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Is Applecare a rip-off?

R

redryder

macrumors member
Original poster
Mar 7, 2010
96
0
I bought my 27” imac in July last year. A few days ago it refused to power on, and I sent it back to the service centre yesterday. I don’t know what’s wrong with it yet, but the apple tech on the phone kept trying to sell me Applecare for another 2 more years. Should I buy Applecare?

Generally I don’t buy extended warranties since they tend to be a ripoff. But since my imac has already exhibited a serious problem, I’m wondering if it would be more prone to problems in the future. What do you guys think?
 
Let's buy a $2000 computer but screw the $180 applecare???????

In all seriousness, yes, its worth every penny, to save some money go to the educational store and you could save $50 on it. t A lot of things can go wrong, and for an all in one computer, its definitely worth it.
 
 
Back in the powerpc era, I wouldn't say so. But now it seems like there's just so much problems with the intel iMacs that I would have otherwise bought it. I still might too as well, as I too am having some issues with my iMac.

It still is matter of personal opinion though.
 
just to put it this way, if your imac ever needs service then labor alone is around 300 dollars(depending on what failed), plus parts.

130 dollars for 2 extra years is worth it imo
 
I work for a company that is Apple Certified. We do all of our own warranty work in house. I see everything from Macbooks to Mac Pros that have problems. I would say around half of the stuff is out of warranty or have accidental damage. That being said I think the Apple Care is a great idea if you plan on keeping the laptop for 2 more years. I personally have had 0 problems with my Apple stuff, however I see enough to know it can happen.
 
Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.80 (J2ME/MIDP; Opera Mini/5.1.22296/23.377; U; en) Presto/2.5.25 Version/10.54)

Knoweb codex
 
In my opinion, especially in the case of the iMac which more so than many computers was designed as a closed system, it looks like a good investment insurance policy.
 
It depends, I think. It's really worth it:
-If you like having phone support
-If you add in a Cinema Display with your Mac

Buy it from Amazon. I wouldn't buy it full price from Apple.
 
For me, it's worth it.

I had problems with my last iMac towards the end of 3 years.

I end up getting a new machine for free, the rest of my applecare refunded, and a magic trackpad as a compensation.

I just pay for another applecare for my new iMac.

you can buy applecare from education store for a steeper discount.
 
Ravich said:
Buying an apple product without apple care is a rip off.
Click to expand...

no its not ;), that would be called plain stupid if someone buys a Mac without apple care
considering all the latest little problems with Mac's:D

sorry to disappoint all who still believe apple does build first class hardware that will never fail :(
 
Last edited:
Yeah, Its expensive but its worth it. I had to replace a few things while I had the warranty (it's expired now) and I believe the stuff either equalled the amount of apple care or it was more. So I'm glad I bought it.
 
Keep in mind your consumer rights. Here in the Netherlands we have a two-year warranty for devices such as computers and laptops, instead of the often advertised one year.
 
AppleCare is insurance. Insurance that covers very little. It's like an extended service agreement on your car. It's fiscally a bad deal, but it may be worth it to you if you don't want to worry about whether or not you'll be covered for the 3 years, and if you can't afford to replace your computer if it fails in year 2 or 3. After owning many macs, I've spent SIGNFICANTLY less in repairs on my various devices than I would have spent buying applecare for all of them.
 
One man's opinion

For all the talk of Apple's quality, I have had to replace the following on my home configuration...all after the 1st year of ownership
1. logic board in my MBP (due to GPU issues)
2. Hard Drive in my MBP
3. 30" Cinema display

I did have Applecare and it was worth every damned penny.

:cool:
 
It's the only extended warranty I've ever bought (and I'm glad I did, as my DVD drive broke). Perhaps it should be priced a tad lower, but I wouldn't call it a rip-off.
 
The state of Maine has a 4 year implied warranty which costs me nothing.

AppleCare is 3 years which costs more than nothing.

Yes, it's a rip-off if you live in Maine.
 
The iMac has the best computer price to AppleCare price ratio of any Mac I think.

It's a bargain, especially if you can get the educational price on the AppleCare.

Compare my 13" MacBook Pro. Computer 1200, AppleCare 250, basically 1/5 of the price.
iMac... Computer 2200, AppleCare 170. About 1/13 of the price.

bargain. covers anything for 3 solid years. sounds like a brilliant idea to me. why skip it, especially for that price?
 
I'd get AppleCare if I were only of those people who plan to use their laptops on the go. I would blame you for not getting it on the iMac. Might as well take your chances.
 
Bought an imac,over 2 years later I had problems with the hard drive and a few screen pixs were out. they replaced the whole computer......Apple care priceless in my book! the help on phone or at genius bar is amazingly easy and very informative if you just ask. I highly recommend it. been reading MacRumors for years and I'm still a newbie.. LOL
 
redryder said:
I bought my 27” imac in July last year. A few days ago it refused to power on, and I sent it back to the service centre yesterday. I don’t know what’s wrong with it yet, but the apple tech on the phone kept trying to sell me Applecare for another 2 more years. Should I buy Applecare?

Generally I don’t buy extended warranties since they tend to be a ripoff. But since my imac has already exhibited a serious problem, I’m wondering if it would be more prone to problems in the future. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

Why the general dislike of extended warranties? Upon what are you basing your view that they "tend to be a ripoff"?
 
Irishman said:
Why the general dislike of extended warranties? Upon what are you basing your view that they "tend to be a ripoff"?
Click to expand...

I think he means that extended warranties of any kind are statistically a loss for the consumer. That of course doesn't mean those that have them and end up needing them don't benefit from it greatly.

Personally, I think the price of iMac AppleCare is dirt cheap when you consider how un-user-serviceable it is.

On a Mac Pro for example, I'd take my chances. And AppleCare is expensive for it. But you can address any problem that might arise and buy parts if needed. MacBooks, sort of a necessary evil though.

iMacs though. Its a steal to pay $160 for a $2000 computer that will obligate Apple to repair and replace any failing components over the course of three years.
 
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