Apple ProCare

[jsw]

You're 100% wrong. Panther does not come with iLife. So, it's $129 + $49

No, not 100% wrong. Panther come with iMovie, iPhoto, and iTunes. It doesn't come with iDVD or GarageBand. So, yeah, not iLife '04. But much of iLife.

 

[rdowns]

ok, I too stopped into the Apple Store to ask a few questions cause this sounded pretty lame to me at first.

Basically, nothing currently happening is going away...

There is this new thing called standard care that you used to only get when you bought a computer and the applecare, now EVERYONE who buys a computer gets it - free airport/ram installs, sortware updates, printer/scanner drivers - for anyone who buys a computer.

Then there is pro care - $99 a year for 24 hour repairs on desktops, 48 hours on laptops - wow, if you can't be without the computer, that's worth it (basically if you are complaining about waiting two weeks for a repair, would it be worth $99 to get it back overnight??? something to think about..) - maybe we feel as if we shouldn't have to wait but when i worked at circuit city you were lucky to see your computer back in a month!!!! 2 weeks sounds pretty reasonable to me! (and you can also book an appt with a mac genius a week in advance!)

it looks like a lot of the junk on that page is marketing crap.... of course we all get to try out the computer, or course we can take the computer home with us - they said that they're not taking anything away, just adding some new stuff - so yeah, they're trying to make it sound better than it is, but if you can't function without your computer... i guess $99 could be worth it

(oh yeah, and pro care does not pay for service, that is either under warranty or paid for - pro care makes it fast)

p-man

Enough with the bitching and moaning people. If you don't see the value in it, don't buy it.

I do question the making an appt. with a genius a week in advance. Seems to me, a problem occurs and you need to speak with a genius now. Or does OS X schedule its problems in advance? Maybe I should check iCal.

 

[AngryLawnGnome]

This is crap. We already dish out tons of money for their damn computers. Why should we have to pay more for good service? Lord knows the Apple store sucks at that already. Now they're going to make it even worse because some people are willing to pay a hundred bucks and buy into this garbage. Why on earth do they feel the need to do this?

 

[oingoboingo]

Enough with the bitching and moaning people. If you don't see the value in it, don't buy it.

Sorry, we were all under the impression that this was an open discussion forum for talking about Apple's products and services...even the ones which some people don't like. But you go ahead and buy the ProCard...it sounds like you will get value for money out of it and you'll be really happy with it. Not everyone is of that opinion though.

 

[jsw]

This is crap. We already dish out tons of money for their damn computers. Why should we have to pay more for good service? Lord knows the Apple store sucks at that already.

There's a vast number of Wintel vendors who would be happy to have your money. I've not had any problems with either Apple Care or with service from Apple. Maybe I'm just lucky. But if you think the service sucks, take your business elsewhere.

 

[jsw]

Sorry, we were all under the impression that this was an open discussion forum for talking about Apple's products and services...even the ones which some people don't like. But you go ahead and buy the ProCard...it sounds like you will get value for money out of it and you'll be really happy with it. Not everyone is of that opinion though.

There is a difference between (a) having an opinion that a particular Apple product or service is not worth the price, and (b) ranting about how terrible it is that Apple has decided once again to screw us with another massive fee. If ProCare were mandatory, the posters would have a point. It isn't. They still have a point, but it's hidden behind the misguided rants.

 

[nagromme]

I have an idea

I have an idea:

Let's all jump on this program as if it were taking things away from us, BEFORE we know the details.

Sound fun? 🙂

 

[AngryLawnGnome]

There's a vast number of Wintel vendors who would be happy to have your money. I've not had any problems with either Apple Care or with service from Apple. Maybe I'm just lucky. But if you think the service sucks, take your business elsewhere.

Don't get me wrong - I love Apple - and they sure do a great job of fixing your computer at the Apple store, but from experience I know that it takes literally an hour just to pick up your computer after it's been fixed, when all they have to do is have you sign a form. When I took my Powerbook in to get fixed, there were five employees working there (that I could see) and four people crowded around the genius bar waiting for help. I was in the store for two hours. The actual time it took me to tell them my problem and show them that I have Apple Care was about ten minutes. This is the terrible service I was talking about. Now they want to charge more money so that people can cut in front of people like me who know what a rip off this is, and waste their time. It's already a hassle to go there, and now it's a hassle that you can pay a hundred bucks to deal with. Apple doesn't need my hundred dollars. I already bought Apple Care.

