AppleCare Macbook Pro 13" /MB Air $179.99+FS

Quote from yearofdeath : Well, I can't help you if you don't understand that it's not a hardware problem - no idea where you got that idea. I clearly stated that it was the lack of apple support and the inability to update the osx, and coincidentally, retrieve updated plugins and drivers. I can quote my post if you are too lazy to read it: where I state that installing windows would be too easy (or any other 'non-supported' OS for that matter)*. But I didn't... And I likewise didn't want to potentially remove any of my neighbor's restrictive 'apple warranty' by installing an 'unsupported' and updated osx. *Maybe you could have arrived at that logical conclusion... maybe not. Allow me to break it down for you, in baby steps: Apple care = apple terms (of service) = no (legal) ability to mod, under such terms = more money to pay apple for warranty that does not provide basic software support (leaves Mac users, like my neighbor, with their butts to the wind) = even more money to pay apple (per the advice of apple tech support) for the most expensive and unnecessary alternative, within their 'support' ... This is what the topic is about, not what you can do yourself under apple warranty or after extending your 'support' with AppleCare.** **This is assuming you do know how to operate and care for your electronics and do not habitually break them - in which case, any insurance policy might be a good idea. (Had this been a different argument, It appears that we might actually agree upon something - to avoid apple care and do it yourself - unfortunately, the majority of Mac users do not understand how and can not help themselves. The benefits of doing it yourself greatly surpass apple's options, leaving you in a better position and with more money, not to mention doing the environment a favor and utilizing your products to their fullest. At least, you understand this much.) The fact that you bypassed apples checks and installed a newer OS that its not 'officially' able to install is quite amazing, really. You might want to mention that next time, you know, instead of giving people the false impression that its readily available to typical Mac users. You might also want to let them know that it voids whatever AppleCare/warranty they may have. Congratulations on setting up your own argument and knocking it down - I hope someone found it amusing Well, at least you can argue with yourself, I will give you that much. ^^^ This fish must be totally lost...which brings us back full-circle: Some people just don't think for themselves and go with the flow... perhaps they just 'think different'?

Somewhere in this wall of text, a kitten was murdered.

I "bypassed Apple's checks" and "installed a newer OS?" I purchased my software from Apple and installed it. The end. My point was actually that my OS is several versions out of date, but still maintains all current security updates, runs the most recent version of Firefox, and has no problem accessing Hotmail or any other godawful email service.

The fact that you think that installing Snow Leopard on a Macbook would be "bypassing Apple's checks" proves that you have no idea what you are doing and should probably avoid providing your "expertise" to your neighbors.

If you can't figure out how to get this person's computer running with the latest version of Firefox, then either her computer is an ancient relic (pre-2005 I would imagine) or you're not qualified to operate a computer.

Lastly, your line of "the majority of Mac users do not understand how and can not help themselves." applies to Windows users as well. It's called the general population.

This is perfect timing as my current warranty runs out at the end of the month, once I purchase the extended warranty, how do I apply it to my MBA? sorry for such a newbie question but this is my first apple laptop.

TIA

lol ... haha this is hilarious and i love it!!

Quote from tinkerbellfairy : This is perfect timing as my current warranty runs out at the end of the month, once I purchase the extended warranty, how do I apply it to my MBA? sorry for such a newbie question but this is my first apple laptop. TIA

1. Open the Applecare box
2. Email it to me
jk lolol

http://www.apple.com/support/applecare/register/

Quote from N0BIGDEAL : What the hell are you talking about? First you can install windows and still be covered under warranty. See bootcamp. But it means having OSX and an additional operating system usually windows. I personally have OSX Lion and Windows 7 pro installed on my 2009 13" MacBook pro. And this did not invalidate warranty. Second you can upgrade versions of Mac OSX and be covered under warranty. My MacBook pro came with leopard installed, but snow leopard in the box because it had just been released. I have since upgraded to Lion and have considered upgrading to mountain lion or going back to snow leopard. All supported under warranty. Finally Hotmail is web mail, so you're mostly likely accessing it with a web browser, if Safari was having issues, then install Firefox, Chrome, Opera, etc.... And upgraded drivers are included with the respective upgraded OS DVD or download. I really do feel bad for your neighbor and for you too.

Ok, let's get some things clear: windows was not an option, aside from the fact that boot camp or dual booting would take up much needed hdd space and was not feasible. The logical choice would have been to just install windows xp pr 7 and be done with it, but they wanted to keep macosx, yet it was impossible to upgrade the osx as the later versions of osx are hardware locked to newer macs, by design. That is unless you tweak and 'hack' some settings in order to bypass this.. Which I did not want to take responsibility for - I help for free and don't ask for payment.

