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iPod AppleCare?
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All Apple portable products (iBook, iPod, PowerBook) are covered worldwide, no matter where you buy them from.
Best buy warranty
its 4 years for 40 bucks.
Covers the battery and...... covers wear and tear. just does NOT cover obvious misuse and abuse. so don't throw it at the anoying kid sitting in the row in front of you on the plane.
its 4 years for 40 bucks.
Covers the battery and...... covers wear and tear. just does NOT cover obvious misuse and abuse. so don't throw it at the anoying kid sitting in the row in front of you on the plane.
Applecare is significantly cheaper in the educational market, something like a third off. I know that the Powerbook Applecare is only $239, which as someone pointed out also covers an Apple display.
All in all, it's not a bad idea, but it's really a personal decision. The main advantage for average consumers is the three-year phone support, because Apple handles both the OS and the hardware. Try to troubleshoot a Windows driver problem... call Microsoft, call Dell, call the third-party hardware manufacturer... good luck getting them to help you. Laptops can easily cost $400 plus for relatively minor repairs, but I cycle my computer every two years or less so I'm not concerned. I'd rather use that money to buy a new system.
Just a note on extended warranties, but it's pretty common knowledge: those companies make 50% or better margins on warranties, which is why they can afford to pay their salesmen large commissions on those sales, and that's why you get bugged to buy it every time. I've only seen it work out for a few people, most never end up using the warranty at all. It's like gambling or insurance, it can really pay off sometimes if they have to give you a newer/better model.
All in all, it's not a bad idea, but it's really a personal decision. The main advantage for average consumers is the three-year phone support, because Apple handles both the OS and the hardware. Try to troubleshoot a Windows driver problem... call Microsoft, call Dell, call the third-party hardware manufacturer... good luck getting them to help you. Laptops can easily cost $400 plus for relatively minor repairs, but I cycle my computer every two years or less so I'm not concerned. I'd rather use that money to buy a new system.
Just a note on extended warranties, but it's pretty common knowledge: those companies make 50% or better margins on warranties, which is why they can afford to pay their salesmen large commissions on those sales, and that's why you get bugged to buy it every time. I've only seen it work out for a few people, most never end up using the warranty at all. It's like gambling or insurance, it can really pay off sometimes if they have to give you a newer/better model.
Best Buy, etc. warranties are far better than Applecare
mainly because Applecare (in its latest iteration) specifically excludes batteries as a wear and tear item, while those retail extended service contracts appear not to specifically exclude batteries.
And given my personal experiences with Applecare for the 3 new iBook logic boards I've had, you are likely to have less hassle with a Best Buy where you can walk in and get an immediate replacement.
Apple really gives you the third degree now - asks you time and again are there any scratches or other evidence of damage to your portable?
Well, of course there are scratches - you can't breathe on the iBook's polycarbonate case without generating superficial surface scratches.
But I'm sure not going to tell that to the Applecare rep who is obviously looking for any excuse to deny a valid in-warranty repair.
Expect the same third degree from Apple if you buy Applecare for the iPod.
I'm going to sell my (direct from Apple) iPod before the warranty is up and buy the next one from Best Buy, along with their $50 or less extended service contract
If you are in the market for a new iPod you should do the same.
mainly because Applecare (in its latest iteration) specifically excludes batteries as a wear and tear item, while those retail extended service contracts appear not to specifically exclude batteries.
And given my personal experiences with Applecare for the 3 new iBook logic boards I've had, you are likely to have less hassle with a Best Buy where you can walk in and get an immediate replacement.
Apple really gives you the third degree now - asks you time and again are there any scratches or other evidence of damage to your portable?
Well, of course there are scratches - you can't breathe on the iBook's polycarbonate case without generating superficial surface scratches.
But I'm sure not going to tell that to the Applecare rep who is obviously looking for any excuse to deny a valid in-warranty repair.
Expect the same third degree from Apple if you buy Applecare for the iPod.
I'm going to sell my (direct from Apple) iPod before the warranty is up and buy the next one from Best Buy, along with their $50 or less extended service contract
If you are in the market for a new iPod you should do the same.
We do not know if it will cover batteries but it will probably like they do on bad battery on my laptop.
As for getting logic boards replaced...a friend of mine that bought the $999 iBook at CompUSA got both AppleCare and CompUSA insurance for his son.
When the logicboard went out on the first time it took CompUSA here 3 weeks to do something about it. When it happen again he took it to AppleCare and it was replaced in 1 week. He said he wouldn't recommend CompUSA insurance because it just takes them too long to do anything. I met him as I was buying my 15inch PB there.
As for getting logic boards replaced...a friend of mine that bought the $999 iBook at CompUSA got both AppleCare and CompUSA insurance for his son.
When the logicboard went out on the first time it took CompUSA here 3 weeks to do something about it. When it happen again he took it to AppleCare and it was replaced in 1 week. He said he wouldn't recommend CompUSA insurance because it just takes them too long to do anything. I met him as I was buying my 15inch PB there.
Gizmotoy
macrumors 65816
I've traded up numerous broken devices through Best Buy's protection plans. I'm not a big fan of the store itself, but they are extremely lenient about those plans.
