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Mac mini M1 worth getting AppleCare?

S

satchmo

macrumors 603
Original poster
Aug 6, 2008
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Given its a desktop and that it costs relatively little, is it even worth getting AppleCare?

I can understand a portable device like a MBP, iPad or iPhone where you might drop it.

The Mac mini isn’t going to move much. Even if you plan on keeping it for years, I’d think it may be cheaper to buy a new one after and likely you got a few years of maintenance free service.
 
In Australia we have 2 years warranty so not really, MacBook I’d think about it due to accidental breakage, iPhone, Watch definitely yes
 
I’ve owned Macs since 2009 and never bothered with Apple Care. I’m lucky to live in The Netherlands where Consumer rights state that a product (as long as it’s not damaged) needs to work properly during it’s normal lifespan. For a Computer, that’s 7 years.
Most consumers aren’t aware of this and most companies don’t want you to know this.. So when doing a warranty claim on 3 year old product, you do need a very healthy dose of assertiveness, patience, and likability. (As in; never start yelling or cursing, always be nice, and don’t be an ***hole about “knowing your rights”, all the while being persistent. It’s a fine line.)
 
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satchmo said:
Given its a desktop and that it costs relatively little, is it even worth getting AppleCare?

I can understand a portable device like a MBP, iPad or iPhone where you might drop it.

The Mac mini isn’t going to move much. Even if you plan on keeping it for years, I’d think it may be cheaper to buy a new one after and likely you got a few years of maintenance free service.
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From what I could find, it looks like it's $99 for the mini.
If you get a bto model, it could be $1000+ for the mac.

But even if you get the base model, it's like any 'insurance', can you afford to outlay the full price again if you say drop a pint of liquid on it, or (depending where you live), after 12 months and out of warranty something goes pop.

Personally I would have AC.
 
Of the various Mac models, the Mini has the best reputation for reliability (not needing service).
So I'd skip the AppleCare on a Mini purchase...
 
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It costs about $35 a year for AC on a Mini. M1. I have wasted way more than $35 a year on computer gear. It is very cheap insurance to have.
 
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ipsedixit said:
Ok, you can pay me the $35, and I'll replace your M1 should anything happen to it after a year.
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Ooooh - you could go into business doing that. I bet you'd make a FORTUNE!

(Former insurance worker...)

I've never purchased AppleCare. I could have used it with my eMac all those years ago when it had bad caps, even though that WAS a manufacturer issue, and Australian law should have protected me. (I would have pursued it further if needed, but an email to S Jobs proved just as good as AppleCare on that occasion.)
 
I suppose in the end it's down to personal preference....;)

After 12 months you could claim off your home ins, pay the excess (probably more than AC cost), then your premium goes up the next year.
I have always had AC on my macs and ipad pro, never on phones (anything getting up to £1k value), but thankfully never had to use it. But then I am a 'worrying Walter' so prefer to be covered....:p
 
MarkC426 said:
I suppose in the end it's down to personal preference....;)

After 12 months you could claim off your home ins, pay the excess (probably more than AC cost), then your premium goes up the next year.
I have always had AC on my macs and ipad pro, never on phones (anything getting up to £1k value), but thankfully never had to use it. But then I am a 'worrying Walter' so prefer to be covered....:p
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You would only be claiming on home insurance if it was physically broken from an accident or stolen I guess and that is hopefully unlikely with a desktop. For simple mechanical issues it's standard warranty or consumer law with no need for Apple Care. Having never made a claim on equipment or home insurance in 30+ years I am starting to think that just being careful is your best insurance.
 
I have heard much talk of this UK statutory cover, but AFAIK nothing has more than 12 months warranty unless additional cover is purchased.
In which case why do Apple offer AC, Currys/PCWorld/Argos 3 year extended cover etc etc.....🤔
 
MarkC426 said:
I have heard much talk of this UK statutory cover, but AFAIK nothing has more than 12 months warranty unless additional cover is purchased.
In which case why do Apple offer AC, Currys/PCWorld/Argos 3 year additional cover etc etc.....🤔
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It's very similar to what @Hessel89 wrote earlier with the situation in the Netherlands. The law is clear, however retailers will generally go out of their way to hide this or just be awkward, so it can take persistence at times to have a valid claim honoured. In a sense the 12 month warranty is almost a smoke screen and if you check the small print it may mention something about not affecting your statutory rights.

Very often the shop staff themselves are ignorant of the law and when told simply quote "company policy", as though that overrides the law. You may as well be dealing with Del Boy or Rodney.

A good reason for buying direct from Apple, rather than a retailer is that they fully concede this point now, which wasn't always the case and you can always point to that link on their website. The same Apple rep I asked about Apple Care said that other sellers might not be so helpful. As for those 3 years additional cover deals etc I view those as a total waste of money.
 
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ashleykaryl said:
A good reason for buying direct from Apple, rather than a retailer is that they fully concede this point now, which wasn't always the case and you can always point to that link on their website. The same Apple rep I asked about Apple Care said that other sellers might not be so helpful. As for those 3 years additional cover deals etc I view those as a total waste of money.
Click to expand...

Yes, forgot to mention that, this works best if you purchase directly from Apple.
 
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