 

[rdowns]

Sorry, we were all under the impression that this was an open discussion forum for talking about Apple's products and services...even the ones which some people don't like. But you go ahead and buy the ProCard...it sounds like you will get value for money out of it and you'll be really happy with it. Not everyone is of that opinion though.

I have no intention of buying it. I see no value in it for ME. I'm sure many will see value in it for them.

 

[Fukui]

You're 100% wrong. Panther does not come with iLife. So, it's $129 + $49

Actually it does come with iLife. Just not 2004. New macs do however.

 

[oingoboingo]

I have an idea:

Let's all jump on this program as if it were taking things away from us, BEFORE we know the details.

Sound fun? 🙂

Damn right it does! Has everyone complaining about the complaining forgotten what this forum and web site is about? Rumours! Talking about rumours! Speculating! Shooting your mouth off without all the facts! 🙂

Seriously...what do people expect? Would anyone bother to read Macrumors.com if all people were willing to say was "Yes, this is potentially an interesting development. However, I will not comment further until all the details are publically available and I have had time to trial the product, conduct a detailed investigation and prepare a 75 page competitive analysis of its position in the marketplace." Blah. Unless Steve Jobs and the Apple executives are posting here, it's all just about opinionated enthusiasts arguing with each other over plans, products and marketing campaigns which we have the most minimal understanding of. And it's great. 😀

Err, sorry, so back on topic. When will Apple bring this ProCard stuff to Australia so I can complain about it locally?!?!?!?

 

[AngryLawnGnome]

...Has everyone complaining about the complaining forgotten what this forum and web site is about? Rumours! Talking about rumours! Speculating! Shooting your mouth off without all the facts!...

This announcement is a fact. The details are listed on Apple's site. But I'm with you; Macrumors kicks ass.

 

[garybooberry]

Paying off the mob for good service.

I love Apple, but won't bite on this one.

 

[rtdunham]

wow, this is a super advantage...

from apple's announcement: "Purchase any Mac, software, or accessory from our store inventory and take it with you today."

I mean, if THAT isn't worth $99/year, what is? I hate it when i buy a book at Barnes & Noble but have to pass the three-day waiting period before I can go back and get it. And when i bought that frig at sears, i almost died waiting for the two-day cooling off period to pass. It's going to be a real thrill, seeing a product in inventory at the store, and knowing that i can pay for it at the register and TAKE IT WITH ME!!!!

So THAT is what those bags are for. Wondered....

terry dunham 🙄

 

[Some_Big_Spoon]

Nero played his fiddle as Rome burned.

This is crap. We already dish out tons of money for their damn computers. Why should we have to pay more for good service? Lord knows the Apple store sucks at that already. Now they're going to make it even worse because some people are willing to pay a hundred bucks and buy into this garbage. Why on earth do they feel the need to do this?

 

[Some_Big_Spoon]

No Garage Band, No iDVD. iDVD is part of iLife, no iDVD, no iLife. Panther comes with 3 of the 4 older versions of the software package, and those 3 versions are dead in the water.. no more updates.

You sound like you either work at Apple, or you're Steve Jobs love child. The company has been making quite a few mistakes as of late..Shouldn't we question that? Shouldn't that be our right? Perhaps not.

Then Linux

Actually it does come with iLife. Just not 2004. New macs do however.

 

[Some_Big_Spoon]

Isn't Apple's problem right now, without this that people specifically aren't walking out of Apple's stores with products?🙄 I don't think they'll be denying people older machines, just letting the pheebs that fork out the $99 "reserve" new machines for release day pickup. Maybe it's just for the drooling Mac Addicts (read apologizers) to make sure they get the latest gadget.. right now! *sigh* Makes you want to sell suger water instead of changing the world..

from apple's announcement: "Purchase any Mac, software, or accessory from our store inventory and take it with you today."

I mean, if THAT isn't worth $99/year, what is? I hate it when i buy a book at Barnes & Noble but have to pass the three-day waiting period before I can go back and get it. And when i bought that frig at sears, i almost died waiting for the two-day cooling off period to pass. It's going to be a real thrill, seeing a product in inventory at the store, and knowing that i can pay for it at the register and TAKE IT WITH ME!!!!

So THAT is what those bags are for. Wondered....

terry dunham 🙄

 

[mikeintosh]

I would've bought this for my 17" PowerBook if the SF store had been open at the time...

I sent my laptop in on 2/3 due to white spots and failed AirPort antenna. By 2/23, the repair still wasn't complete. I was furious - why the hell did I pay $349 for AppleCare and be without my primary Mac? Apple, to its credit, completely replaced the machine and I had a brand new PowerBook on 2/27. That obviously speaks more for their customer service than for their support.