A friend of mine (who used to work there) would get a new PDA every 6 months because he'd give the thing a good whack on a desk and trade up to the new model. Definately not the most honest thing to do, for sure, but does show that you'll get very little resistance if you want a new unit to replace your broken one.
A friend of mine (who used to work there) would get a new PDA every 6 months because he'd give the thing a good whack on a desk and trade up to the new model. Definately not the most honest thing to do, for sure, but does show that you'll get very little resistance if you want a new unit to replace your broken one.
gwuMACaddict
macrumors 68040
'my friend' 😉 has also had similar results at circuit city and best buy. 😉
that being said, i think apple care for an ipod is sorta worthless. unless they price it reasonably.
tap vs rep
I work at compusa, and while there may be problems with the tap plans on computers, the replacement plans on ipods are a steal. Actually, according to company policy, were not supposed to sell it on ipods, but we do anyway. It covers everything, even accidental damage like a drop, and we'll replace it with a new one when you bring it in. I think it's fair to have to buy coverage with every replacement, because of the anything-goes policy. That's just my opinion.
I work at compusa, and while there may be problems with the tap plans on computers, the replacement plans on ipods are a steal. Actually, according to company policy, were not supposed to sell it on ipods, but we do anyway. It covers everything, even accidental damage like a drop, and we'll replace it with a new one when you bring it in. I think it's fair to have to buy coverage with every replacement, because of the anything-goes policy. That's just my opinion.
Re: Re: CompUSA
It does work that way, but if your iPod breaks 2 years into the extended coverage, then you only have one year on the new iPod, which really does you no good anymore, you've already got the manufacturer's warranty from Apple now. (on the new one)
Think of it this way. You buy the first iPod, get the extra warranty ($50), and say every three years it breaks. You're spending $50 every three years to get a newer, updated iPod model. You will get a new model too, because the middle man (CC & BB) won't have refurbs, they only carry the new stock. Very nice deal on small electronics. When I used to work at BB, people would take advantage of this and say, drop their PDA in water and take it in to get a newer model... 😀
If the AppleCare is going to be the same on the iPod, I would say CC & BB's plans are WAY better.
P.S. And keep me out of your dealings... 😉
It does work that way, but if your iPod breaks 2 years into the extended coverage, then you only have one year on the new iPod, which really does you no good anymore, you've already got the manufacturer's warranty from Apple now. (on the new one)
Think of it this way. You buy the first iPod, get the extra warranty ($50), and say every three years it breaks. You're spending $50 every three years to get a newer, updated iPod model. You will get a new model too, because the middle man (CC & BB) won't have refurbs, they only carry the new stock. Very nice deal on small electronics. When I used to work at BB, people would take advantage of this and say, drop their PDA in water and take it in to get a newer model... 😀
If the AppleCare is going to be the same on the iPod, I would say CC & BB's plans are WAY better.
P.S. And keep me out of your dealings... 😉
I had once heard that you can actually purchase a CompUSA extended warranty on a product even if you didn't buy the product from CompUSA. Anyone know if that's true? (it's not easy to find such info on the web site)
SiliconAddict
macrumors 603
OK I can easily see why they don't do this.
Imagine if you will "
hmmm a new iPod model is coming out. Oops I broke the hard drive. (Which has since that time been discontinued.) I guess Apple will have to give me a brand new iPod.
This type of behavior is all too common with PDA's. I'm guessing Apple doesn't want to start dealing with dishonest people and to be fair I think a standard extended warantee is good enough. If you abuse it or **** it up its your fault not Apple's.
Plus you can bet that Apple would jack up the price to an unreasonable level if they did do this. This is a good deal. Dont complain. Would you prefer they didnt offer Applecare at all?
As for working right and quality control. Ya right. These devices are thrown in backpacks. Throw in pockets. Overheated in cars. Frozen in cars. And to top it off have a high speed spinning disk that can get messed up. (Imagine jogging with an iPod.)
The warrantee is there to cover hardware defects from everyday use not the occasional drop down the stairs.
mrsebastian
macrumors 6502a
Re: Battery Replacement plan
that's exactly what pisses me off! it sucks that i'm going to give apple $500 for an mp3 player and $50 (guessing) for applecare. then in a year or so, i gotta dish out another $100, all because apple used a faulty battery in the first place and it's not covered under applercare... wtf!
that's exactly what pisses me off! it sucks that i'm going to give apple $500 for an mp3 player and $50 (guessing) for applecare. then in a year or so, i gotta dish out another $100, all because apple used a faulty battery in the first place and it's not covered under applercare... wtf!
iPod AppleCare
The iPod warranty has now been updated to cover the product for one year, however after the first 90 days have passed if your iPod requires service you must pay $30 to send the unit in for warranty repair. If Applecare comes out for the iPod $40-60 seems like a reasonable price range, but most likely it will not cover battery replacement since they just announced a $99 battery replacement program. And to those complaining about AppleCare not covering "dropped" products. NO WARRANTY, extended or not covers physical damage.
