Apple care vs best buy protection plans

Just bought my daughter an apple macbook pro for her to take off to college in fall. Which service would you purchase?
BB plan for 3 years covering all accidental damage including spills is $459 vs a $259 for apple care that doesn't cover that.
I want to purchase something as its a kid taking it to college and I am thinking it will get some hard use.
Thoughts?
thanks

hilliards said:

Just bought my daughter an apple macbook pro for her to take off to college in fall. Which service would you purchase?
BB plan for 3 years covering all accidental damage including spills is $459 vs a $259 for apple care that doesn't cover that.
I want to purchase something as its a kid taking it to college and I am thinking it will get some hard use.
Thoughts?
thanks

Click to expand...

Like you mentioned...the BB plan covers accidental damage & spills...the Applecare plan does not (of course you pay for that extra coverage)...$459 vs. $259.

Also be aware (the last time I looked into it)...the BB plan only covers ONE accident.

- Nick

Bear in mind that the service you'll get at an Apple store or their helpline will be a lot better than at Best Buy, and even if Apple Care expires, you get pretty preferential treatment at the stores when there is a problem with your machine, with a cap on repair costs (which is unofficial, but fairly well understood).

Zoolook said:

Bear in mind that the service you'll get at an Apple store or their helpline will be a lot better than at Best Buy, and even if Apple Care expires, you get pretty preferential treatment at the stores when there is a problem with your machine, with a cap on repair costs (which is unofficial, but fairly well understood).

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I would certainly 2nd everything mentioned! As well as say that sometimes Apple/Apple Store will repair things that are out of warranty.

One additional thing as well. If the BB policy is purchased...the computer still comes with 12 months of complementary Applecare...so for at least the first 12 months...there would be "double" coverage in some areas.

- Nick

You may also want to check with your home owner's insurance to see if it covers loss or theft of that new MacBook Pro. The chances of her new MBP getting stolen at college are lot greater than spills or accidental damage.

BB or Apple Care

Go with the Apple Care and just tell your daughter not to use her MBP as a coaster. Save $200 and having your daughter accept responsibility for her new computer - priceless!

Apple Care has always taken care of my families occasional Mac and iPhone issues and even addressed some issues I was unaware of. I will say that since I live relatively close to the local Apple Store service has been very convenient as well.

A good cable lock could also save your daughter some grief when she leaves her dorm.

Check out worthavegroup.com. They offer extended warranties and insurance (theft, vandalism, accidents, etc.) for a pretty good price compared to other companies that only offer extended warranties.

hilliards said:

Just bought my daughter an apple macbook pro for her to take off to college in fall. Which service would you purchase?
BB plan for 3 years covering all accidental damage including spills is $459 vs a $259 for apple care that doesn't cover that.
I want to purchase something as its a kid taking it to college and I am thinking it will get some hard use.
Thoughts?
thanks

Click to expand...

I have a college freshman here, go with the BB coverage, no matter how careful your girl is, all it will take is one clumsy room mate, stumbling with a glass of water in her hand & that Mac will be a paperweight. You obviously want your child to care for her things but being in settings involving lots of other people adds an extra level of situations out of her control where her Mac could be damaged.