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Amity 3 · Oct 16, 2006, 03:58 PM

just looking for opinions on whether or not it's a worthwhile addition. I've read that most problems will reveal themselves within the first year. thanks for any input.

brokenjago · Oct 16, 2006, 04:00 PM

In my experience, that is not the case. I would go for it. If something like your Loagic Board goes bad, that's a $600 or so repair. AppleCare is less than one third that price.

::maroma:: · Oct 16, 2006, 04:18 PM

Its pretty much a given that you should get the AppleCare with an iMac purchase. I think mainly because the majority of the machine is not user serviceable. Also, Apple has top of the line customer service, and computers are odd things. They die for all sorts of reasons at all sorts of times. If you have the money, get it. Don't not get it just to save some extra cash.

Sherman Homan · Oct 16, 2006, 04:31 PM

Absolutely. Everything on that machine costs more than the price of Apple Care.

houltmac · Oct 16, 2006, 04:49 PM

I have to agree with the above posts. I'm not one to try and sell someone up at all, in fact I am dead set against it; but when it comes to computers of any kind it's always wise to cover yourself. AppleCare is a good service for a good price and you will always find a reason to use it.

Many people advise that notebooks are what AppleCare is "designed" for, however there are benefits to having it on desktop machines also. While many parts are cheaper in desktops than notebook, there is the consideration that the desktop hard drives for example are price balanced by their extra capacity. Logic boards and LCDs are the most likely things to "go" and they are also the two most expensive components so watch your back with that one also. Further you are entitled to "On-Site Service" with AppleCare on desktops which saves you even making the trip to the store.

Amity 3 · Oct 16, 2006, 05:28 PM

it makes sense. that big old LCD screen was the first thing I was worried about.

do you recommend it on a Macbook as well? and why is the price higher on a notebook?

::maroma:: · Oct 17, 2006, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by Amity 3

it makes sense. that big old LCD screen was the first thing I was worried about.

do you recommend it on a Macbook as well? and why is the price higher on a notebook?

Its recommended for Macbooks (or any notebook) even more so than iMacs. And I'm assuming the price is higher or notebooks because they end up getting fixed a lot more than desktops.

fk51785 · Oct 17, 2006, 04:38 PM

I am also thinking about getting the Apple Care.
I currently have 20' IC2D iMac and want make sure that I get the extended warranty.

bearcat2000 · Oct 17, 2006, 05:29 PM

There is no reason to purchase AppleCare for ANY Apple product before the end of it's first year unless you have an issue. Makes no sense to pay Apple for it before you need it. Just make sure you buy it before your Mac's first birthday.

Amity 3 · Oct 17, 2006, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by bearcat2000

There is no reason to purchase AppleCare for ANY Apple product before the end of it's first year unless you have an issue. Makes no sense to pay Apple for it before you need it. Just make sure you buy it before your Mac's first birthday.

that was my next question, how far out can you elect to purchase it. thanks for the heads-up.

monarch · Oct 18, 2006, 06:44 PM

Is it the same price if you buy it after your initial purchase? Is there a discount if you get it at the same time?

Eriamjh · Oct 19, 2006, 06:38 AM

Sometimes you can find AppleCare on sale online at various places. I saw it for iMacs once for $99.

Regarding warranties, most gold visas and MCs will double the warranty up to 1 additional year on anything you bought with it. This would give your iMac a two year warranty. You have to register the product with them and save your receipt (as always). If you plan on upgrading frequently, you'll be covered.

ajprice · Oct 19, 2006, 10:00 AM

I bought Applecare for my iPod just before it was a year old. It breaks up the costs a bit by not having to buy Applecare at the same time as paying for the Mac.

::maroma:: · Oct 19, 2006, 10:55 AM

Yeah there's nothing wrong with waiting on purchasing your AppleCare for about a year. Just be sure and remember! I've had friends wait, and then forget about it and then regret it when their Mac needs service 1 week after their Apple Warranty runs out.

GSixZero · Oct 19, 2006, 11:07 AM

Apple's customer service is great, and in my experience they can fudge most anything (dates, costs, reasons) to make your experience better, EXCEPT for trying to add applecare after your computer is one year old. That seems to be a never, no way, no how proposition.

Bakerman · Oct 21, 2006, 06:54 PM

I am not one who generally purchases extended warranties for things, whether they are cars, appliances or electronics.

However I did buy AppleCare for my 24" iMac as I thought it made sense. New model, big expensive screen and all.

Sych0 · Oct 25, 2006, 03:31 PM

Applecare on the imac isnt terribly expensive either. $170 for 2 years, thats $7/month

I had applecare on my g4 ibook. Its up in december and in august i had my logic board fail. Applecare on the ibook was $300, and to replace the logic board was $280 (covered of course). I'm glad I got it 2 years ago rather than spending the cash now

Mongoos150 · Oct 25, 2006, 03:57 PM

Don't spend your money until about 11 months into your purchase. No reason to. Additionally, if you upgrade your machine yearly like I do (and sell the old one on eBay or Craigs List) it's not an issue.