$379 USD for Applecare+, worth it?

[kevmodrome]

This is a wrong interpretation of your rights as its for defects etc present at time of purchase which after 6 months the burden of proof is on the owner

It does not cover faults that develops later due to age or use ( eg batteries) It will not cover failed SSD or logic boards or screens etc etc if the fault was not present at time of purchase

It may cover the KB if our worse fears are realised and many suffer with a possible manufacturing or design defect for example

The EU laws does not mean a mac has to last 6 years its there mainly to protect you from bad OEMs that use poor parts that fail on mass over a 6 year period

Actually I think it certainly covers a lot of those things, maybe not batteries. At least here in Sweden it works that way. You are protected from hidden faults as well as ones that are apparent on first boot. Of course it would cover a logic board that would break for no reason after two months or even a year - since it is expected to work for far longer. Same with SSDs. It does not make sense to put the burden of checking that the logic board or SSD is adequate on purchase on the consumer.

Even IF you live in a country where your consumer laws are not sane insurance is not worth it. You are on average much better off putting the cost of AppleCare+ in a savings account and if something breaks you pay for the repair using that fund.
[doublepost=1514838114][/doublepost]

Have you ever tested this in practice though? I notice there that for the statutory warranties they are sending you thru the seller - so if you bought from Harvey Norman you would have to go back to Harvey Norman to get your cover? Sounds messy

I can only speak for how it works where I live, Sweden, but I would assume it would be similar in many other EU countries.

I've had to send a Mac back for repair once (and I've had something like 8 or 9 Macs) and that was 2 years after buying it. I did not have any kind of AppleCare+. I simply called Apple Sweden, told them it was broken, they told me where to bring it in. I did. Two working days later I had a working computer. No charge. I've ever only bought from Apple so I am unsure how it would work if you bought from a reseller.

To me it really sounds like a ****** deal to pay $379 just in order to not have to bring it to the reseller instead of Apple...

 

[Eldiablojoe]

I've been convinced. I bought it this morning. Now I may be out the money, but I no longer have to worry about it - sleeping easy for the next three years. At least as far as my MBP is concerned.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

I thought I read it's still possible to get just AC but you have to request it ?

I have never bought AC or AC+ but with newer build methods that can easily push repairs >$700 these days I'm not so sure

AC is $349, AC+ is $379. It’d be silly not to get AC+ if you’re going to buy the extended warranty.

 

[Natzoo]

I got it. One repair it will cover the cost of that. This laptop is expensive. If you are spending this much you can afford to spend a little more.

Oh yea i dropped my mac book pro, and i had apple care (2015 15") and was charged $650 for the new screen.

 

[jav6454]

Wow, $379 is a lot for Applecare+, is it worth it for a brand new (two week old) MBP 15-inch w Touch Bar?

It's a big chunk of change for an insurance policy. My MBP rarely leaves the house so accidental screen or clam shelling damage is unlikely.

As someone who bought a MacBook and had to use AppleCare due to a faulty logic board, yes, yes it is. Just the board itself was $849, not counting labor.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Actually I think it certainly covers a lot of those things, maybe not batteries. At least here in Sweden it works that way. You are protected from hidden faults as well as ones that are apparent on first boot. Of course it would cover a logic board that would break for no reason after two months or even a year - since it is expected to work for far longer. Same with SSDs. It does not make sense to put the burden of checking that the logic board or SSD is adequate on purchase on the consumer.

Even IF you live in a country where your consumer laws are not sane insurance is not worth it. You are on average much better off putting the cost of AppleCare+ in a savings account and if something breaks you pay for the repair using that fund.
[doublepost=1514838114][/doublepost]

I can only speak for how it works where I live, Sweden, but I would assume it would be similar in many other EU countries.

I've had to send a Mac back for repair once (and I've had something like 8 or 9 Macs) and that was 2 years after buying it. I did not have any kind of AppleCare+. I simply called Apple Sweden, told them it was broken, they told me where to bring it in. I did. Two working days later I had a working computer. No charge. I've ever only bought from Apple so I am unsure how it would work if you bought from a reseller.

To me it really sounds like a ****** deal to pay $379 just in order to not have to bring it to the reseller instead of Apple...

Sorry I think you misunderstood . I was not referring to the first 6 months where your rights are probably better than Apples warranty or the next 6 months where Apples warranty is probably easier option to use, Yes in the first year there should be no issues with Apple coverage.

It's post 1 year and up to 2 in some EU countries where EU law is different and up to 5 or 6 years dependent on EU country where you have the right to make a claim.

Post 6 months with EU law the burden of proof that the defect existed at time of purchase is on you, hence why Apple standard warranty may be easier. The EU law is similar for most of it's members :

Six months or more
"If a fault develops after the first six months, the burden is on you to prove that the product was faulty at the time of delivery.

In practice, this may require some form of expert report, opinion or evidence of similar problems across the product range.

The retailer can also make a deduction from any refund for fair use after the first 6 months of ownership if an attempt at a repair or replacement is unsuccessful.

