[Chazzer3]

Hey Guys,

You may have noticed my previous posts about MBPs, etc, but anyway, I'm going to be getting one in the Summer. I need to make it clear that I'm in the UK, because the education discount system seems to be different to that of the US.

My first question is about Applecare.

When I am configuring the 2.4GHz 15" MBP, I am given three options at the end to do with apple care:

1. None
2. EMEA CC-HE contract uplift MacBook Pro/PowerBook [+ £58.75]
3. AppleCare Protection Plan for MacBook Pro - Auto-enroll [+ £231.48]

Now, I want a three year warranty, but what is the difference between the two options here? Obviously one is far cheaper, but is it the same? Furthermore, this is in the standard education store, and that is saying 'HE' which tends to mean higher education? I'm not sure, if someone would be able to clear this up that would be great.

My next question is to do with my time of buying. I've noticed that Apple tend to do some special offers when it is back to school time, ie. near the end of the summer holidays, but does anyone know if they do that in the UK? And, when?

Thanks so much in advance,

Charlie -

[ghporter]

I don't know what your option 2 is, but it does not sound like something Apple themselves offer. I highly recommend the AppleCare 3 year plan. Auto-enroll simply means that you don't even get the box with an AppleCare number, they just start the three-year coverage automatically. You can also wait until the end of your free first year of coverage to buy AppleCare, whatever route you buy your computer through. Saving £231.48 over most of a year is something most of us students can manage, so that makes it a pretty reasonable option.

Sorry I can't provide any more help on the UK specific issues.

[mduell]

Based on Googling for the term "EMEA CC-HE contract uplift MacBook Pro", it sounds like the UK edu customers already have a 3 year parts/labor warranty included by default, and the uplift just adds phone support for all 3 years. AppleCare is Apple's normal extended warranty product for the US.

I'm not 100% sure, and you should look at what you can find on Google.

[Chazzer3]

Thanks guys. It's very confusing that middle option.

Charlie -