AppleCare for new iMac?

[Jonzjob]

AppleCare for our new iMac M1? Is it worth getting it? It's something I have not had before so don't really know very much about it.

I suppose that just like any type of insurance in that's it's a waste of money until you need it and wish you had it?

 

[MacInWin]

If it's the new M1 iMac, then I think it's definitely worth it to protect yourself. The only "repair" on the new M1 systems is a full replacement of the logic board, so it's pretty expensive if it goes bad. And yes, if you don't have a failure, it's a waste of money, just like any other insurance.

 

[pigoo3]

One way to look at things is how likely is a product to get damaged or malfunction.

* Mobile devices (portable computers, phones, tablets, watches)...have a greater chance to get damaged due to the mobile nature of the product. A desktop computer probably won't move much...thus less likely to get physically damaged.

* M1 based computers are a newer sort of technology for Apple...thus who knows if there should be any malfunctions due to being a newer technology (long term malfunctions).

* Heat is an enemy of electronic devices. iMac's in the past could get warm/hot (depending on what's being done). The new M1 computers are supposed to run extremely cool (compared to previous Intel based computers)...thus this should be a positive.

* All computers come with at least 12 months of Applecare. Hopefully if anything design related should be an issue...that it would show up in the first 12 months.

My 2 cents,

Nick

p.s. But like Jake mentions...ya never know. Pretty much everything Apple is selling these days is non-user repairable/non-user upgradeable. Could have logic board issue, display issue, internal storage issue, etc. You can be sure if something needs to be repaired (without Applecare)...it ain't gonna be cheap.

Of course many of us keep our computers for a long time. Thus after 3 years (which I think is the maximum period Applecare+ will cover)...gonna be without warranty/insurance eventually.

p.p.s. Thread moved to better area (Desktops).

 

[chscag]

Buy it John. You may have to deprive yourself of those trips to your favorite pub for awhile.

 

[Jonzjob]

The 1 year is just for the 'Limited Warranty' Nick, whetever that is? The AppleCare is just for another 40 days and 40 nights. (Thjinks! I seem to remember that expression from somewhere else ) That way the AC will start then and give us some extra time. I am sure that we will be getting it. Ta forall of the advice folks.

Chas! you don't seem to know me as well as I thought mate? It would take more than that to deprive me of my beer

That 40 daze means it will need renewing at least on a very important anniversary for me. The anniversary of my arrival at my first posting in my R.A.F. man's service!

60 years ago

 

[Jonzjob]

Thank you for moving it Nick. I wasn't too sure where I should stick it ?

Answers on a £50 note please.

 

[pigoo3]

The 1 year is just for the 'Limited Warranty' Nick, whatever that is?

The 12 months of Applecare that comes with every Apple computer...is the exact same Applecare that has always come with Apple computers!

As long as 10-15 or more years ago...there was the 12 months Applecare that came with every computer...and there was the Extended Applecare (needed to be purchased & extended the same 12 month free Applecare to 3 years). Extended Applecare also came with 3 years of free phone support.

This was "the thing" to get before Applecare+ started. The 12 month Applecare and 36 month Applecare both covered any problems with a computer (fixed for free)...as long as the problem wasn't a result of abuse or misuse.

In 2011...Apple replaced "Extended Applecare" with "Applecare+". The main difference is "Applecare+" includes repairs for accidents/incidents (basically damage due to accidents).

My main point is...unless you're going to use your new iMac as a "frisbee"...the 12 months of FREE Applecare that comes with every new computer...will repair/fix anything that should go wrong with it in the first 12 months.

The ONLY reason you would want to get "Applecare+"...is if you wanted to extend this coverage longer than the first 12 months. Of course the accidental damage coverage comes with Applecare+...but what's the chance your iMac is going to get physically damaged sitting on your desktop 24-7??

For years & years (maybe even close to decades)...the free 12 months of Applecare has ALWAYS been awesome (way better than competitor product free warranties)!

