27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must-have...especially for Apple newbies., May 31, 2006
This review is from: AppleCare Protection Plan (MacBook/iBook) OLD VERSION (Personal Computers)
As a former professional tech support rep + current technology buff, I have mixed feelings about AppleCare (AC). Despite such sentiments, AppleCare is a MUST PURCHASE on all Apple systems. Note: it is not renewable and it must be purchased before factory warranty expires.
First things first, you're ahead of the curve by comparing AC price. 'AppleCare' is AppleCare regardless of price paid for it. Amazon and other merchants/auction sites can offer the service at prices sometimes 1/3rd less than Apple. Ensure the vendor is reputable, however. Apple cannot guarantee AppleCare validity purchased elsewhere. Moreover, save your AC purchase receipt; unused AC warranty (regardless of vendor) is refundable by Apple if supported by an original receipt + purchase price.
Second, run out on warranty and good luck getting solid AppleCare hardware support via Apple or authorized repair centers. An active, AC account should equate in most instances to no money out of pocket for repairs. Note, however, that AppleCare does not cover all hardware defects. A trio of poor screen pixels will not be repaired. Ditto on 'cosmetic' issues which Apple deems 'normal wear and tear.' Still, AC has proven a godsend over the years for my misc. Apple hardware defects.
Related, Apple is notorious for odd hardware defects on new model lines (see their AppleCare forums for reference BEFORE purchasing a system). In most instances + backed by a little assertive persistence (I've had my fair share of wars over the years), Apple will honor AC warranty in repairing any of these widespread types of issues. FYI: unless a machine is purchased from the Apple Store directly and less than a week ago -- even with significant hardware defects -- Apple will not replace a unit...except, perhaps, via an act of God. :)
Third and for newbies in particular, AC is the King of Software Support. Even the simplest of questions AC reps are happy to answer. While I disagree with folks below that AC 1st (or even 2nd tier) + Apple Store tech support reps are all-knowing, they are -- as a whole -- the nicest, most patient people you'll ever encounter. They call you back, stay past closing, the phone support has wonderful hours (love that PST). Besides, their hold music explains the popularity of the iTunes store; good stuff!
Before I get lambasted by Dell owners and/or or Mac-o-philes, this a review on AC...NOT Apple. Thus, I highly recomend the product -- at the best possible purchase price! -- for ocassionally flawed but always well supported product. Moreover, AC owners get preferential treatment both from AC phone and Genius Bar support. Don't leave home without it. :)
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
51 of 56 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
worth its weight in Wozinaks!, November 15, 2004
This review is from: AppleCare Protection Plan (MacBook/iBook) OLD VERSION (Personal Computers)
Apple makes fantastic products - in my opinion, Macs are the best personal computers a person can own - but they are computers. The hard drive has moving parts and there are tens of thousands of connections on the circuitboards inside such a small place. Things can go wrong, but you can't go wrong with the AppleCare Protection Plan. The plan extends your complimentary phone support from 90 days to 3 years. This means you can call them every day (if you needed to, which is doubtful) for 3 years via one toll-free number - not just with hardware questions, but also for help with the Operating System and the i-Apps such as iPhoto, iTunes, iDVD and GarageBand.
I have used AppleCare more than once and their support just can't be beat. You don't get sent to some clueless person who's never seen a Mac and barely has command of English - you get real Apple Certified Technicians who are very nice and never lose patience with you. I have never been disappointed by their assistance.
As an iBook user, you can take your iBook to any authorized AppleCare Technician anywhere in the world to get it repaired. If you're travelling to Paris, just swing by the Apple Store there and they will fix it there, even though you bought the machine in the US. If you don't get the AppleCare Protection plan, even during the 1 yr window of "free" protection, you'd have to ship the unit back to the US and have a friend or family member take it in for you.
The APP comes with a copy of Tech Tools Deluxe, a great diagnostic and repair tool for common problems. The APP provides peace of mind and is the best investment you can make for your new iBook purchase.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Never buy an apple laptop without it, April 20, 2006
This review is from: AppleCare Protection Plan (MacBook/iBook) OLD VERSION (Personal Computers)
Apple makes a good operating system these days but I've had a lot of hardware problems with my apple laptops over the last few years. Even the units that were basically desk machines has issues. If you plan on using your laptop for more than a year, you will want to get this extra coverage.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No