The iPod warranty has now been updated to cover the product for one year, however after the first 90 days have passed if your iPod requires service you must pay $30 to send the unit in for warranty repair. If Applecare comes out for the iPod $40-60 seems like a reasonable price range, but most likely it will not cover battery replacement since they just announced a $99 battery replacement program. And to those complaining about AppleCare not covering "dropped" products. NO WARRANTY, extended or not covers physical damage.
Dippo
macrumors 65816
I had this happen to me when I broke the screen on my PDA. I bought the Bestbuy extended warranty, and the guy who sold it to me said that it covered broken screens. Boy was he a LIAR! Not only could I not get back the $50 I spent on the warranty, I had to buy a new screen.
Of course I had a laptop that I snapped the power jack off the motherboard and I took it in for service and they fixed it for free.
Except for things that are clearly abuse or damage caused by the user, I think that it will be covered.
MacFan26
macrumors 65816
Yeah, I think people need to remember that. My mom tripped on her ethernet cord and ripped the entire side panel of ports out of her iBook. And she thought some of it should have been taken care of with AppleCare, but she ended up spending some $400 to fix everything. AppleCare doesn't cover accidents!
peterjhill
macrumors 65816
We Need CompleteCare
Dell allows you to get coverage similar to the current AppleCare, but also has an optional Complete Care program. It is more expensive but covers any damage or problems. You could take a sledge to your Dell Laptop and the next day they would come and replace it so it was as good as new (or at least as good as refurbished).
Apple needs to offer similar options for their machines, at least for laptops.
As for iPod coverage, I think that 40 dollars would be the most anyone would spend, any more than that and no one would purchase the coverage.
I do think that Apple should extend AppleCare to iPods purchased with a CPU, as the do with Displays. I got applecare for my new G5. If I never use, i will be a happy camper.
Dell allows you to get coverage similar to the current AppleCare, but also has an optional Complete Care program. It is more expensive but covers any damage or problems. You could take a sledge to your Dell Laptop and the next day they would come and replace it so it was as good as new (or at least as good as refurbished).
Apple needs to offer similar options for their machines, at least for laptops.
As for iPod coverage, I think that 40 dollars would be the most anyone would spend, any more than that and no one would purchase the coverage.
I do think that Apple should extend AppleCare to iPods purchased with a CPU, as the do with Displays. I got applecare for my new G5. If I never use, i will be a happy camper.
The battery replacement program will be probably phased out as soon as the AppleCare program comes out.
Apple only started the battery replacement program is the cure folks with defective battery issues.
Like all AppleCare on Laptops it will also cover the battery.
If CC and BB have programs like that..all it will mean is that Apple will sell more and more iPods because if folks bring one in every 6 months and it gets replaced by new one..so no matter what Apple will make more profits because of this.
Talk to a friend at CompUSA and he said they sold 100 iPods over last week. He said they are having problems now keeping them in stock.
Apple only started the battery replacement program is the cure folks with defective battery issues.
Like all AppleCare on Laptops it will also cover the battery.
If CC and BB have programs like that..all it will mean is that Apple will sell more and more iPods because if folks bring one in every 6 months and it gets replaced by new one..so no matter what Apple will make more profits because of this.
Talk to a friend at CompUSA and he said they sold 100 iPods over last week. He said they are having problems now keeping them in stock.
johnnyjibbs
macrumors 68030
If they did that, they would have gone bust years ago. In 4 years I could take my worn out PB 12" 1GHz and get it replaced with a PB12" G6 8GHz for free. Then in another few years...😀
You may even be covered on your house insurance, although it's a bit of a grey area when you are out and about with a laptop or iPod! (All credit card purchases have limited cover also - you may not get it replaced, but they may cough up something if it gets nicked).
I thought the battery replacement was for people who purchased their iPod without the opportunity to purchase the extended AppleCare...
You know I didn't think about 1,2 gen users...with that standing then I bet the AppleCare program probably will only cover new sells and folks that bought gen 3 that are still under their 1 yr warranties.
crazytom
macrumors 6502a
I wouldn't waste my money!
AppleCare specifically says that it only covers 'Apple branded' items. Who knows what is Apple branded inside an iPod? I've always 'burned in' my electronic gear when I get it (run it constantly for at least a week)...if anything is going to break, it most likely will be in that initial period.
I bring this up because I had a bad video card in my G4 Dual MDD...Apple wouldn't replace it, I had to contact ATI (and ATI didn't send me a loaner while my card was being fixed). I haven't had very good experiences dealing with Apple (especially with my MDD). I never get the extended coverage either, Apple gets enough of my money as it is.
AppleCare specifically says that it only covers 'Apple branded' items. Who knows what is Apple branded inside an iPod? I've always 'burned in' my electronic gear when I get it (run it constantly for at least a week)...if anything is going to break, it most likely will be in that initial period.
I bring this up because I had a bad video card in my G4 Dual MDD...Apple wouldn't replace it, I had to contact ATI (and ATI didn't send me a loaner while my card was being fixed). I haven't had very good experiences dealing with Apple (especially with my MDD). I never get the extended coverage either, Apple gets enough of my money as it is.