Best Buy $399 Protection Plan - Yes or No

[mr.s4ndm4n]

Okay, I just got a Brand-new 13" Macbook; the 2.4 Ghz edition w/ 2gbs of DDR3 1066 and a 250GB 5400rpm HDD.

Here's my situation:

Normally i wouldn't go for the protection plan, because normally it just covers the manufacturers defects just as the manufacturer warranty does; pointless to pay more for something you already get, right!?

Well, the 'Black Tie' protection plan at Best Buy covers "Accidental" damage as well. So if you really accidently damage your laptop or if you just break it cause you got mad at it, its completely covered!!! Now you're like, whats the catch, and i have asked that myself; Here are the details:

-$399 for Accidental Protection plan, as well as Manufact. defects
-There's no limit to how many times it can break!
-Lasts for 3 years
-If your model is no longer available, you get the full amount credit towards another laptop model!!

Here is my reasoning behind the purchase of this. No, i dont wanna pay $400 bucks, and not really walk out with anything, not to mention its really close to the holiday season, so there are better things to spend my money on. BUT, as history shows, apple 'revamps' their macbook model lines at least within 1 to 1-1/2 years, so I could just break my laptop when apple adds Intel's new Core i7 chips, and maybe even USB 3.0 or whatever they decide to add.

What do you guys think???

 

[louishen]

JUst keep the $400 in the bank and put it towards that new macbook when it comes out. $400 plus the decent resale value of your current mac will pay for all or most of the cost of a new machine

 

[mr.s4ndm4n]

JUst keep the $400 in the bank and put it towards that new macbook when it comes out. $400 plus the decent resale value of your current mac will pay for all or most of the cost of a new machine

i actually think you have a pretty darn good point there. Only thing is, if i sale my current model for say $1200 when they update them, then im really still paying the same amount.....not to mention the hassle i'll have to go through w/ selling it; shipping and such.

 

[louishen]

at least with keeping the $400 you have the flexibility to decide what you do with it, you can upgrade when you want to upgrade, also read the conditions of that offer rather carefully just in case there are any surprise clauses

 

[tcphoto]

The Apple warranty is good for one year. During the last month of the warranty, go to eBay and buy Apple Care for much less. All you need is the serial number of the Apple Care certificate and register online for the added two years of coverage.

 

[rman]

The problem is AppleCare is cheaper, but it will not cover Accidents as was suggest by the OP with the BB coverage.

As most people know here we get a rash of spillage on laptops questions here, which Apple will not cover.

 

[chscag]

Apple care on eBay plus this: Laptop, Desktop, Tablet PC and PDA/Smartphone insurance from Safeware Insurance Agency, Inc. and you'll be ahead. Accidental damage also coverage in case the machine is stolen - theft is not covered by the Best Buy plan.

Regards.

 

[Andy348]

I've got a friend who purchased that plan with an Xbox 360. I realize it isn't the same thing, but it was probably $200 and it protected absolutely everything. His got the RROD and they took like a month to replace it. All in all he was very upset with them.

 

[mr.s4ndm4n]

Apple care on eBay plus this: Laptop, Desktop, Tablet PC and PDA/Smartphone insurance from Safeware Insurance Agency, Inc. and you'll be ahead. Accidental damage also coverage in case the machine is stolen - theft is not covered by the Best Buy plan.

Regards.

Do you, or anyone else for that matter, know much about this company. Is it this company legit?? Can i expect a new laptop in two years???

 

[chscag]

If you're referring to "Safeware", yes they are a legitimate company and reliable. Do a search in this forum and others that have notebook computers as a subject and you will find satisfied customers.

Note, however, Safeware charges a premium for their policy on an annual basis. The fact that they cover theft in addition to accidental damage is well worth the small yearly cost.

Regards.

 

[mr.s4ndm4n]

So what do you guys think...Best buy plan, or go with the Safeware site?? I really dont have the money to buy it right this moment, but if i get the Best buy plan, i have to buy it by friday, Nov. 21. Does anyone know quick you have to buy the 'Safeware' warranty??