No, that is not strictly true. If you understand how the UK economy works you'll realise when you strip out the know reasons for increases (VAT, import, FX etc) you still can't get to a value that is even comparable.
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No, that is not strictly true. If you understand how the UK economy works you'll realise when you strip out the know reasons for increases (VAT, import, FX etc) you still can't get to a value that is even comparable.
Ok, if what I said isn't "strictly true", then you have to admit there is some truth in it. Break it down for us. I'm not trying to pick a fight here, I just want to know what an insider knows that I don't.
Warranty
I can recommend The Geek Squad "Black Tie program" through best buy. One year coverage is 150 $ and covers accidental damage/handling under certain conditions. I bought the 15" MBP in may of 2011, didn't take good care of it so it got scratched, dented, and generally beat to hell. I took it back 4 or 5 times for little things trying to get them to fix cosmetic damage, finally they did a "fulfillment" last month and gave me a brand new late 2011 15" MBP from their store stock. It takes time and persistence but they will repair physical damage if it "interferes with function of the computer". This time around I got a hard shell cover and keep it away from the kids. If anybody needs help getting them to repair/replace damaged products message me and I can give some pointers...
I can recommend The Geek Squad "Black Tie program" through best buy. One year coverage is 150 $ and covers accidental damage/handling under certain conditions. I bought the 15" MBP in may of 2011, didn't take good care of it so it got scratched, dented, and generally beat to hell. I took it back 4 or 5 times for little things trying to get them to fix cosmetic damage, finally they did a "fulfillment" last month and gave me a brand new late 2011 15" MBP from their store stock. It takes time and persistence but they will repair physical damage if it "interferes with function of the computer". This time around I got a hard shell cover and keep it away from the kids. If anybody needs help getting them to repair/replace damaged products message me and I can give some pointers...
Who said anything about being an insider, this is basic economics and you're failing to see the overarching argument and going into the detail. Of course there is some truth in the contribution, I don't disagree on the varying corporate tax rates. I am not saying this is arbitrage profit.
If what you're saying is reflective of the UK, then every product we have would be significantly more - and that is not true. Why is it other manufacturers are able to sell at a comparative price level in the US and UK, and Apple isn't?
Don't get me wrong, all my main products are Apple and to be honest, I am fortunate enough not to have any cash flow issues.
disagree with what, exactly? that interchangeable parts were important to the industrial revolution? or that apple uses obsolete parts in the mbp? i never said that apple has the option to use interchangeable parts *and* retain a small form factor. they clearly _don't_ have this option.
i'm just stating the obvious. the retina design is not built to last. if you damage *any single component* and it's not covered by applecare, you need to buy a completely new computer. do industrial design experts disagree? lol
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Here's a reminder of what you said. The fact that you lead of with an absolute sets the tone for the validity of the rest of you argument. Saying that there is a design flaw in the system because you can't replace the parts is specious. Is a space shuttle poorly designed because you can't replace its parts?
I constantly see post from UK members complaining that US import items cost roughly the same numerically in UK pounds that they cost in US dollars. According to this:
http://store.apple.com/uk/configure/MC976B/A
The base RMBP costs 2299 UK pounds. In the US, the same model costs US $2199. Converted, the price to you is equivalent to US $3609 and you don't think that has anything to do with the UK's higher tax burden?
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I'm not sure if you can read or even comprehend what I am saying? Tax is just one element. Really don't have much more time to spend on this....
You've said I don't understand UK pricing. Guilty as charged. I've asked you to educate me in the intricacies of UK pricing. In particular, and I've been explicit, I want to know why you think your much higher tax rates across the board compared to the US don't explain, or at least contribute in a big way to, the premium UK buyers pay for a Mac. It's a bit lame that all you have to offer is that I can't "read or even comprehend." For someone like you who comprehends what he reads, educating a dolt like me should be child's play.
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I always buy their black tie protection plans. Had an iPod go out and they just gave me a new one (was probably my fault after dropping it lol) and also had an expensive pair of headphones go out they just gave me a new pair almost no questions asked. So I guess I been on the good side of things.
I'd say it's foolish not to get Apple Care. It's worth the money. If you are able to spend the money on a machine then you should pay the extra and cover your expensive product. If anything happens it will save you in the long run. I've always got Apple Care on my products. I went a step further because I also use it for business so I have coverage also for theft and fire.