Several browsers were tested (safari, mozilla, etc) and all suffered from the same issue - whatever specific web functionality it was, it required new macosx updates/drivers. The problem was researched in depth and multiple sources confirmed the issue - so the only option (based on my neighbors wish to remain on mac and not possibly void any warranty) was to change email service, and not bypass apple limits on installing a newer osx.

It is unfortunate that helping others and looking out for their best interest, without asking for anything in return (payment or otherwise), makes you feel bad. Your ailment will be in the thoughts and prayers, courtesy of the SD 'Freebies' group.

Quote from Chmeeee : Somewhere in this wall of text, a kitten was murdered. I "bypassed Apple's checks" and "installed a newer OS?" I purchased my software from Apple and installed it. The end. My point was actually that my OS is several versions out of date, but still maintains all current security updates, runs the most recent version of Firefox, and has no problem accessing Hotmail or any other godawful email service. The fact that you think that installing Snow Leopard on a Macbook would be "bypassing Apple's checks" proves that you have no idea what you are doing and should probably avoid providing your "expertise" to your neighbors. If you can't figure out how to get this person's computer running with the latest version of Firefox, then either her computer is an ancient relic (pre-2005 I would imagine) or you're not qualified to operate a computer. Lastly, your line of "the majority of Mac users do not understand how and can not help themselves." applies to Windows users as well. It's called the general population.

"Somewhere in this wall of text, a kitten was murdered."
Yep... Words is difficult. This might be a familiar scene to you, if you've ever picked something up with the intent to read (ie: in books/newspapers/magazines - literary media - or 'walls of text,' as you so cleverly put.)

I'll be the first to notify you, once SD decides to undergo the transformation to graphics only (you might better recall hearing of this novel concept as 'picture book').

Good god - it's capable of thought!
"either her computer is an ancient relic (pre-2005 I would imagine) or you're not qualified to operate a computer."

The computer is in fact old, yet still capable of running newer software, aside from apples hardware locked osx - though it's possible to bypass.

It is funny that you assume my neighbor is a woman, however - it would have to be a typical apple user though, a middle aged woman with no technical expertise or sensibility and deep pockets

I am curious on the qualifications you consider essential in order to be able to operate a computer, however - apparently, they would have to be exceedingly minimal no non-existent.

what? I get a box mailed to me... shoot I better order asap good thing I can still register as long I place the order while still under warranty.

Thanks Jason, rep ya

Quote from JasonKR : 1. Open the Applecare box 2. Email it to me jk lolol http://www.apple.com/support/applecare/register/

not sure if i should buy extended apple care or just sell my 2012 mac air and upgrade? the money it costs for apple care is about the same as the money i would lose by selling it used so I would rather take the loss and upgrade (always newest gen, 1 year warranty)

Quote from tinkerbellfairy : what? I get a box mailed to me... shoot I better order asap good thing I can still register as long I place the order while still under warranty. Thanks Jason, rep ya

Yepp I believe you do get box unlike eBay scam Applecare code!
Still considering if I should buy it or not
Thanks for rep!

Quote from red_devil32 : not sure if i should buy extended apple care or just sell my 2012 mac air and upgrade? the money it costs for apple care is about the same as the money i would lose by selling it used so I would rather take the loss and upgrade (always newest gen, 1 year warranty)

I have mid-2012 Macbook air too, hmm.. I don't think next update of MacBook Air will be major update..