Apple is simply trying to make more money by selling Applecare+ (since it must be purchased). Since there are so many more mobile devices now (phones, tablets, watches, etc)...then there was 15 years ago...it does make some sense for purchasers of these products to seriously consider getting Applecare+ for the accidental damage coverage.

You have a new iMac (which is very very very unlikely to get accidentally damaged).

I'm not trying to talk you out of purchasing Applecare+ if you really want it. What I do want understood is... the complementary/FREE 12 month Applecare that comes with every computer is NOT something to "toss to the curb"...as some sort of inferior coverage.

Nick

 

[MacInWin]

I look at it this way--insurance is a bet. I'm betting that I'm going to have a failure and the insurer is betting I won't. So, life insurance is a bet that I'm going to die and my beneficiaries collect, while the insurance company is betting that I won't die before they can make more money off my bet than they have to pay out.

So, Apple is betting that you won't have problems with their product when you pay for AC+, but you are betting that you will, and will save more money on the repair than you pay for the coverage.

So, how lucky do you feel?

For me, on my new MBP, because the hardware is all new design (M1Pro), with no history of reliability, I chose to sign up for AC+. But it's a very personal call. Either way is acceptable. You could even just set aside in an emergency fund the cost of AC+ and hold it to defray any repair expenses you might have. I am not disciplined enough to do that AND keep my hands off the funds when I see some bright, shiny new thing I just have to have. But that's a personal problem!

 

[chscag]

So, how lucky do you feel?

Hey John, do you feel lucky?

 

[chscag]

Sorry Jake, I couldn't resist.....

 

[harryb2448]

It is cheap John so go for it! I am thinking of changing your signature and using it as 'I am antique' etc.

 

[Jonzjob]

Funny that you should come up with that Chas because were watching an old western last eve and the both the 'hero' and the villans had 28 round six shooters belt fed!

We still have a bit of time to think on it, but one of the things I found when fixing mainframes was that new kit usually either had early life failure or very long lives.

Something I've just thought about? Does the accidental cover cover screens broken due to being hit trying to get thise bloody flies screaming all over my screen at the moment ? I keep hitting them but I think that I need my 4lb watchmakers adjusting hammer

 

[pigoo3]

Something I've just thought about? Does the accidental cover cover screens broken due to being hit trying to get these bloody flies screaming all over my screen at the moment ? I keep hitting them but I think that I need my 4lb watchmakers adjusting hammer

The accidental damage coverage does cover screens/displays...but it's not a "free ride".

Here's what it says for Applecare+ for the United States (should check the specific details for other area's outside the United States).

As can be seen below in the screenshot...there is a "service fee" that applies for accidental damage:



As an example...it costs approximately $750 to replace the logic board on an Intel based MacBook Pro (not sure with M1 based MacBook Pro's).

3 years of Applecare+ for 13" MacBook Pro's...costs $269 via Amazon:

Amazon.com: AppleCare+ for 13-inch MacBook Pro (3 Years)

If a logic board needed to be replaced (for example due to water spill damage)...the owner would have to pay the $299 fee. Thus $269 for Applecare+...plus the $299 fee = $568 dollars.

The owner of this computer instead of paying the full $750 for the logic board repair...would pay $568 (saving $182). Not as much of a savings as you might think.

Nick

 

[Jonzjob]

Understood Nick, but would it get rid of those dammed bats?

Roll on Monday, but I do like the hat

 

[pigoo3]

Understood Nick, but would it get rid of those dammed bats?

What bats...I don't see any bats?

 

[Jonzjob]

They bats

 

[gaundy_22]

The 12 months of Applecare that comes with every Apple computer...is the exact same Applecare that has always come with Apple computers!

As long as 10-15 or more years ago...there was the 12 months Applecare that came with every computer...and there was the Extended Applecare (needed to be purchased & extended the same 12 month free Applecare to 3 years). Extended Applecare also came with 3 years of free phone support.

This was "the thing" to get before Applecare+ started. The 12 month Applecare and 36 month Applecare both covered any problems with a computer (fixed for free)...as long as the problem wasn't a result of abuse or misuse.