You have up to six years to take a claim to the small claims court for faulty goods in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and five years in Scotland.

This doesn't mean that a product has to last six years - just that you have this length of time in which to make a claim if a retailer refuses to repair or replace a faulty product."

The bottom line is if you think you can knock on Apples door after 2 or more years with a bad logic board for example and expect an easy win under EU law you are sadly mistaken

Of course you are on better ground than most countries if you have documented evidence of a fault or defect (eg 1000's of reported failures) else you have to weigh up court fee's vs repair or discounted repair costs (after fare usage) if you win

Some easy to read links:

https://www.apple.com/ie/legal/statutory-warranty/

https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/what-do-i-do-if-i-have-a-faulty-product

https://www.eccireland.ie/

Else

I agree that maybe in EU you have a reasonable chance of coverage in the 2nd year of ownership so AC would only be giving you an extra year of good extended warranty but you may consider the possible reduced hassle worth the price

As I noted before I have never purchased AC or any other extended warranty other than on my Audis (mainly for resale value) and consider myself better than $4k in credit for not doing so

 

[The Mercurian]

AC is $349, AC+ is $379. It’d be silly not to get AC+ if you’re going to buy the extended warranty.

AC+ not actually available in every country however!
[doublepost=1514890850][/doublepost]

Sorry I think you misunderstood . I was not referring to the first 6 months where your rights are probably better than Apples warranty or the next 6 months where Apples warranty is probably easier option to use, Yes in the first year there should be no issues with Apple coverage.

It's post 1 year and up to 2 in some EU countries where EU law is different and up to 5 or 6 years dependent on EU country where you have the right to make a claim.

Post 6 months with EU law the burden of proof that the defect existed at time of purchase is on you, hence why Apple standard warranty may be easier. The EU law is similar for most of it's members :

Six months or more
"If a fault develops after the first six months, the burden is on you to prove that the product was faulty at the time of delivery.

In practice, this may require some form of expert report, opinion or evidence of similar problems across the product range.

The retailer can also make a deduction from any refund for fair use after the first 6 months of ownership if an attempt at a repair or replacement is unsuccessful.

You have up to six years to take a claim to the small claims court for faulty goods in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and five years in Scotland.

This doesn't mean that a product has to last six years - just that you have this length of time in which to make a claim if a retailer refuses to repair or replace a faulty product."

The bottom line is if you think you can knock on Apples door after 2 or more years with a bad logic board for example and expect an easy win under EU law you are sadly mistaken

Of course you are on better ground than most countries if you have documented evidence of a fault or defect (eg 1000's of reported failures) else you have to weigh up court fee's vs repair or discounted repair costs (after fare usage) if you win

Some easy to read links:

https://www.apple.com/ie/legal/statutory-warranty/

https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/what-do-i-do-if-i-have-a-faulty-product

https://www.eccireland.ie/

Else

I agree that maybe in EU you have a reasonable chance of coverage in the 2nd year of ownership so AC would only be giving you an extra year of good extended warranty but you may consider the possible reduced hassle worth the price

As I noted before I have never purchased AC or any other extended warranty other than on my Audis (mainly for resale value) and consider myself better than $4k in credit for not doing so

Interesting info.

I have always bought AC with laptops and several times had to use it. My current machine - 2014MBP I got both the screen and the bottom half of case replaced under AC (and some keys also), so I do feel its worth it. I would not like having to fight with them over EU regs when I need my machine in a hurry!!

 

[SteveJUAE]

AC+ not actually available in every country however!
[doublepost=1514890850][/doublepost]

Interesting info.

I have always bought AC with laptops and several times had to use it. My current machine - 2014MBP I got both the screen and the bottom half of case replaced under AC (and some keys also), so I do feel its worth it. I would not like having to fight with them over EU regs when I need my machine in a hurry!!

Thanks

Often there is a misconception with premium products and those that buy good watches and cars know only too well they all need regular servicing to last a lifetime

Apple laptops like many other premium laptops are different and contain some premium or unique parts, some aethetic qualities etc but are now erring closer to more disposable designer limited life products than some other premium products

If they were natively better then you simply would not need AC

 

[lionkin]

It's worth It, recently my apple care expire. If your macbook pro got issues after one year warranty that means repair cost will be really expensive.

 

[FirePak]

I consider it a necessity for a Macbook Pro. Most other things not so much.

 

[Amplelink]

As someone who bought a MacBook and had to use AppleCare due to a faulty logic board, yes, yes it is. Just the board itself was $849, not counting labor.

Damn. This post alone is making me consider it. Not even sure if I can get it anymore...

 

[jav6454]

Damn. This post alone is making me consider it. Not even sure if I can get it anymore...

Trust me, it's best to use it. 3 years a lot of time and AppleCare will surely pay for itself on just one visit. If you are a student, you can even get a hefty discount.

 

[SteveJUAE]

It's worth It, recently my apple care expire. If your macbook pro got issues after one year warranty that means repair cost will be really expensive.

