Applecare = AMAZING

[alphaod]

So I had another issue with my iMac's superdrive again with scratching discs, its about the 3/4th time this has happen within the year. So today I called up applecare and ask to speak to a customer relations rep and she was like thats odd having that in one year so she was like okay I will issue you a replacement with a new 24 inch entry iMac. I was like okay sounds good, but fact is I was planing on selling me current mac anyways in order to get a Unibody Macbook Pro. So out of curiosity I asked if she could replace it with a Unibody Macbook Pro instead for the hell of it. She was like sorry no can't happen as they are in different groups, ie. desktop, notebook. So we go ahead with iMac replacement and she asks for my credit card info in order to send out the replacement. I said hold on a sec while I go get my card. It turns out when I came back on the phone she said she would go ask her supervisor if I could get the Macbook Pro instead. So she comes back about 7 minutes later and was like okay my supervisor said I could send you the Unibody Macbook Pro. Then she goes and tells me the specs and its the higher end 13 inch one with a 320 GB HD. I was so happyyy not only did I get a Macbook Pro, but the higher end 13 inch one! She also said she would refund me the money I spent on my Applecare plan since its still in its first year so they are also refunding that so I can put the towards the Applecare for the Macbook as she couldn't just transfer them! I love Apple's customer support! The Macbook Pro should be here within a few days.

Next time (if there will be one), I would ask for store credit and then you can pretty much order the one you want or not buy a computer at all

 

[Onay]

I don't get this thread. Your macs are falling apart and you're all singing praises to Apple. I've never seen people so happy to have something break and then merrily get it fixed for an extra fee.

Agreed. We have to pay hundreds of dollars to get service that you should get with buying a $2700 machine automatically.


Also, does the 1 year warranty cover any fixes for defective parts/issues that are not your fault?

 

[Simon 5000]

Easy fanboy. I'm just stating an observation. There are plenty of threads stating dissatisfaction with Apple customer care as well. (And not everyone gets a shiny new macbook).

I'm not a fanboy, I've had my Macbook Pro for 5 days.

 

[whooleytoo]

congrats, i dont know why people still buying desktop , laptop are amazing

For so many reasons. Compare the lowest-end iMac with the lowest-end 15" MBP: the iMac has a faster processor, more L2 cache, faster hard drive, more USB ports, has a much bigger screen, is more ergonomic to use and will probably last longer. And it's 550 euros cheaper here. That, to me, is a compelling argument.

Plus, after my experiences with my MBP (random shutdowns, bulging battery, difficulties sleeping, difficulties waking, power adaptor melting through cable, replacement power adaptor cable failing at other end), I'm not that inclined to buy another Mac laptop. Given the power problems, I'm particularly wary of buying a laptop where I can't replace the battery easily.

I'm actually in two minds - either I'm the prime case for buying AppleCare, or I'm thinking why should I have to pay extra to get a laptop that works?

 

[Richard1028]

Also, does the 1 year warranty cover any fixes for defective parts/issues that are not your fault?

Yes... these issues are covered during the first year without any additional warranty fee. This is the industry standard though and nothing unique to Apple.

 

[AnotherFanBoy]

If you buy AppleCare on the last day of your 1 year warranty, does it make any difference? Does AppleCare start on the day you buy it or at the end of your free 1 year warranty?

I'm planning to buy it with my MBP because I'll get it for like £47 because I'm a student

 

[mls64]

If you buy AppleCare on the last day of your 1 year warranty, does it make any difference? Does AppleCare start on the day you buy it or at the end of your free 1 year warranty?

I'm planning to buy it with my MBP because I'll get it for like £47 because I'm a student

You have until the last day of the first year to register the applecare. It will extend the warranty for two years. So, no matter when you buy the applecare within the original warranty period, it adds two years after the original warranty is over.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I don't get this thread. Your macs are falling apart and you're all singing praises to Apple. I've never seen people so happy to have something break and then merrily get it fixed for an extra fee.

Applecare gives peace of mind - which is why I have it and recommend it strongly to anyone who buys an expensive computer. One of the reasons I switched to Apple is that they honour their warranties. Two iPods of mine died while still under warranty (battery issues) and were replaced without a murmur and without seeking refuge in contractual small print, which is something that impressed me as it was a level of customer care which was not the norm. So it is not quite "fanboy" stuff, it is more an acknowledgement of good customer care.

To the OP, that's a good tale and congratulations on your new MBP.

To AnotherFanBoy, mls64 is correct; you have until the last day of the first year after your purchase to buy Applecare - which extends the warranty for another two years - but not another day after day. For peace of mind, I'd recommend that you not wait until the last day, but get it a week or so before the initial year expires.

