[macgyvr64]

I just ordered a new 15" PowerBook, and am considering buying some sort of insurance. I was tempted to get AppleCare, but it doesn't seem like it would be as useful. It only seems to cover defects and stuff, which I would complain about and get fixed for free anyway. Anyone ever tried Safeware insurance? They claim to cover all sorts of damages including accidents, which AppleCare most certainly doesn't cover. For me, it will be about $150 per year, but I think it would be well worth it if I ever happen to knock my machine off a table or something sad like that. Thoughts?

[dialo]

If you are planning on keeping your powerbook for over a year, you will kick yourself if you do not get applecare. Assume that sometime soon after the end of the first year you will have to send it in for something, since it is highly likely that you will.

The insurance is separate and you should also get that. See how much it would cost to get a low to no deductible rider on your homeowner's or renters insurance, since it will likely be in the $50 range.

[macgyvr64]

Is AppleCare really worth the $239 (edu), though? If something wears out after the first year, it's not my fault. I bought the product to use as it was intended. Now, I drop it or something, that rightly shouldn't be covered.

[anaphora68]

Yes, it is. What if your screen goes, or your hard drive?

An Apple LCD costs about 1,000 dollars. Well worth the 239.

[macgyvr64]

Hmm..yeah...if the screen goes a day after the year-long warranty is up, I might be SOL... Otherwise, it feels like a waste.

[Seqiro]

Originally posted by macgyvr64:
Is AppleCare really worth the $239 (edu), though? If something wears out after the first year, it's not my fault. I bought the product to use as it was intended. Now, I drop it or something, that rightly shouldn't be covered.

Yes but it only comes with a one year warranty. Therefore, Apple is guaranteeing that it will work as it is intended for one year and after that, you're on your own. And so many of the repairs on a PowerBook cost WAY more than the price of Applecare, that dialo is definitely right. If you plan on keeping it for more than a year, buy the AppleCare.

Also after 90 days, no more free phone support.

One final thing to remember, Safeware does NOT cover warranty type issues. Mechanical failures aren't covered, so if your LCD dies through normal use after a year, the way I read it Safeware will not be reimbursing you. Now if you intentionally throw your PowerBook with the defective LCD in a lake, they would cover it. But that's called insurance fraud.

From their FAQ: Warranties, by their nature, will cover parts and labor for manufacturer defects and internal mechanical failure, such as disk failures, inoperative keyboards, etc… Computer insurance, on the other hand, compliments the warranty by providing coverage for all kinds of unexpected, externally caused losses: theft, fire, power surges, lightning, spilled coffee in the keyboard, accidentally dropped notebooks and natural disasters like: earthquakes, hurricanes and floods.

Also from their FAQ: What type of losses are not covered? Losses caused by or resulting from: Equipment rented or leased to others; Equipment held for sale or lease; Depreciation; Insects, vermin, corrosion, or rust; Wear and tear; gradual deterioration, mechanical breakdown; Dust, dampness, dryness, cold or heat; Delay or loss of market, income or interruption of business; Intentional or dishonest acts by insured or anyone else with an interest in the insured property; War; Nuclear hazard; Repair or service, including installment of property, and error in machine programming or instructions to the machine; Illegal trade or confiscation by any governmental authority; Extra expenses, data programming, data reconstruction, data recovery or program installation or reconfiguration.

[anaphora68]

Yeah, it's a pretty big dilemma. I didnt' buy the Applecare extension but when my yearlong is about to go I think I will. I figure it's worth the money and by then I'll be gainfully employed (I graduate from college in six months) and will be able to afford it.

It's expensive, but it's nice security.

Do you know if homeowner's insurance will cover a laptop for damage/etc?

[anaphora68]

I love reading the details on insurance policies, they always mention something interesting, like nuclear explosion or limb loss during internal strife (my travel insurance policy, I took one out when I lived in South Africa for a semester).

[macgyvr64]

Originally posted by anaphora68:
I love reading the details on insurance policies, they always mention something interesting, like nuclear explosion or limb loss during internal strife (my travel insurance policy, I took one out when I lived in South Africa for a semester).

I was just reading the AppleCare one, lol. "....acts of God..."

[dialo]

Originally posted by macgyvr64:
Hmm..yeah...if the screen goes a day after the year-long warranty is up, I might be SOL... Otherwise, it feels like a waste.

