AppleCare Protection Plan - MacBook. Is it worth it?

Munster_Fan

Hi All,

Just about to purchase a MacBook(higher speced white @ €1250). Is the protection plan @ €319 worth it? Seems like an aweful lot of money for protection that I would have expected would come as standard.

Thanks in advance.

Cabaal

Its all about peace of mind, I got it while in the states cause it was so much cheaper then buying it in Ireland, to be honest if you want less hassel with repairs and your worried about such things then its a good buy.

If not then its a waste of time/money.

Simon201

Why dont you get this -

eBay item 230143871375

Sad Professor

Applecare is only worth getting for the telephone support imo, that's what you're really paying for. So if your new to computers and need someone to guide you through any problems you might experience then get it, otherwise leave it, Google is your friend.

Afaik under Irish law Apple is required to cover any defects for up to two years anyway (but don't expect them to admit this).

So leave it for now, if you change your mind you can get it anytime within the first year. But for a macbook... personally I wouldn't bother bother.

Munster_Fan

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I'm pretty computer literate so I dont think i'll need the extended telephone support. Only buying it for the extended warranty. Interesting comment about how Apple may have to provide warranty for 2 years in Ireland.

The eBay option looks very competitive but is there any issues with fraud. Eg someone sells me a plan that has already been activated for another MacBook. Can a plan from the states be used on a MacBook bought in Ireland?

I guess it boils down to: how reliable are the Macbooks under normal use. There's more of a chance that I'll spill something on the MacBook or cause damage thru my own fault - this wont be covered under the Applecare plan (as far as I am aware). Might be better off spending the money on getting the MacBook added to the accidental damage part of my house insurance.

Cabaal

Sad Professor wrote:

Afaik under Irish law Apple is required to cover any defects for up to two years anyway (but don't expect them to admit this).

Any links covering this, would be handy to give people something to refer to

uncle_sam_ie

Well, we have a G5 iMac that's over two years old and the DVD has packed in. I won't have to pay for it to be fixed, because I got the Applecare. Being that portables are more prone to breaking, Applecare would be worth it in my mind. If you know anyone in the US then try to get them get it for you over. It's much cheaper there.

Sad Professor

Cabaal wrote:

Any links covering this, would be handy to give people something to refer to

http://www.euroconsumatori.org/16856v18340d18510.html

In Ireland consumers have a right to a minimum guarantee of six years on products. In the first six months any lack of conformity shall be presumed to have existed at the time of delivery, unless proved otherwise. After the first six months it is up to the consumer to prove that the lack of conformity existed at the time of delivery.
In the first 2 years the consumer is entitled to have the goods brought into conformity free of charge. In the first place, the consumer may require the seller to repair the goods or he may require the seller to replace them, unless this is impossible or disproportionate.

...

Voluntary guarantees given by a producer do not restrict the statutory rights of consumers.

whiterebel

Interesting about the two years. i would love to see what Argos, Currys etc will make of that. With regard to the Laptop, one repair could cost more than the price of the APP.

Cabaal

whiterebel wrote:

Interesting about the two years. i would love to see what Argos, Currys etc will make of that. With regard to the Laptop, one repair could cost more than the price of the APP.

Its certainly very interesting, something I must try in the future.

Druid

Are all applecare products the same?

Ive a friend in the states at the minute and was going to get them to pick up applecare for my (first) MBP from smalldog.

Ive noticed other online retailers in the states selling applecare at much reduced rates. The people in smalldog say that I will be covered in Dublin. Im just curious if the cheaper applecare deals could have some terms and conditions?

Has anyone bought from the states and if so, where?

TIA

Hugh_C

uncle_sam_ie wrote:

Being that portables are more prone to breaking

Don't know if I'd agree. I've ben through two portables since 1999 and have recently got my 3rd - a MacBook. Four years of daily usage isn't bad for a laptop is it?

Sad Professor

Going back to the subject of the two year guarantee I mentioned earlier it seems I may have been mistaken. I've been discussing this over on the Xbox forum and while the EU directive in question was implemented here it seems they left out the bit about the seller being liable to you for 2 years.

Thumper Long

i bought the apple care for my macbook and power mac from ebay.com and never a problem, i get the codes emailed to be along with a screenshot of the original purchase, the guy i buy them off is shop4macs@macs.com , lots of friends have used him since and no probs either.

440Hz

I've lost count how many Macs ive had (all due to upgrade addiction and not issues with the machines) I've never gone for Applecare and never needed it. Ordered my second MBP lately and didnt even considser applecare tbh.

Gauge

My parents will be in New York this year and I want them to pick up Applecare for me because it's so much cheaper. Can they just buy it in the Apple Store, or do they need proof of purchase/ an american address/etc?

Cabaal

I called Apple about this and they told me I'd have to register it to a USA address, so I bought applecare while in Las Vegas, took it home and it allowed me to register the whole thing to a Irish address

Gauge

Excellent, so they can pick it up no problem and I can register it when they bring it home?

McSandwich

If you qualify for education discount it can save quite a bit - €372 versus €449 for Macbook Pro (saving €72)*

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/irlstore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=149731CE&nplm=MA515

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/IrlInd.woa/6184044/wa/PSLID?mco=149731AF&nplm=MA515&wosid=CR3HLiLsN0DD3VCWi269o0o9vB6

*Edited for clarity

Simon201

McSandwich wrote:

€76 for Macbook Pro:

ah jeez! I though you meant that was the price for students! I was nearly diggin out me shorts and sachel from the attic!:D

McSandwich

Simon201 wrote:

ah jeez! I though you meant that was the price for students! I was nearly diggin out me shorts and sachel from the attic!:D

Sorry about that - if only