I went to the Apple Store today, and got a description of the plan. I've got to say, since I depend on my Mac so much for work (and my employer doesn't support Macs), and I have to support it myself, I am considering this. I wouldn't have considered it prior to the store opening. However, I am going to ask what the differences between that and my current Apple Care; if it turn out i can get a better deal with this Procare, I will ask for a prorated refund on my AppleCare plan.

Bad idea, and I'll tell you why:

Applecare and ProCare are two COMPLETELY different things. Applecare is the warranty for the machine. It's what covers your computer when things go wrong. It's what you call when you need phone support.

ProCare is an OPTION that CERTAIN CUSTOMERS may want when they purchase their computer. You would be surprised how many people WANT and NEED next day service. You'd be surprised how many people would love to reserve time with a genius of their choice. Have you ever been to any of the more trafficked stores? Have you seen the wait there is to speak to a genius? It can be anywhere from 0-1hr wait.

I don't know why ANY OF YOU ARE COMPLAINING. You haven't lost anything, and for the most part this affects no one who has replied to this thread. In fact, you've all gained the ability to buy a mac and get everything installed for free now(without the purchase of apple care). 90% of the people in this thread have no clue what they are talking about and just want a reason to bash Apple because their G17 hypercooled holograpic 32" desktop system hasn't came out yet. Get over it.

 

[ITR 81]

You're 100% wrong. Panther does not come with iLife. So, it's $129 + $49

No your wrong.
I was referring to iLife from last yr not iLife 4.

But what do you care. I still will get iLife 4 with the next ver. of OSX 10.4 and for only $69 bucks.

 

[Some_Big_Spoon]

Are you sure about that? will 10.4 have iLife included? Where's your info? Link? Press release? Hopeful speculation?

"you're" = you are

No your wrong.
I was referring to iLife from last yr not iLife 4.

But what do you care. I still will get iLife 4 with the next ver. of OSX 10.4 and for only $69 bucks.

 

[oingoboingo]

I don't know why ANY OF YOU ARE COMPLAINING. You haven't lost anything, and for the most part this affects no one who has replied to this thread. In fact, you've all gained the ability to buy a mac and get everything installed for free now(without the purchase of apple care).

Just to check something...if I buy a system from Apple's online store and configure RAM, AirPort, different hard drive etc, these options will be installed for me at no extra cost. Is this different in Apple Stores? Is there a charge for, say, upgrading the RAM in a system at purchase time versus just taking home the box with no changes made? My experience (in Australia) has been that extra options were fitted at purchase time at no extra charge anyway. The AirPort Extreme card and the extra 512MB of RAM in my 12" PowerBook were installed while I waited in-store for free. Is there a different policy in the US?

 

[jsw]

I continue to be amazed at the apparent anger over an optional service Apple is offering for its business customers. Of the people complaining about how they're being screwed once again by Apple, are any of you people who depend on your Mac as a vital daily business tool?

If not, then bugger off. The service isn't for you.

 

[solvs]

Well, this does seem kinda pointless, and something I'd probably never use. Just another way for Apple (you know, a business) to get your money. How dare they charge for providing a service. But I'm not gonna whine and b*tch about it.

Oh... wait. I just did. Damn. Well, I ain't buyin' .Mac either. But whatever, some people like it. No sense posting the same thing over and over again. You don't like it, don't buy it.

 

[jsw]

Are you sure about that? will 10.4 have iLife included? Where's your info? Link? Press release? Hopeful speculation?

iLife is a hook to get people to buy new Macs. It isn't part of any OS X release, although pieces of it are. Therefore, I don't see why this is relevant. Also, no one is forced to buy iLife, so I don't see what the complaining is all about. If it's worth it to you, buy it. If not, quit whining.

 

[jsw]

Just to check something...if I buy a system from Apple's online store and configure RAM, AirPort, different hard drive etc, these options will be installed for me at no extra cost. Is this different in Apple Stores? Is there a charge for, say, upgrading the RAM in a system at purchase time versus just taking home the box with no changes made? My experience (in Australia) has been that extra options were fitted at purchase time at no extra charge anyway. The AirPort Extreme card and the extra 512MB of RAM in my 12" PowerBook were installed while I waited in-store for free. Is there a different policy in the US?

Technically, the Stores here in the States are supposed to charge for installing the card and the RAM, although many might tend not to. Now, though, it's all free.