03-06-2011, 08:32 AM

Apple no longer shipping TechTool Deluxe with AppleCare
Apple no longer shipping TechTool Deluxe with AppleCare | 9 to 5 Mac Apple no longer shipping TechTool Deluxe with AppleCare | Apple Intelligence

03-06-2011, 08:43 AM

Yet another reason not to bother with AppleCare. I'm starting to think that Squaretrade is a better solution altogether. Glad I got turned onto it with my new iPhone.

03-06-2011, 09:10 AM

I would always but AppleCare as I use my machine for my freelance work and a 3-year warranty is added peace of mind. However, TechTool Deluxe has been pretty much useless for years.

03-06-2011, 09:33 AM

Not sure it will be missed now, that's for sure. Had it uses back in the Jaguar days I think, but not now.

03-06-2011, 09:36 AM

If I'd bought AppleCare on the Apple stuff I've bought in the last 4 years, I'd be out over $1,000 for zero return.

03-06-2011, 09:43 AM

Fun reading for a guy who just bought his AppleCare Oh well - live and learn.

03-06-2011, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by Kevriano

Not sure it will be missed now, that's for sure. Had it uses back in the Jaguar days I think, but not now.

I don't think you've used it recently. Not only does it have some very nice diagnostics, but it also has maintenance and optimization tools that you would otherwise have to pay big bucks for. Just the undelete files and defrag utilities are well worth it.

As far as the value of AppleCare - I think it's pretty dubious if you're savvy with computers. So, it buys you an extra 33 months of tech support (I won't use it) and 24 months of warranty against manufacturers defects. Assuming that you start out with a good quality machine, it's unlikely that any of the solid state components are going to fail. So what does that leave? The hard drive ($60), fans ($40) and the SuperDrive ($150). The cost of the warranty for a MacBook Pro is $350 (a little less depending on where you look). Even if I had to replace all three components, I would still be ahead without AC.

I took some solace in the fact that Apple replaced my battery in my old MBP on two occasions, at a value of $240. And with the inclusion of TTP (worth $99), it didn't seem too awful. But now that the latter is gone and knowing that Squaretrade offers a full 3 year warranty with accidental damage protection for $300, I'm definitely leaning in that direction.

03-06-2011, 09:56 AM

Accidental damage, now that I could have used to replace my bottom case.

And I'm still waiting for the day when I knock over my coffee cup onto it. It's bound to happen some day. I've killed at least a couple of keyboards that way over the last 30 years.

03-06-2011, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by bobtomay

Accidental damage, now that I could have used to replace my bottom case.

And I'm still waiting for the day when I knock over my coffee cup onto it. It's bound to happen some day. I've killed at least a couple of keyboards that way over the last 30 years.

Please don't say that!

I've gotten very paranoid recently after reading all the "Help! I spilled XYZ on my Mac" threads.

03-06-2011, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by bobtomay

If I'd bought AppleCare on the Apple stuff I've bought in the last 4 years, I'd be out over $1,000 for zero return.

And as an opposite, I've had logic boards replaced on a few machines over the years, and my latest MBP was completely swapped out for a brand new model.

For me, AppleCare is worth it, but to each their own. It all is dependent on how much risk you want to assume and how likely you feel it is that something would go wrong.

03-06-2011, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Razormac

I've gotten very paranoid recently after reading all the "Help! I spilled XYZ on my Mac" threads.

Me too!! And having a rambunctious 2.5 yr old and a black lab doesn't help!

03-06-2011, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by bobtomay

Accidental damage, now that I could have used to replace my bottom case.

You should check your credit card company also. For example Amex covers accidental loss or damage as well as some other really interesting stuff that I doubt most people realize. I had an LCD TV replaced when there was a Wii accident and candle wax went all over the screen

Other card companies may offer something similar.

Also, most credit cards will automatically double the manufacturer's warranty for up to an additional year.

03-06-2011, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by cwa107

I don't think you've used it recently. Not only does it have some very nice diagnostics, but it also has maintenance and optimization tools that you would otherwise have to pay big bucks for. Just the undelete files and defrag utilities are well worth it.

.

True I haven't, but then I haven't had the need to either.
I see your point of course, just not so sure personally.

03-06-2011, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by BrianLachoreVPI

Me too!! And having a rambunctious 2.5 yr old and a black lab doesn't help!

Well, if it's any comfort, my nearly 3 year old and my 6 year old, who are incidentally systematically destroying the interior of my home, have yet to inflict damage on any of my Apple products (knock on wood). Of course a fair amount of threatening words and glances when they approach might have something to do with that...

Both of them know not to touch Daddy's toys otherwise they may need to look for a new place to live

03-06-2011, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by cwa107

Both of them know not to touch Daddy's toys otherwise they may need to look for a new place to live

You mean they actually acknowledge that it's your house? You'll have to share your parenting secrets! Ever since she was about 2 I've been convinced that she knows she owns the house and we're just living here thanks to her generosity!