Applecare confusion...

so I went to the applestore asking around bout the applecare program...
I asked them since the warranty for my macbook pro is for 1 year... I can get applecare as long as im within that 1st year... they told me that i should get it within 3 months because though my 1 year warranty would be extended to 3 year... my phone support wont... if i buy applecare within 3 months, then that's the only time my phone support get extended to 3 years...

i dont believe them.... what's the real deal?

 

Okay, I'll give you the real rundown...

All Macs come with a standard limited warranty that offers phone support for 90 days for one incident and covers hardware for one year.

AppleCare extends phone support as well as hardware support for 3 years. So anytime in the three years you can call AppleCare as many times as you like.

So no, it isn't necessary to get AppleCare if the first 3 months; your phone support will be extended even if you buy it on the last day before the year ends.

 

Does this mean if you do not get the extended warranty and you have more than one issue you do are not able to receive service via telephone? I'm a bit confused as to what is meant by phone support.

 

That means that if you don't buy AppleCare, then you will only have phone support for 90 days and for only one issue. You can call more than once in the 90 days but it has to be about the same problem. So yeah, if you get another issue you won't be able to phone it in, unless you want to pay for the call (I think its like $30 a call ).

 

so when i buy applecare on the last day of my 1 year warranty, i'm eligible for the 3 year warranty and 3 year call support...

those applestore guys making me all confused...

thanks sam...

 

Actually it's one issue just for the iPods.

http://www.apple.com/support/complimentary/
".....include unlimited complimentary support incidents within the first 90 days of product ownership"

Unless complimentary support is something different.

 

oh by the way, the geniuses said it was $50 per call

 

One issue is only for iPods.

As for the cost of phone support outside the 90 days but within warranty, they don't charge you if it's found to be a hardware issue. No idea what the charges are like in the US. And if you have an Apple Store around, the Genius Bar always offers free support.

As for the Applecare Protection Plan, you can buy it anytime in the first year. Just remember to register it also.

 

Hmmm...thanks for the correction cycloneguy and Starlight. I must've read the wrong page back then .