In 2011...Apple replaced "Extended Applecare" with "Applecare+". The main difference is "Applecare+" includes repairs for accidents/incidents (basically damage due to accidents).

My main point is...unless you're going to use your new iMac as a "frisbee"...the 12 months of FREE Applecare that comes with every new computer...will repair/fix anything that should go wrong with it in the first 12 months.

The ONLY reason you would want to get "Applecare+"...is if you wanted to extend this coverage longer than the first 12 months. Of course the accidental damage coverage comes with Applecare+...but what's the chance your iMac is going to get physically damaged sitting on your desktop 24-7??

For years & years (maybe even close to decades)...the free 12 months of Applecare has ALWAYS been awesome (way better than competitor product free warranties)!

Apple is simply trying to make more money by selling Applecare+ (since it must be purchased). Since there are so many more mobile devices now (phones, tablets, watches, etc)...then there was 15 years ago...it does make some sense for purchasers of these products to seriously consider getting Applecare+ for the accidental damage coverage.

You have a new iMac (which is very very very unlikely to get accidentally damaged).

I'm not trying to talk you out of purchasing Applecare+ if you really want it. What I do want understood is... the complementary/FREE 12 month Applecare that comes with every computer is NOT something to "toss to the curb"...as some sort of inferior coverage.

Nick

I have got my moneys worth out of it with power supply going after 2 years then logic board on 3 year and all covered. if I spend a couple grand I don’t mind spending a cpl hundred for peace of mind. But everyone has to make their own choices.

 

[pigoo3]

I have got my moneys worth out of it with power supply going after 2 years then logic board on 3 year and all covered. if I spend a couple grand I don’t mind spending a cpl hundred for peace of mind. But everyone has to make their own choices.

Insurance & warranties are all about statistics. The vast majority will never use a purchased extended warranty...but there will always be a few folks that will benefit.

For example...collect $299 from 1000 people...and let's say 5% actually need to use it. $299 x 1000 = $299,000. 5% of 1000 = 50 people.

Let's be really generous...and say all 50 people need a logic board replaced @$750 each (there are a lot of less expensive repairs possible). $750 x 50 = $37,500.

$299,000 - $37,500 = $261,000 profit (minus costs to operate the program).

Even if the cost of each repair was increased...and the number of people needing warranty coverage was greater...there's still a lot of profit in selling extended warranties...which is why companies LOVE selling them!

Nick

 

[Jonzjob]

Well, I'm not sure if I'm going bats now, but I have just finished lunch and came to check on an email I'm expecting. I saw your reply Gaundy and clicked to open the forum page. All I got was a blank screen. The same when I tried to refresh a couple of other tabs.

We still have the old iMac stood along side so I tried the same on there and up popped the forum with no problems. I finished up with the old trick of a restart, or so I thought.

The New iMac M1 powered not quite completely down and just sat with a very slight blue/purple tint on the screen. I only saw it by looking almost along the screen instead of 90º on to it. To do anything I had to unplug the power cable from the back on the unit, leave for about 30 seconds, replug it and boot up again. It came up OK, but now I am quite worried about just what happened?

Will there be a log of it does anyone know?

 

[gaundy_22]

Insurance & warranties are all about statistics. The vast majority will never use a purchased extended warranty...but there will always be a few folks that will benefit.

For example...collect $299 from 1000 people...and let's say 5% actually need to use it. $299 x 1000 = $299,000. 5% of 1000 = 50 people.

Let's be really generous...and say all 50 people need a logic board replaced @$750 each (there are a lot of less expensive repairs possible). $750 x 50 = $37,500.

$299,000 - $37,500 = $261,000 profit (minus costs to operate the program).

Even if the cost of each repair was increased...and the number of people needing warranty coverage was greater...there's still a lot of profit in selling extended warranties...which is why companies LOVE selling them!

Nick

Can’t argue with your numbers when you lay them out so professionally. I jus have anxiety and I’m a klutz so it’s more price of mind for me.