And what happens if it does not go wrong

This is the trouble with risk assessment. The odds are in your favor that it won't go wrong after all you bought a quality product supposedly.

If MBP were dying every 2 or 3 years we would soon know about it The most risk is post the AC coverage period else they would offer a 5 year warranty, but the premium would be large as the risk increases greatly

The best reason to get AC is to own your MBP for 2 and a bit years and sell it with the remaining warranty thus giving you the easiest sale and best price whilst having +2 years peace of mind. Other than that its a numbers game that we have little knowledge or data to make an informed choice

Any where between 5% and 40% major repairs over a 5 year period would be my best guess

 

[The Mercurian]

And what happens if it does not go wrong

This is the trouble with risk assessment. The odds are in your favor that it won't go wrong after all you bought a quality product supposedly.

If MBP were dying every 2 or 3 years we would soon know about it The most risk is post the AC coverage period else they would offer a 5 year warranty, but the premium would be large as the risk increases greatly

The best reason to get AC is to own your MBP for 2 and a bit years and sell it with the remaining warranty thus giving you the easiest sale and best price whilst having +2 years peace of mind. Other than that its a numbers game that we have little knowledge or data to make an informed choice

Any where between 5% and 40% major repairs over a 5 year period would be my best guess

So my own statistical sample - since the first plastic white power pc macbook I've had up to 10 different macbooks. I'd say half of them had some issue requiring AppleCare in one way or another.

 

[SteveJUAE]

So my own statistical sample - since the first plastic white power pc macbook I've had up to 10 different macbooks. I'd say half of them had some issue requiring AppleCare in one way or another.

That seems a lot of bad luck
or
Is AC (ie paying up front for repairs) and Apple excellent service masking the fact they are just average so the premium you pay for Apple is not in it's component quality/reliability just the ease of repair

 

[The Mercurian]

That seems a lot of bad luck
or
Is AC (ie paying up front for repairs) and Apple excellent service masking the fact they are just average so the premium you pay in apple is not in it's component quality/reliability just the ease of repair

Hmm. I should say this too - the faults in the earlier models - the plastic macbooks were more serious - logic board fails and swelling batteries. The more recent one was staingate, a footpad falling off due to heat, and some worn keys (nevertheless - still nice to get those fixed). Although some of the middle machines I owned only for 1 or 2 years so arguably they were not tested for duration of Apple Care (for a while I liked to sell them with some apple care still left)

Going way back, of non Apple laptops I had two Dells - one lasted a long while, the other the keyboard died after about 2 years, an Acer - the GPU melted down after 18months (I played alot of games on it thou ), a HP was so slow as to be unusable, and going way back to late 90's I had a work provided IBM which was amazing in every way In the defence of the HP, I also found the PowerPc white Macbook I had around the same time to be unusably slow - only with the advent of intel chips were the macbooks any good.

So in summary - I think on average the macs have been a tad more reliable than the competition
But yes to some extent I see AC as buying me less hassle to get repairs (I am in Europe - we do have longer mandatory warranties - but if I need my machine back in a hurry I don't want to spend time arguing this with them). I do actually keep a second hand rMB I picked up cheap around as an emergency backup also.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Hmm. I should say this too - the faults in the earlier models - the plastic macbooks were more serious - logic board fails and swelling batteries. The more recent one was staingate, a footpad falling off due to heat, and some worn keys (nevertheless - still nice to get those fixed). Although some of the middle machines I owned only for 1 or 2 years so arguably they were not tested for duration of Apple Care (for a while I liked to sell them with some apple care still left)

Going way back, of non Apple laptops I had two Dells - one lasted a long while, the other the keyboard died after about 2 years, an Acer - the GPU melted down after 18months (I played alot of games on it thou ), a HP was so slow as to be unusable, and going way back to late 90's I had a work provided IBM which was amazing in every way In the defence of the HP, I also found the PowerPc white Macbook I had around the same time to be unusably slow - only with the advent of intel chips were the macbooks any good.

So in summary - I think on average the macs have been a tad more reliable than the competition
But yes to some extent I see AC as buying me less hassle to get repairs (I am in Europe - we do have longer mandatory warranties - but if I need my machine back in a hurry I don't want to spend time arguing this with them). I do actually keep a second hand rMB I picked up cheap around as an emergency backup also.

I agree they seem to do better over the 1st 3 years but it's a lottery with any good OEM after that

My kids white macbooks had all sorts of bits falling off them but no serious faults excluding screen peeling and a graphics chip on one that cost $125 to fix

 

[The Mercurian]

I agree they seem to do better over the 1st 3 years but it's a lottery with any good OEM after that

My kids white macbooks had all sorts of bits falling off them but no serious faults excluding screen peeling and a graphics chip on one that cost $125 to fix

I think it was the PowerPC Whitebook that went through 3 logic boards and 2 batteries!!

I had a Black Macbook after that - it did need 1 battery replacement but that was easy since you could do it yourself (fond memories). I later sold it to a friend - he tells me it still works now although the battery only lasts a few minutes!