05-27-2010, 09:06 AM

For years I've wanted to buy a macbook pro but
didn't have the means to do it well now I do. I'm a
web design student that needs to have a computer
and I want a macbook pro to be the notebook I
use during school.

I was deciding whether or not to get the Applecare,
and everyone seems to have a different opinion on
the subject. I noticed that you get quite a discount
being a student but there's one thing that bothers me.

In my research on whether or not it's worth it, I looked
up "macbook pro applecare" and searched within the last
year for the most recent results.

Before I say this or really ask this question I know computers
are computers, they having moving parts and anything can
go wrong with any computer. Not every BMW or Mercedes
comes off the line perfect, I completely understand that, but
this did instill a little fear into me.

I've read alot of people's stories about Applecare and
how often they have to have their computer's repaired.
The thing that scares me is how quickly this seems to happen
with these people. Most of them say it happens within the
first few months. Logic boards go out, trackpads crack,
battery's drain and fizzle out, power supply's die and a ton
of other things.

Like I said I know Apple has one of the best quality laptops
around but hearing that all this stuff happens so quickly
makes me a little nervous because if they're the best what
the **** happens when you get a different company's computer.

I've had good luck with all my pc laptops in the past and I
expect the same from apple and even more. I just want it
to last at least 2 or 3 years and b/cuz I take good care of
my computers I assume Applecare will just be peace of mind.

Ok so my question have you guys had your computers in
the shop a lot and do you think Applecare is worth it for
what they cover? I know no one can predict how your
computer is going to be when you actually buy one but
reading 16 pages of stories from Google I'm a little
apprehensive now, do I have a need to be?

Thanks guys

05-27-2010, 09:32 AM

The main reason why Apple/Macs are some of the most often repaired computers on the market is not because there defective it's because most people choose not to throw away a $2000 computer, If you buy a $499 Dell and it fries out 90% of people toss it on Ebay,craigslist or the dumpster, 99% of Mac users don't do that. As for Applecare it's a pretty good deal, I have used Applecare for some of the most minoot reasons, Apple has never questioned it at all.


As for all those problems you stated, You don't think PC makers have those same issues? Do you remember a few years ago when Dell batteries were literally exploding?

I understand where your coming from a Mac isn't cheap, Just take good care of it. With Apple care you don't need to buy it right away. You have an entire year to think it over, I wouldn't wait too long though. Enjoy

05-27-2010, 09:45 AM

I'll also add in this - discussion forums are a horrible place to gauge product reliability. Why? Well, it's simple - 98% of the people who come here are having a problem. That 98% of the people who come here probably represent 1% of the total user population.

People are far less likely to come to a discussion forum and say "Hi All, my name is Bill and I'm having no problems!! Great forum you've got here!!".

And the same is true of any forum related to a specific product, be it cars, computers or blenders, people go to forum for help when a problem occurs. Only a small percentage stick around to actually get involved in the community. And almost no one joins a forum to espouse the reliability of their product.

If you really want to gauge reliability look at scientific reports from consumer advocacy groups. And if you do that, you'll find that Apple consistently ranks highest - and I'm not talking about a win once in awhile, but in the top ten for more than a decade.

05-27-2010, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by cwa107

I'll also add in this - discussion forums are a horrible place to gauge product reliability. Why? Well, it's simple - 98% of the people who come here are having a problem. That 98% of the people who come here probably represent 1% of the total user population.

People are far less likely to come to a discussion forum and say "Hi All, my name is Bill and I'm having no problems!! Great forum you've got here!!".

And the same is true of any forum related to a specific product, be it cars, computers or blenders, people go to forum for help when a problem occurs. Only a small percentage stick around to actually get involved in the community. And almost no one joins a forum to espouse the reliability of their product.

If you really want to gauge reliability look at scientific reports from consumer advocacy groups. And if you do that, you'll find that Apple consistently ranks highest - and I'm not talking about a win once in awhile, but in the top ten for more than a decade.

Good point, you know Apple notebooks have long been considered the gold standard in portable computing, you know the computer that all other manufacturers try to compete with.

05-27-2010, 09:48 AM

Thanks for the reply...

I get what you're saying about wanting to repair
a $2K computer, I remember having a dell that wouldn't
start unless I pressed ctrl + alt + delete upon starting
the computer.

I think I'll definitely get Applecare even if I didn't think it
would work while I use, just the peace of mind with a $2K
computer like you said.

I was going to get it when I bought it because of the
student discount but if I can get the student discount
later than I'll just do that eventually.

05-27-2010, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by vesonexavier

Thanks for the reply...

I get what you're saying about wanting to repair
a $2K computer, I remember having a dell that wouldn't
start unless I pressed ctrl + alt + delete upon starting
the computer.

I think I'll definitely get Applecare even if I didn't think it
would work while I use, just the peace of mind with a $2K
computer like you said.

I was going to get it when I bought it because of the
student discount but if I can get the student discount
later than I'll just do that eventually.

If you ever decide to sell the computer while it's still covered by Applecare, That's a huge selling point with people who are looking a decent used Mac.

05-27-2010, 10:10 AM

Thanks for the feedback...

I've never owned a mac but I already feel biased towards
them, I know they're the best computers around and if I
take care of it like my other computers it's going to last
a long time.

That's a good point about forums being a place to find
negative feedback, very few people except for the youtube
crowd praise their computers.

Despite the fact that I've never owned one, I have
complete faith in them.

Thanks again for the help