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Gift card is only able to be used for Apps in the Mac Apps on your machine.
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Gift card is only able to be used for Apps in the Mac Apps on your machine.
Sigh...
To all of you saying it's "foolish" not to get AppleCare - I personally say it's "foolish" to spend $350 on two extra years of purely manufacturer defects, when you could be spending $70 or less a year to get true insurance, which covers theft and accidental (which are the real issues with computers). The fact is, $350 is a TON of money to be spending on a strictly defect-based warranty, especially for only two years.
If you get your MBPR with the correct type of credit card (AMEX/Visa Signature - check with your cardholder to make sure), the insurance will go to two years without buying anything extra.
AppleCare on iPhones and iPads is worth it because it covers two bouts of accidental, and costs significantly less. I personally would take that $350 that I would spend on AppleCare and get over half an iPad, or plan a vacation somewhere (even after spending a relatively small portion of it on insurance).
Of course, this is all my opinion - don't blame me if you don't get it and would need it. But to me, the chances seem extraordinarily slim, especially considering if there are problems affecting every product within a product line, Apple usually will do some kind of replacement plan to prevent bad PR.
So you're basically paying $350 to prevent fringe defects that will probably never occur (especially considering the risk of accidental/theft - which void AppleCare - probably outweigh it).
To all of you saying it's "foolish" not to get AppleCare - I personally say it's "foolish" to spend $350 on two extra years of purely manufacturer defects, when you could be spending $70 or less a year to get true insurance, which covers theft and accidental (which are the real issues with computers). The fact is, $350 is a TON of money to be spending on a strictly defect-based warranty, especially for only two years.
If you get your MBPR with the correct type of credit card (AMEX/Visa Signature - check with your cardholder to make sure), the insurance will go to two years without buying anything extra.
AppleCare on iPhones and iPads is worth it because it covers two bouts of accidental, and costs significantly less. I personally would take that $350 that I would spend on AppleCare and get over half an iPad, or plan a vacation somewhere (even after spending a relatively small portion of it on insurance).
Of course, this is all my opinion - don't blame me if you don't get it and would need it. But to me, the chances seem extraordinarily slim, especially considering if there are problems affecting every product within a product line, Apple usually will do some kind of replacement plan to prevent bad PR.
So you're basically paying $350 to prevent fringe defects that will probably never occur (especially considering the risk of accidental/theft - which void AppleCare - probably outweigh it).
Not trying to advertise for any company, but bhphotovideo.com has Applecare for $244, over $100 less than the price Apple charges-and no tax. I was going to get Applecare at some point for my new Retina MBP, but this price made it a no brainer.
Not true. The screen costs 700$ to replace. The ssd probably 500$ for the 256gb model, since thats the cost to upgrade the classical MBPs to it. Wifi card and fans? Maybe 50$. The battery we know is 200$. So a logic board is going to go for like 500-600$. All those repairs are distinct from each other.
You should never claim your insurance unless you really have to! Thats why sometimes if its something small they will just pay for the repair rather then use insurance. So why not get the Apple Care.
Right... but do you want to use insurance for a defected battery? For the general consumer I'd say Apple Care. If your a prosumer and use it for business then get both... you can write off some of your expenses anyways.
Actually, most insurances won't take manufacturer defects at all, so it's kind of moot. And if the battery goes bad without defecting, even AppleCare won't cover it.
Of course, AC+insurance would be ideal, but not everyone has the type of budget to drop $600 protecting what already comes out to be a $2200 purchase.
$600... you might want to switch your insurance company. I pay $42 a month and that covers two mac computers, and a bunch of video production gear (camera, lights, etc). If you are dropping that much on a machine you should be willing to pay a bit extra to protect your valuable purchase.
And Apple Care will certainly cover a defected battery.
And Apple Care will certainly cover a defected battery.
I get apple care on any apple product valued higher than $2000. I have had to use it on my Mac Pro and everything is covered. It is well worth it (I got 2 replacement mice in the time I had Apple Care...so it basically paid for itself there!). If something goes wrong they will repair or replace. So yes, I say it is well worth it.