extended warranty worth it?

Here is some more information. I really swear by this service and have only good things to say. I wish I could say the same thing about applecare.

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/shopping/2006/12/protectionont.html

Hello
im the proud owner of a 17" macbookpro and i would
like to know if its worth it to pay the $300+ for the
extended warranty (Apple Care).

Hi,

I think it is absolutely worth it !! I bought a PowerBook G4 about 3 years ago and bought Apple care on it within the first 6 months. Well, a year or so later, it started to go really wrong - the hard drive just failed and then a keyboard went bad, etc etc. Had I not purchased Applecare, they would not have replaced the entire unit with a MacBook Pro.

It's well worth it for the peace of mind.

I am planning to buy it for the MacBook Pro before my year is up on this MBP too.

Kallum

"'Worth it" or not is a relative term, and can only be determined by you, your budget and your computing needs. We cannot answer that question for you.

Just ask yourself this question... if after your standard 1 year warranty is up, and your computer requires a new logic board or display for whatever reason... are you going to have the $1000 or so, if not more to pay for repair or replacement?

If not, then the warranty will probably be "worth it."

I keep repeating this on this forum: if you bought it with a good credit card chances are you are automatically covered for another year after your Apple warranty expires. Many cards also offer an extended warranty that lasts up to five years for about half the price of Applecare. It covers exactly the same things as the applecare except for phone support, is completely hassle-free and in my opinion a better deal than what Apple offers. Look into it!

From most of the disclaimers I've seen, most credit cards double the manufacturer's warranty up to xx days (usually 90-days) for free - if they offer any extension.

You may want to check with your credit card company .. and get it in writing.

IMO - I find AppleCare very essential for something like a MBP. It's the most hassle-free way to get your MB/MBP fixed after the initial warranty period.

From most of the disclaimers I've seen, most credit
cards double the manufacturer's warranty up to xx
days (usually 90-days) for free - if they offer any
extension.

You may want to check with your credit card company
.. and get it in writing.

No, that is simply not correct. Most credit cards double the warranty for one year. If it's one year, you get two. If it's three years you get four. AND good VISA cards also allow you to buy the extended warranty (visa performance guarantee) which is, imo, the best deal I've ever had with anything like that. I've used it many many times and it's always superbly hassle-free and easy - more so than dealing with apple. I hope this doesn't get deleted...

Surprisingly there is no catch, just benefit. I've had ipods, printers, computers, LCDs and what not either repaired or replaced through VISA both during their free year and through the purchased so called performance guarantee. Master card and Amex double the warranty and VISA doubles it and allows you to purchase an extended one after the free extension year.

Please note that, in the example of Amex, that coverage varies by card used for the purchase. There are also catches such as:

Not covered (not complete list):
-items purchased for resale, professional, or commercial use on non Business Cards
-items still under installment billing (charge not being "revolved")

So if you are paying by Amex, paying in full and not for business purposes, Buyer's Assurance may be a viable option for you. I simply prefer to pay for the convenience of having my proof of purchase and the extended warranty held by one entity -- Apple.

Please note that, in the example of Amex, that
coverage varies by card used for the purchase. There
are also catches such as:

Not covered (not complete list):
-items purchased for resale, professional, or
commercial use on non Business Cards
-items still under installment billing (charge not
being "revolved")

So if you are paying by Amex, paying in full and not
for business purposes, Buyer's Assurance may be a
viable option for you. I simply prefer to pay for
the convenience of having my proof of purchase and
the extended warranty held by one entity -- Apple.

The positive aspect of VISA is that they TRUST the customer when they say that their computer is defect and needs repair. Apple often does not and will tell you its normal and 'within spec'. With the VISA deal, you simply take it in to an Apple authorized service center or send it to Apple, have it repaired, pay and then send them the receipt. They never take longer than a week to reimburse and are extremely professional. If your battery dies they pay for that. If your product fails three times they have a no-lemon policy and will replace it or give you a check for the original purchase price. They also provide a lightning insurance etc.

Sounds like a good deal then. Do you have a website link to this program? I would definitely like to check it out.

As mentioned, there are two parts of the VISA program: the automatic double warranty feature. This doesn't require registration but you need to have your receipt and credit card statement with the charge.


The other part is the performance guarantee which you purchase. Here's more information. All signature cards have it and MANY others too - but you have to check with your card issuer. I have a platinum from amazon and it offers the service.

http://www.usa.visa.com/personal/cards/credit/visasignature_benefitswm.html?it=c

Thanks, Paul. I will check it out for my next "large" purchase.

Although I may regret it later, I opted NOT to purchase the extended AppleCare. Actually, I sorta regret not buying it although I was determined to keep my acquisition cost as low as possible. Here’s the catch; I did opt to purchase a “personal article” policy which covers the unit against loss or damage of any kind. Not sure if this will prove to be the best choice but it’s what I got.
Regards,

You can always buy it up until the end of the first year.

If you are going off to college, you can get an education discount on the extended warranty. That would make the warranty $239 instead of $300 or more.