Something will show up. On my last powerbook, I didn't get applecare, but I sold it to a buddy a month before the 1st year was up. Just after the year ended, he started getting lines across the screen. I went to the apple forums and there were all sorts of people talking about how these lines appeared right as the year was up. It turned out to be bad connectors, but those without applecare were screwed.

On my current powerbook, the year just ended some time last month, but thankfully I have applecare. Not only has my drive recently stopped recognizing blank disks, but just last week I noticed about 20 stuck pixels. There are other folks reporting the same thing on powerbooks just now turning 1yo. Since I have applecare, I'm not too worried about it since I can send it in and get it fixed any time in the next two years. If I didn't have it, I'd be screwed.

The fact is, something will go wrong. Every powerbook I've owned has needed a repair at some point. Every one of my buddies and coworkers with powerbooks have also needed sone repair at some point.

What it comes down to is that it is really dumb not to get it on a powerbook that you plan on keeping past that 1st year.

[MOTHERWELL]

AppleCare has saved me many times. The extra $$$ is for peace of mind.

I had a quicksilver that decided to stop working one day. After all of the replacement parts did not fix the computer I was able to trade it in for a new G4 (the one with the mirror), and I ended up getting a faster version.

If I didn't have apple care I would have been out $3500 and I would probably have a DELL right now.

SO: I DIG APPLE CARE AND SO SHOULD YOU.

[macgyvr64]

Alright, I'll get it. Maybe for Christmas from a parent, hehe.

[justinkim]

And if you really want to be safe, get both. I regularly have to cart my PB around, so I have Applecare for the wear and tear and Safeware for the thefts and running over by buses.

[macgyvr64]

Originally posted by justinkim:
And if you really want to be safe, get both. I regularly have to cart my PB around, so I have Applecare for the wear and tear and Safeware for the thefts and running over by buses.

That's what I'm thinking... Have you dealt with Safeware at all? I'd like to know if they're a reputable comapny..

[justinkim]

I haven't had to yet (fortunately). They seem to have a good reputation on these forums. If you do a search, you shouldn't have any problems finding the testimonials.

[chipchen]

I definately recommend AppleCare. Definately a MUST if you will keep your PowerBook over a year.

ALSO, in addition, I purchased a "Personal Articles Insurance" from State Farm. It cost me less than $50 a year to insure my PowerBook, camcorder, and digital camera.

[striker100]

I checked out Safeware because I'm considering getting it for my Powerbook.
Evidentely they are legitimate, they are underwritten by a Florida based insurance company (forgot the name) with an "A" rating:

American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida, also a member of Assurant Group, underwrites Safeware's products. AM Best Co., North America's most widely recognized insurance rating service, rates American Bankers "A" Excellent. AM Best's ratings are based on financial strength and operating performance.

[TribeLeader]

How does Safeware compare with your personal insurance policies (for those of you who have them)?

My PB is enroute and I'm planning to add an "all risk" policy through my insurance agency for up to $25/year.

[dialo]

I had safeware on my last powerbook, but now I just have a rider on my insurance policy. It only costs something like $40 a year this way.

Do a search here in the forums on safeware. I remember some time ago there was worry about exactly how they replaced computers.

[gperks]

I got the Safeware insurance as my home insurer said they didn't cover accidental damage on notebooks. So that was that.

Note with AppleCare, if you accidentally break or lose your notebook, you have paid for extra years of warranty you won't be able to take advantage of. So I'll sign up for extra AppleCare when my first year has nearly expired.

[coolmacdude]

Originally posted by macgyvr64:
I was just reading the AppleCare one, lol. "....acts of God..."

Hey it happens. Lightning took out my ethernet port.

[wirobins]

safeware rocks, I dropped my old TiBook at the aiport when I was going through security and it cracked the case around the back and damaged the hinge. Over the next couple weeks both hinges pulled out of the screen until it was hanging by the wires.

I filed a claim with safeware who told me to get an estimate. I was in the carribean all summer and the local apple service center gave me a $2500 estimate. Safeware told me they were crazy and suggested I send it to apple and that they would cover whatever the charge was. I got it back from apple after a couple days (with a free upgrade to the combo drive from the DVD it came with) along with a bill for $1200.

I faxed safeware the receipt and had a check in the mail within a week.

Incidentally the computer looked brand new when I got it back, I sold it on ebay and bought a new 12".

Also, I did have applecare on that computer but never needed it in the 2 years I owned it, I haven't bought it for my 12" yet and I'm not sure if I will.