[jmagic]

i ordered a new ibook 900 combo (first mac )

i am contemplating whether i want to buy warranty or not, and if so, which one?
-applecare
-compusa

applecare - $250 for 2 more years of coverage
compusa - $250 for 2 years (total) or $375 for 3 years (total)
-total means that it is concurrent with apple's 1 year warranty

applecare - covers everything that isn't your fault

compusa - says they cover everything, even if it is your fault (ie dropping my ibook), if it cant be fixed, or isn't worth it to fix, they replace with a new 'comprable' machine whatever that is. they also cover battery replacement when mine goes bad

how long should the battery last before it needs to replaced and how much are they?

is warranty essential for ibooks?
- should i expect problems?

which would you pick?

thanks
Jonathan

[jokell82]

The AppleCare also covers batteries. I'd say go with AppleCare, as CompUSA doesn't give you a 24 hour 800 number to call for whatever you want.

Just treat your iBook well and you'd be much better off with the AppleCare.

And I thought that the CompUSA warranty didn't cover the LCD unless you purchased a separate warranty for that? Anyone know about this...

[jmagic]

i went in and talked to a compusa sales rep today (dunno how competent he really is)

he said that the $250 and $375 plans included EVERYTHING including lcd monitor

does applecare offer battery warranty past first year? i heard somewhere they didn't, but i may be very wrong here

thanks

[xtal]

I can't comment on Applecare vs. CompUSA, as there are no CompUSA's here.

However, I believe that a warranty for a notebook is vital. This is a machine that you will (presumably) be carrying around, bumping here and there, turning on and off (or sleep), continuously. It will be subject to a much larger set of 'stresses' as compared to a desktop machine. So, get a warranty, it will be well served. With the Applecare, you can wait up to a year to allow you to save up some money for it, if need be.

By the way, congratuations on the iBook!

[-Q-]

I don't have experience with the CompUSA warranty, but I have to say that's a better warranty overall. AppleCare may have a 24-hour number to call, but if you drop your iBook, or your dog knocks your beverage over into your keyboard, your out of luck with AppleCare. At least with the Comp warranty, it sounds like you have a much better shot at getting a replacement if your problem is your own fault.

And before the two years are up, you can "drop" your iBook and get a new one.

If you're considering an extended warranty, you may also want to look at laptop insurance and compare the cost of it with the cost of the two warranties. Safeware is one of the bigger providers.

[jmagic]

is there anyone with compusa warranty experience?

i talked to the tech guy today on the phone and this is what he told me:
- covers 2 screen replacements (doesn't matter how it broke)
- covers 2 batteries a year
- covers all hardware
- does not cover plastics (ie drop it and casing cracks, but covers any hardware damage from dropping it)

he said a screen replacement usually costs $1300 (dont know if it is true), and they would 'probably' replace the laptop with a new one

is there anybody who has first hand experience with compusa warranty that can comment on it?

thanks,
Jonathan

[irus]

I used to be a PC Tech at CompUSA for about 3 years thru high school and early college. Basically CompUSA resells third-party service contracts - about 4 years ago it was Warrantech, don't know if it changed. It is true that the warranty will cover most problems, however service company reserves the right to refuse service for a problem that's caused due to negligence (i.e. cracked LCD). I believe LCD coverage is an additional $200 charge on top of the basic contract.

On occasions, hardware will be replaced, but that was rare. Usually you'd have to exhibit identical problem 2-3 times before they consider replacement. Being a nationwide company, they have access to generic and refurbished parts, and would provide repairs at lowest cost possible. Turn around for hard-to-find parts can often exceed 3-4 weeks.

I'm not bashing CompUSA in any way, and have seen many people benefit from those service contracts. However, unless you anticipate damaging the LCD, you'd probably be better off with AppleCare.

Warranty is like a lottery. Most people never use it, while those that end up having a problem usually save themselves a great deal of money. I have found that it's more cost effective to sell the laptop every 2 years and replace it with a new model.