Cheers

 

[stainlessliquid]

It surprises me that people are surprised that their $350 warranties actually work. Its what you pay for, its the law. Every extended warranty Ive seen will replace your lemon with a new machine of the closest specs available.

 

[yahoodlums]

I'll just add that you can buy Applecare for less than half price on eBay. Make sure you shop around...

 

[Luba]

Most extended warranties you get hassled when you file a claim or set traps, and even with Apple there's some variations . . . depends on who you talk to or which manager is working that day.

Was reading the fine print of the extended warranty on a new car. For the extended warranty to stay in effect I had to change the oil every 4,000 miles or every 4 months. If I changed it just one time at 4,001 miles I am sure they would have used that against me. So I didn't buy it since it would have been way too stressful to make sure I kept up.

Will definitely check out eBay for AppleCare, but if these are legit AppleCare plans from how can they offer them for less than half price? Just wondering about their business plan. How are they able to get it from Apple at say, 25% of regular price and then sell it to us at 50% off?

 

[xIGmanIx]

It surprises me that people are surprised that their $350 warranties actually work. Its what you pay for, its the law. Every extended warranty Ive seen will replace your lemon with a new machine of the closest specs available.

Not all extended warranties are created equal. You have to read the fine print, some of them, if they replace the entire product, the extended warranty is then satisfied and terminated due to the terms agreed upon. Only the good ones will replace up to the value of the system for the duration of the agreement.

 

[DoNoHarm]

i don't understand how apple makes money with the warranty. sending the mac in and back for repairs must cost $100 at least. Even the most basic warranty repair will likely cost $100 in parts and labor. Replace a logic board or display and we're talking half a click.... By the very nature of computers something will go bad in three years, too.

 

[coolbreeze]

i don't understand how apple makes money with the warranty. sending the mac in and back for repairs must cost $100 at least. Even the most basic warranty repair will likely cost $100 in parts and labor. Replace a logic board or display and we're talking half a click.... By the very nature of computers something will go bad in three years, too.

I'm certain Apple has a little piggy bank that helps with this. Besides, any extended warranty is a money maker...otherwise, nobody would be able to offer them. I'd wager to bet the great majority of Apple care purchasers never use it.

 

[Richard1028]

So it is not quite "fanboy" stuff, it is more an acknowledgement of good customer care.

LOL. How does honoring a warranty equate to "good customer care"? Apple is only doing what they said they would do. And this surprises you? Man, some of you guys have low expectations when it comes to warranties. You paid for this "customer care", it's built into the price of your mac.

 

[Richard1028]

Besides, any extended warranty is a money maker...otherwise, nobody would be able to offer them. I'd wager to bet the great majority of Apple care purchasers never use it.

You are right. The industry makes more money off service agreements than it does on the product itself. Buy anything in any store (Best Buy, Wal-Mart, etc.) and the clerk will immediately ask if you want the extended service plan. Most people will never use it.

I do have Applecare but I never paid $250, $150 or even $100 for it. I bought a sealed box off a guy for $75. I guarantee I'll use it as I'm pretty rough on laptops - there hasn't been one made that I didn't wear out in 18 months.

 

[DoNoHarm]

You are right. The industry makes more money off service agreements than it does on the product itself. Buy anything in any store (Best Buy, Wal-Mart, etc.) and the clerk will immediately ask if you want the extended service plan. Most people will never use it.

I do have Applecare but I never paid $250, $150 or even $100 for it. I bought a sealed box off a guy for $75. I guarantee I'll use it as I'm pretty rough on laptops - there hasn't been one made that I didn't wear out in 18 months.

If that's the case, I'm one of those "deviants" that has the accountants shaking their heads and going "hmmmmm".

 

[Luba]

Well, I think that shows if other insurance companies offering extended warranties honorably they would get more business and probably make more profit. Another similar example, for the rust proofing in cars. The fine print said you had to bring your car in once a year for an inspection. They knew chances are most didn't read the fine print and even if they did, they would forget to have it inspected once a year. Time to make a claim, "oh you didn't get it inspected, claim denied."

Thing I don't like about AppleCare is that they used to be very strict about only replacing it with the exact item, no credit towards something newer. I can understand where Apple's coming from because how do you value an old part. It certainly it's worth as much as you paid for it 2 years later.

With the AppleCare on the iPhone, you get a refurbished one, even if something went wrong in the 1st year! Never understood that one. Why with a defective iPhone is a customer not entitled to a new one?? Apple has a thriving refurbished market.

LOL. How does honoring a warranty equate to "good customer care"? Apple is only doing what they said they would do. And this surprises you? Man, some of you guys have low expectations when it comes to warranties. You paid for this "customer care", it's built into the price of your mac.

 

[Luba]

Wonder if GM or Ford honored their warranties as good as Apple if we would walk away happy, and essentially "forget" and put aside the fact we got something defective.