drive and the whole machine was replaced so obviously a new serial number. I felt it prudent to inform them (Applecare) of the serial number change but they already had it covered.
Promptly after 90 days I got notification of the 3year warranty but it had the original serial number on the paper work. I called them up and they said yes, it was an error but that if I did a check on my current machine it was still showing the correct 3yr warranty which it was. A week later I got revised paperwork as I insisted it was re-issued.
Yes, there was a slight mix-up but the fact remains that they had the replacement machine in the system for the full 3years. All in all it was painless dealing with Apple. If there is a mix-up in your case, rest assured that it WILL be resolved in your favour.
btw it was ONLY by reading this thread days before I purchased that I found out about the free 3year Applecare for Education purchases. I would have paid hundreds more for the cover had I not found out. Thanks again to the thread starter.