«2 more years free of worry»
I purchased Apple Care after owning my MacBook for 11 months and having had no problems with the computer. Because I'd had Apple Care for my first iPod and actually needed a replacement after the first year, I wanted to feel a little more secure about traveling with this laptop should a problem arise. Two weeks after the first anniversary of this computer, the hard drive crashed -- a first for me from which I learned to back up. back up, back up. I went to the Genius Bar where it was confirmed that the drive had gone to heaven, and an hour later, I walked out with a working laptop containing a new hard drive, all at the cost of the cup of coffee I bought while waiting the hour for the repair. I understand that not everyone lives near an Apple Store, so this is even more reason to buy this "extended warranty." I'm now having problems with my optical drive and have an appointment scheduled for a new drive, at no further cost to me. I do not buy extended warranties for appliances or cars, but if I intend to keep an Apple product for more than a year, I buy the Apple Care in the 11th month and consider it as an investment.
[Monday, January 05, 2009]
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«Applecare not the value it once was...»
As a matter of policy, I've been getting AppleCare for my MacBooks for many years now. I had the hinge on one of my Powerbooks go bad and the screen tore right off the case one day. I sent it back to Apple and they fixed it right up no problem. Applecare really saved the day.
The thing is, I've noticed a trend in the last few years and I've begun to wonder if I'm on the wrong track. I've had a few hardware problems and in each case Apple has sends me to see a "genius" at one of their local Apple stores. They used to send a prepaid return shipping box to my door which I found considerably more convenient. They are still willing to fix problems at no charge, however, it takes 7-10 days. That's far too long to be without my computer - particularly when the issue is straightforward. I've got a problem with my screen right now, as a matter of fact, but I've been avoiding getting the service due to the lengthy service time.
So, basically, I'm paying for AppleCare but I'm not really benefiting from it. If it was less expensive, the insurance policy might be more palatable but honestly I've been getting less and less value out of my AppleCare purchases.
My other significant complaint is the way AppleCare is attached to the computer only. You can't cancel it for a prorated refund or transfer it to another computer. Further, you really can't transfer Applecare to another user when you sell your computer - even though Apple says you can. I've tried it and it just doesn't work. I'm still listed as the owner on several of my old computers even though I sent in all the paperwork (yes paperwork!) as required. What this means is that I don't get all the coverage I paid for.
OK, so I will offer this one other thought. If you're going to buy AppleCare, buy it on Amazon. It's cheaper and there's no difference in the coverage. I'll get off my soapbox now.
[Sunday, January 04, 2009]
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«No problem registering online»
I have had Macs forever and I would never be without Applecare. I was reluctant to purchase this from Amazon as some reviewers had trouble registering online,ie having to fax a copy of the invoice, being told they should have ordered from Apple, etc. For the $60 savings over the Apple Store price I figured it would be worth any hassle. There was absolutely no problem and I received my plan certificate almost immediately via e-mail.
[Monday, December 29, 2008]
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