[Cosgro]

I guess this could go in any of the hardware forums, but since i'm looking at getting a Powerbook...

If i use a credit card to buy my Powerbook, and the credit card doubles my warranty on stuff, does that apply to Applecare too? And if so, has anyone actually used it?

Thanks

[sensorfreaky]

I highly doubt it. I think the only warranty that gets doubled is the PowerBook's original warranty. That's probably why Apple calls AppleCare a "protection plan" rather than an extended warranty. It encompasses not only an extension of the warranty but tech support for 3 years as well. AppleCare is sold as a separate product with its own product number so if you use a credit card on purchasing AppleCare, it is technically not a physical product that has a warranty to begin with, but rather an agreement - a protection plan. If you look at it that way, there's really no warranty to double and I'm sure Apple sees it that way as well.

But you can always call Apple and argue your case since there's nothing in the AppleCare "Terms and Conditions" agreement that actually spells out "credit card benefits don't apply." Not sure if it's worth arguing anyway since who really needs 6-years of Applecare when machines go obsolete in 2 years or less these days

[spaced]

Originally posted by sensorfreaky:
Not sure if it's worth arguing anyway since who really needs 6-years of Applecare when machines go obsolete in 2 years or less these days

Exactly, but think of it this way: I gave my old clamshell iBook to my mother and transferred the AppleCare to her (section 8 of AppleCare Terms and Conditions). That way, she had a year to harass Apple tech suppot with all her hopelessly newbie questions before my phone started to ring after they cut her off. That year was so worth AppleCare! =)

Also, it increases the resale value. I think people are more comfortable buying a Mac and paying more for it on eBay when they know it's coming with warranty.

I think it all boils down to you paying money upfront in the odds that your computer will suffer a major breakdown under warranty that costs more to repair than the cost of the plan. Most of us don't actually use the tech support line. Did I get AppleCare on my 17" PowerBook? Ya damn right!

[bbales]

Doesn't the original warranty that comes with the machine cover 1 year for parts, whatever and, maybe, 90 days of tech support? I was just thinking that I've had my cute little baby for 2 months now and I should start thinking of plunking down plastic for AppleCare. I still have about 7 months to go on my desktop. I just really like the extra protection...