Customer Reviews

AppleCare Protection Plan (MacBook/iBook) OLD VERSION

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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. :)

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.

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.

Its really nice that this can all be done online now, no need to waste energy shipping some paper out to you.... Worked well and was instant coverage gratification, great deal...

I don't care what you buy - Mac or PC, but when it comes to a laptop, rule #1 is get the extended warranty. A desktop PC doesn't matter as much since you open up, take it out of the box and it just sits there. A laptop on the other hand, you take it out and then move it around all the time. It can wear out the system that much faster. If you're on the fence if you need the extended warranty for the Apple computer - I'd highly recommend it.

This product was priced below Apple's price - including shipping, which is free with Apple. It was received in a timely manner, and very easy to set up and use. I have used it once, and it was just as advertised. I am very happy with it.

Probably not necessary, since Apple products are so reliable, but I decided to treat myself to the luxury of extended phone support.

I made a mistake and had to cancel my order.....they responded IMMEDIATELY and cancelled the order without a problem! Will work with them again!!!

Apple is no different from PC. The Protection Care Plan is a joke! BEWARE!

I bought my first MacBook (the first generation Air) from Apple two and half years ago and have had nothing but trouble. After the first year, the Air had to go in for a full logic board replacement (despite the fact the the computer was noted by Apple Store reps as "fine" and had no water damage, had not been dropped and did not even have one scratch. After about two years, the Air had to go in for another major repair and the second logic board had to be replaced along with the top cover, display and eight other repairs. Less than four months after that it is now at an "authorized Mac retailer" (Core Mac in Rochester, New York which resembles a dirty, abandoned building) for a complete hard drive replacement. In the meantime, Apple just keeps sending me in for repairs rather than admitting that I purchased a damaged machine or "bad Apple" and giving me a replacement. I have lost critical data from the latest malfunction and have not had a working computer for almost one week. This is my first Mac and I am extremely discouraged. Basically they do not stand up for their products and throw up their hands (same as the other less expensive PC manufacturers) when it really comes time to help. Do not waste your money buying either a MacBook or the costly Apple Care Protection Plan unless you have the time and gas to schlep it from retailer to authorized retailer, trying to get it repaired. It is impossible to get a replacement for bad equipment and this part of the Plan is a complete fraud. SAVE YOUR MONEY AND BEWARE!

Ok, though this is not a thorough review of apple care since I have not used it much yet, I just want to remind everyone that when you purchase apple care there is a disclaimer on it that says it does not cover any user damage. Though some may ignore this disclaimer, it is VERY IMPORTANT...

A few months ago I wasn't paying attention and spilled juice on my macbook pro's keyboard (yes, a dumb move on my part). The keys still work though, but they are sticky. However, when I went to the apple store they told me they couldn't do anything about it even though I had apple care...after I did more research I found out that if you tell apple you harmed your computer in any way even it was accidental, or if they somehow assume you caused harm to it, they could void your warranty. This is because apple thinks that any harm you caused your computer is your fault and therefore do not want to take responsibility to help you, even if the harm you caused it couldn't of caused your other problems...

Another example of why apple care does not help everyone is how a friend of mine somehow caused a dent in his macbook computer and went to apple for some help. They also told him they wouldn't do anything for him, and again, though he was not told at that moment, the dent could void his warranty in future visits. I have heard from others if you bother the tech's enough at the apple store they will help you. I am unsure of this but I hope that's true.

I am not saying apple care sucks but just be very careful on how you handle your computer because apple care does not cover everything and could void it if enough damage is done...I would also love to know how other warranties on pc computers compare to similar issues if anyone wants to share...