Mac Forum / General / Portable Macs / April 2004

<< I never needed extra maintenance using Thinkpads.  Do you really need
"Applecare to cover maintenance on Apples?" >>

Lucky you.  My ThunkPad has been serviced 4 times under warranty, and another 4
times out of warranty.  It is around 2.5 yrs old, and I'll have to put a
keyboard on it soon.  Two HDs, a CD and three sound problems (necessitating
replacement of an internal board).   Wish they had a similar program, as I've
doubled my cost in that unit.

My Duo is bumping 10 yrs old, and has had a drive replaced (only to increase
capacity), a keyboard replacement as well as a memory increase.  The iBook
(main unit) is a bit over 2 yrs.

We have around 40 laptops here...the IBMs outlast the Compaqs and the Sonys,
but my Duo and the iBook are still going strong.  I did get AppleCare on the
iBook...probably why it has not had a glitch in 2+ years.  My computers live
with me on airplanes and cars, get dragged around to hotels and sales meetings.
The ThunkPad is good, as are the Apples.  Both have their places, tho I tend
to lean to the Apples first.  Better user interface.
A

This question comes up often. For the whole range of opinions, check the
archives, as the issues haven't changed significantly over time.

IMO (and it's in the archives as well): Get Applecare.
1. free phone support for hardware, OS, and Apple software (not included
software, but the stuff that Apple makes) for the duration. IME, their
tech support is good. Others have had different experiences.
Sure you could go to your local MUG and ask for help for free, but
sometimes the other members know no more than you do (around here I'm
the hardware expert...and VP)

2. It doesn't take many repairs to make the cost back. I've not had any
major troubles with my PB, but the replacement parts that I've received:
1 new Graphite BS $300 new, probably retailed around $125 when replaced
1 new Airport card $100 new, retailed around $70? when replaced
1 new case bottom $55 new if you can get it. Apple won't sell except to
licensed repair techs. It's another $55 labor for install.
1 new AC adapter (yo-yo burned it's wires). $80 new.

So, I paid just about $400 for Applecare, and saved at least $320 in
hardware replacement. At that rate, $80 for all the time that I spent on
the phone with their techs isn't too steep. If we figure new prices,
tax, and labor, I made my money back easily. Never mind the peace of
mind it gave me.

Note also that the AirPort card and BS were both covered by my AppleCare
warrantee. Pretty nice.

If you ever have a logic board problem, that makes your money back
immediately.

I think it depends on what kind of user you are. If you think you'll
need to interact with Apple a lot, then get AppleCare.

I always buy my 'puters with a Visa card that includes an extra year of
extended warranty. It covers repairs up to 75-80% of the computer's
purchase price.

In 15 years of using Macs, I've only needed the extended warranty once.
And nothing's broken after 2 years; they just get old and obsolete.

Also remember that you can buy AppleCare any time during the first year.
So no need to get it immediately unless you're getting a bundle deal.
All you'll miss is the online phone support after your 90 days are up.

I normally don't buy warranty programs.  Generally, its a cash cow for
companies. Having said that its a gamble one way or the other. I normally
buy a new computer every two years because by then they are so much
better its worth the performance boost.  So I am gambling on one year.  
Generally with electronics if it is going to break it will happen early.  
Things like hinges on power book are exception and really mechanical.  
With a laptop though its a little different they get banged around. If
you carry it daily it may be worth it.  Most of the time its a waste of
money because nothing goes wrong. But you may be the case where it is
needed.

Me neither . . . I neither buy PCs nor maintain them. I can't afford to
waste the time I see my office PC users spend fiddling with them:

". . .
According to Gartner's study Macintosh computers are 36 percent cheaper
to run than Windows PCs .In their report the primary reason why
Macintosh computers had a lower TCO is because they require less
technical support and hardware and software costs were also lower. This
translated into direct savings of 25 percent for similar sized
organizations.

. . .Gartner notes that users on the Mac platform require less technical
support and less formal training which may contribute to happier end
users. This too generated cost savings due to productivity gains . . "

http://www.architosh.com/news/2004-01/2004c-0124-mac-tco.phtml

As an individual, I want that "direct savings of 25 percent" and
observations of a larger PC community support that fact.

It is a personal decison, like buying health insurance, using seatbelts
or wearing a motorcycle helmet. My time and tasks are too valuable to
waste and I like my mac . . . which came in Thursday.

Woo WOO! I'm a happy camper and the AppleCare warrantee is in the mail.

Bob Wilson