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email this storyIs AppleCare Worth it for Your Apple Purchase
Posted by: Spencer // January 28 2010
To be honest, I usually don’t see much value in extended warranties. That being said, I’ve purchased AppleCare on my last two Macs, my iPhone, and my iPod. Sure, if you don’t use it, it’s a waste - but I’ve used my AppleCare warranties enough to make it worth the expense. Here’s how AppleCare works:
AppleCare extends the coverage on your Macintosh, iPod or iPhone device. Generally, Apple products come with a one-year warranty on hardware and 90 days of technical support (on the phone or in an Apple store). AppleCare extends that to three years of hardware and technical support on computers, and two years on iPods and iPhones. For the full coverage period, you can walk into any Apple store or pick up a phone and have your problem fixed.
When, the power supply died on my last iMac, I walked into the Apple Store and just 30 minutes later walked out with a working computer. But my most recent experience may be the best example of AppleCare’s value.
The optical drive on my Intel iMac recently died. I made an appointment with the local Apple store, and they quickly determined that it would have to be replaced. Two days later, I received a call from the Apple store telling me that the drive was fixed, but that during the repair they had noticed that my screen was a little dim. They actually wanted permission for me to replace it, so what else could I say? “Sure!”
Another two days in the shop, and my computer was returned to me with a new optical drive and a new screen. Apple’s total cost for the repair, if I had to cover it out of my own pocket, would have been $940. Now consider this: my AppleCare warranty only cost me $169 – and I still have over a year and a half left on it. Now that’s pretty damn Sly.
If it were just for repairs, it would be worth it, but AppleCare goes beyond that. If you can’t get something to work, and just need a little handholding either on the phone or in person, it’s covered. If you’re having trouble connecting to a network or a printer, help is just a call a way. The cost of the warranty is well worth it for those situations too.
A few tips:
- AppleCare can be purchased any time within the first year of ownership.
- Apple peripherals such as the Time Capsule or Airport Express are also covered if purchased within two years of the Mac.
- AppleCare ranges in price from $39 for the iPod Shuffle, to $349 for the MacBook Pro.
- You can purchase your AppleCare from any retailer – Amazon’s prices are usually $5 less with no shipping or taxes. (Amazon affiliate link)
- AppleCare doesn’t cover physical damage due to accidents or carelessness.
- If your iPod or iPhone battery drops below 50% capacity, the battery will be replaced. But…
- Notebook batteries are not covered unless the failure is due to a manufacturer’s defect.
For the cost of AppleCare, you’re getting your own IT support squad. As with any warranty, read the fine print. I know this though: I will never buy a Mac without AppleCare.
