AppleCare VS SquareTrade?

[mrhuynh94]

Hey guys, I will be buying a new Macbook Pro 13". I am also thinking about getting AppleCare. I will get the student discount which will cost my 180 for AppleCare. The thing is, AppleCare doesnt seem to cover that much. Pretty much just manufacturer defects, which I think will be unlikely with apple. So should I purchase the AppleCare or go on Amazon and purchase the 3 year SquareTrade Drop+Spills warranty for the same price? Thanks!

 

[robgendreau]

Why would a student be worried about accidental damage instead of just defects? Can't imagine....

I think you're on the right track. Might be a bit harder to get some stuff repaired, but Apple Care is pretty expensive for what you get. Remember if you buy it: you're betting their stuff is gonna be defective, they are betting it won't be. You'll have economic classes that will discuss that, but my vote is with the house.

Rob

 

[rrm998]

Sounds like a trade off: Accidental Damage coverage versus 3 years of Apple technical support. I opted for Apple Care so I can get technical support. And I've already used it. Of course that probably makes more sense for a newbie like myself.

 

[Maven1975]

Another way is Apple Care for speedy repairs and a State Farm insurance policy that covers accidental damage and theft for $50 per year.

 

[GGJstudios]

I agree with maflynn:

This subject has been raised numerous times, and my recommendation is to do a search

here's a few
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1396328/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1366037/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1338355/

Bottom line, applecare is for defects and lasts only 2 years after the initial 1 year warranty. Squaretrade is an insurance policy against things other then defects

Edit: here's more
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1194929/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1272576/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1091603/
AppleCare vs SquareTrade?
AppleCare -vs- SquareTrade for MacBook Pros????
New Macbook Pro owner...AppleCare? or SquareTrade?
anyone use squaretrade as insurance?
Warning about squaretrade

 

[ericrwalker]

Why would a student be worried about accidental damage instead of just defects? Can't imagine....

"spills" of course.

 

[Dronac]

Time to make your decision harder! Some credit cards offer their own warranty extension. American Express extends warranties by 1 year (if the factory warranty is 5 years or less or something like that). IIRC, someone on this forum used their AmEx warranty to get their Macbook replaced when they didn't have Applecare. It's a bit less convenient, but it doesn't cost you anything (assuming you pay it off and avoid interest).

I'm not sure if I'll drop the money on AppleCare since I bought my MBPr with my AmEx.

 

[striker33]

If you are a student, then you already have 3 years worth of AppleCare for parts and labour. The only thing you dont get is telephone support for software etc.

Of course if you bought the Macbook elsewhere, then you wont have the extra warranty, but I cant see why any student wouldnt order from Apple directly through their education store.

 

[Silmarien]

If you are a student, then you already have 3 years worth of AppleCare for parts and labour. The only thing you dont get is telephone support for software etc.

I thought that was the case only in the UK. Am I mistaken?

 

[gmanist1000]

If you are a student, then you already have 3 years worth of AppleCare for parts and labour. The only thing you dont get is telephone support for software etc.

Of course if you bought the Macbook elsewhere, then you wont have the extra warranty, but I cant see why any student wouldnt order from Apple directly through their education store.

That's UK only. The US must pay the $240 fee. It's discounted if you're a student, just not included.

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I thought that was the case only in the UK. Am I mistaken?

No you're correct. Only the UK has it included.