i thought it was only three months. so i am still in my apple care warranty. purchased computer directly from apple so i should be able to get a quick answer.
I think that you get something like 90 days (3 months) of free phone support...but you get a full 12 months of Applecare with every computer purchase.
Whether you purchased the computer directly from Apple or from an Apple Retail Store...it makes no difference. You will actually get faster turn-around if you go directly to an Apple Store...since (in many cases) they may be able to diagnose and fix the problem while you wait.
If you call Apple via the 800 number...turn around will still be relatively fast...but you have to:
- wait for Apple to send you a shipping box (1-2 days)
- then ship the computer to an Apple repair facility (1-2 days)
- give Apple time to fix it (1-2 days)
- wait for the computer to be shipped back to you (1-2 days)
So would you rather drive to an Apple Store location to have your computer fixed...which might take as little as 15 minutes to 2 hours once you're at the store (sometimes it may take 24hrs if they're really busy)...or wait 4-8 days if you have to ship it???
I know which option I would choose.
- Nick