AppleCare Protection Plan (MacBook/iBook) OLD VERSION

I don't care what you buy - Mac or PC, but when it comes to a laptop, rule #1 is get the extended warranty. A desktop PC doesn't matter as much since you open up, take it out of the box and it just sits there. A laptop on the other hand, you take it out and then move it around all the time. It can wear out the system that much faster. If you're on the fence if you need the extended warranty for the Apple computer - I'd highly recommend it.

Apple is no different from PC. The Protection Care Plan is a joke! BEWARE!I bought my first MacBook (the first generation Air) from Apple two and half years ago and have had nothing but trouble. After the first year, the Air had to go in for a full logic board replacement (despite the fact the the computer was noted by Apple Store reps as "fine" and had no water damage, had not been dropped and did not even have one scratch. After about two years, the Air had to go in for another major repair and the second logic board had to be replaced along with the top cover, display and eight other repairs. Less than four months after that it is now at an "authorized Mac retailer" (Core Mac in Rochester, New York which resembles a dirty, abandoned building) for a complete hard drive replacement. In the meantime, Apple just keeps sending me in for repairs rather than admitting that I purchased a damaged machine or "bad Apple" and giving me a replacement. I have lost critical data from the latest malfunction and have not had a working computer for almost one week. This is my first Mac and I am extremely discouraged. Basically they do not stand up for their products and throw up their hands (same as the other less expensive PC manufacturers) when it really comes time to help. Do not waste your money buying either a MacBook or the costly Apple Care Protection Plan unless you have the time and gas to schlep it from retailer to authorized retailer, trying to get it repaired. It is impossible to get a replacement for bad equipment and this part of the Plan is a complete fraud. SAVE YOUR MONEY AND BEWARE!

Its really nice that this can all be done online now, no need to waste energy shipping some paper out to you.... Worked well and was instant coverage gratification, great deal...

This product was priced below Apple's price - including shipping, which is free with Apple. It was received in a timely manner, and very easy to set up and use. I have used it once, and it was just as advertised. I am very happy with it.

I've had an iPad2 for about a year now. I sent the iPad2 back to apple because it was not charging. Apple is claiming oxidation in the connector is the cause and this was not covered by their warranty. It seems they have better lawyers than repair technicians. If there was a department of consumer affairs, I would file a complaint. My apple protection plan was clearly a waste of money. Apple offered to repair the iPad for $250. I think I'll stick it on a shelf as a reminder of Apple's customer commitment.

Probably not necessary, since Apple products are so reliable, but I decided to treat myself to the luxury of extended phone support.

As a former professional tech support rep + current technology buff, I have mixed feelings about AppleCare (AC). Despite such sentiments, AppleCare is a MUST PURCHASE on all Apple systems. Note: it is not renewable and it must be purchased before factory warranty expires.First things first, you're ahead of the curve by comparing AC price. 'AppleCare' is AppleCare regardless of price paid for it. Amazon and other merchants/auction sites can offer the service at prices sometimes 1/3rd less than Apple. Ensure the vendor is reputable, however. Apple cannot guarantee AppleCare validity purchased elsewhere. Moreover, save your AC purchase receipt; unused AC warranty (regardless of vendor) is refundable by Apple if supported by an original receipt + purchase price.Second, run out on warranty and good luck getting solid AppleCare hardware support via Apple or authorized repair centers. An active, AC account should equate in most instances to no money out of pocket for repairs. Note, however, that AppleCare does not cover all hardware defects. A trio of poor screen pixels will not be repaired. Ditto on 'cosmetic' issues which Apple deems 'normal wear and tear.' Still, AC has proven a godsend over the years for my misc. Apple hardware defects.Related, Apple is notorious for odd hardware defects on new model lines (see their AppleCare forums for reference BEFORE purchasing a system). In most instances + backed by a little assertive persistence (I've had my fair share of wars over the years), Apple will honor AC warranty in repairing any of these widespread types of issues. FYI: unless a machine is purchased from the Apple Store directly and less than a week ago -- even with significant hardware defects -- Apple will not replace a unit...except, perhaps, via an act of God. :)Third and for newbies in particular, AC is the King of Software Support. Even the simplest of questions AC reps are happy to answer. While I disagree with folks below that AC 1st (or even 2nd tier) + Apple Store tech support reps are all-knowing, they are -- as a whole -- the nicest, most patient people you'll ever encounter. They call you back, stay past closing, the phone support has wonderful hours (love that PST). Besides, their hold music explains the popularity of the iTunes store; good stuff!Before I get lambasted by Dell owners and/or or Mac-o-philes, this a review on AC...NOT Apple. Thus, I highly recomend the product -- at the best possible purchase price! -- for ocassionally flawed but always well supported product. Moreover, AC owners get preferential treatment both from AC phone and Genius Bar support. Don't leave home without it. :)

I did not receive this item in more than 2 weeks, and that was only after I contacted the company, Small Dog Electronics. By the time it finally arrived, the 1 yr. warranty on this ibook was expired. That led to us not being able to install this extended warranty. We called Apple and we were told that if we can provide proof that we purchased this plan before the expiration date, they would honor the purchase and install it from their end. When all of that was done, we would receive an email. Today is August 1, the purchase was made on June 13, and we still don't have any confirmation. All of this aggravation and I got to spend $250 to "enjoy" it. I don't know that I will ever purchase anything that is being shipped by Small Dog Electonics again!