SweetMacTips

AppleCare, should you buy it?

So, you’re going to buy a new Mac. Should you buy AppleCare? In a word?

Yes.

AppleCare, for those who don’t know, is Apple’s extended warranty that is offered on many of their products. They’re offered on iPhones and iPods too. It’s a little more of a grey area on if you should buy it for an iPhone or iPod. But my feeling is that on a Mac computer, absolutely you should buy it.

Apple’s 1 year warranty will cover any hardware issues. You can also get 90 days of telephone support. AppleCare will take that 1 year of hardware coverage and 90 days of telephone support to 3 years of each.

That’s great and all, but what else does it give me?

1. Consider this: the cost of one out of warranty repair on your Mac can easily pay for AppleCare.
2. AppleCare is fully transferable. If you sell your Mac or give it to someone else, the AppleCare goes with it!
3. AppleCare will also cover an Apple display and various Apple accessories (like an Airport Base Station) if they’re all purchased at the same time.
4. AppleCare is eligible for educational discounts! Think of this: if you’re buying an iMac AppleCare is normally $169 (still a killer deal). At an educational discount (you’re a student, teacher or staff member of a university) that AppleCare becomes $119! How do you not buy it?!

One last thing to keep in mind: If you really can’t afford AppleCare when you buy your Mac you don’t have to miss out. Just make sure you buy it before your 1 year warranty runs out and it’ll be extended the additional 2 years that AppleCare normally gives you. Though, if you bought a display and/or Apple accessories that would normally be covered by AppleCare, they won’t be covered in this case.

Bottom line: buy AppleCare!