The arguments against: it’s £200. I’m almost swayed already. But hang on…
It’s 23% of the purchase price of the middle of the range MacBook. It’s £100 per year for the second and third years (cover in the first year already being included). That’s not so bad…
How about this: £880 buys you a computer that’s guaranteed for a year, but might break down in the 53rd week. In which case it’s cost £2.41 per day (it gets cheaper if it lasts longer, but that’s really a bonus). £1080 for a computer that’s guaranteed for 3 years is just 99p per day (and any longer is still a bonus). If you’re not the kind of person who’ll need to upgrade in that time, that’s looking better value.
My iBook lasted over four years (and only towards the end was it getting noticably slow). And out of five close friends/family with iBooks, three have had failures (logic boards) within the first two years.
I think I’m going to get AppleCare.
As it is a laptop, it naturally takes more of a beating as part of “normal wear and tear”. A laptop is probably the only instance where I’d recommend considering an extended warranty. (For a private individual, that is.)
One nice thing about AppleCare (and least in the US and i assume is the same in the UK) is that you can wait until the end of the warranty period before buying it. One year from now might be a batter time to evaluate how important AppleCare will be to you. (Don’t wait for the last day, decide and act at the 11 month point.)
If you’re not thinking of upgrading by then or if you’ve had any problems in the first year think a bit harder about it. If it’s performed flawlessly or by then you’re eyeing that Core 4 Duo version it could be better to save the money and apply it towards the next machine.
Gridman’s arguments assume you have the readies to buy a new machine within three years . . . .
If not and if you are dependent on the macbook for your computer needs, maybe something to be said for ensuring you have a machine for three years at least - and over here in France the cost of Applecare - just over 300 euros would be covered by buying one less c up of tea in a café each week - not too great a sacrifice for computer peace of mind?
I know I’m not going to get a Core 4 laptop in a year’s time (maybe a Core 4 iMac, but this laptop’s got to last). And even if it’s performed flawlessly, I don’t know it won’t fail at any moment.
A friend has promised a programme that will predict a failure (but do I trust it?) And I’ve heard that if you don’t buy AppleCare in the first 90 days you don’t get the phone support, but I can’t find this anywhere in writing.
What a pity AppleCare isn’t on offer in today’s one day sale!
Sunshine: I’m not against AppleCare at all I think it is important on a notebook. I’ve got it on my iBook G4 (bought at 11 month point) and will buy it on my Macbook next year, but, “Why spend money today that you can hang onto for 11 months?” Applecare doesn’t buy you much in the first year, and who knows, in that time you computer could get stolen, damaged by events beyond your control or you could win the National lottery before then. Or they might have an AppleCare sale!
Simon: On the other hand
Now that you mention it, there is something about phone support. US terms (Your kilometerage may vary) I think are 1 year warranty, 90 days phone support.
But… I thought phone support was more installation, use, configuration, general user questions rather than warranty support. If it breaks in the first year, you can still call Apple or take it to the Apple store and get it fixed. I’m going to go look at my Applecare paperwork and see what I can make of it.
Applecare does extend the phone support to all three years, but, how often would someone who has had a Mac more than a year need basic help?
AppleCare does come with TechTool Deluxe, though, which is worth a few dollars.
Mmmm, convincing argument. In the first year, it only buys you the telephone support and this TechTool (which I didn’t notice before on the AppleCare page) as extras, and presumably if I could wait until I felt in need of these, or until the 11th Month, whichever is the sooner.
However, I will need an iCal reminder. I’m bound to forget to buy the AppleCare before the year’s up.
http://lowendmac.com/misc/06/1120.html
This suggests AppleCare makes more sense for laptops, but argues that MacBooks (like Minis) are “disposable” computers.
Maybe if they half in price over the next year. And even if it’s unlikely, the fact that they might is perhaps another reason for waiting the 11 months.