Quote from spectheintro : I do so love these debates; they add so much. First, let me get this out of the way: you clearly have no understanding of the Mac ecosystem. Apple has one of the most robust legacy support systems in the industry, period. People with Apple hardware from *2005* can install 10.6.8 and be fully supported from a driver perspective. The hardware is *completely* covered. The only way your "neighbor" couldn't upgrade past Leopard is if he/she had a PPC-based Mac, in which case the computer is literally 10 years old. I will point out that no other computer manufacturer in the world offers this level of support. If you have a Dell machine that shipped with Windows XP, you can bet your ass they're not going to help you upgrade to 7. You *may* be able to swing it through third-party drivers and other finagling (and you can do the same with OSX) but it's a pain in the ass. No. AppleCare is a full hardware warranty for three years on your machine, where you can walk into an Apple store, give them your machine, and they will fix it. For free. That's what AppleCare is. No one buys it for the software support, although that is a nice added bonus. Why is a hardware warranty so important for an Apple machine? Because they are incredibly well-engineered to look great, and that means custom parts that cannot be replaced easily. (Outside of RAM and HDD, which no self-respecting computer enthusiast should ever purchase from a computer manufacturer.) I've taken apart many an Apple computer and it requires specialized tools and a lot of time, because Apple cares about making their computers as thin and light as possible. Any Windows machine with this goal is also a nightmare to take apart. You ever work on an Ultrabook? I had to remove the case, the hard drive, and then literally dis-assemble the motherboard and remove it entirely from the case to get to the RAM. Yes, the RAM. Paying $180 so that for three years you can get anything that fails replaced, free of charge, makes a lot of sense when you don't want the headache of securing the parts and spending the hour or two to do the repair yourself. I value my time. It has nothing to do with habitually breaking hardware. All hardware fails. It's simply a matter of time. I have an old HP that's lasted 10 years so far. I had a Dell fail in 2 years. The reverse has happened. I've had an Apple product fail catastrophically once, and I was damn glad I had the extended warranty when it did. This, unfortunately, is our world: no computer manufacturer is willing to warrant their goods indefinitely. Given that, and given Apple's custom engineering, spending $180 ($70 less than the retail cost of the plan) to warrant the machine for two extra years sounds pretty damn appealing. Right, and the "majority" of Windows users are geniuses? Are you listening to yourself? People are retarded, ALL OF THEM, when it comes to computers. Given your text I would suggest that you are too, but you've convinced yourself that you're good with a screwdriver or something. Go administer an enterprise network for a few years, build out a few networks (crimping the cable yourself), and then come back to this thread. No such "check" exists. You know what I think you did? I think you tried to use someone else's OSX CD, that came with their machine, to install a new OS on your neighbor's machine. It's a rookie mistake: those CDs are locked to the machine they ship with. If you'd spent 2 minutes googling, you'd have found that those CDs are NOT what you should use for general upgrades. You'd have purchased (or torrented) a Snow Leopard CD from a retailer and been shocked when it installed everything trivially easily. But you didn't, because the truth is, you're just not that smart. You want to prove that you are? Get me your neighbor's Macbook ID. (It reads like thus: MacbookAir3,1.) Give me that, and I will either show you where you went wrong, or I will freely admit that I am an ass. Here's what it comes down to: Apple produces cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing hardware. Any Windows alternative with the same specs and engineering as an Apple machine often costs more. OSX has serious downsides, so I always have a custom Windows rig for when I need it, and I keep Backtrack closeby for some Linux USB goodness. The convenience of going to an Apple store and having my computer fixed without question for THREE YEARS (and not having to spend 3 hours on the phone with a tech from India to just get them to replace my clearly broken part) is absolutely worth the cost of AppleCare. Hopefully you will one day open your eyes, swallow your misguided pride, and realize that Apple machines are no longer the over-priced, underperforming computers they once were. (And make no mistake, for a very long time they were absurdly expensive.) But let's be honest: you won't understand half of this post, and will probably go back to spouting your FUD. This is slickdeals, after all. OP, good price, but it's actually standard for B&H. I always pick up my AppleCare from them now.

Very good points, and I agree with you on most. Whether or not you think I'm smart is another matter - that you feel your opinion is actually worth anything is yet another.

I never said nor implied windows users were smarter than Mac users... whatever bias or issues you have are your own.

You might care to actually read into apples terms of service, specifically on their software manipulation - ask someone you know who can read and understand this legalese - very useful to know. I have a feeling that you are capable of doing your own 'research' here, but you might want to look into it for yourself.

What you think I did is actually not even close - his machine was simply 'not supported'. Ill try to get his Mac ID the next time I see him so you can go ahead and argue with apple support and convince them otherwise.

Who knows you might be right - in which case apple support is either incapable or dishonest.

I do find it interesting how you go about listing your credentials, however... Setting up networks and personally crimping cables, all by yourself... Repairing and completely disassembling and reassembling numerous laptops, macbooks and ultrabooks... that you P2P and torrent copyrighted software like every other butt-wipe out there... utilizing Backtrack, etc.

It might surprise you to know that you aren't special.. or exceptionally intelligent... Somewhat of an ass-wipe, maybe

You sound like a fairly competent individual, though - maybe you could work at apple tech support one day and give customers some much needed info (if you don't already) - apple support sure as hell isn't. It sounds as though you might have an idea of and/or experience in the field, in which case, you already know better than to not waste your time

Quote from spectheintro : If you have a Dell machine that shipped with Windows XP, you can bet your @#!*% they're not going to help you upgrade to 7. You *may* be able to swing it through third-party drivers and other finagling (and you can do the same with OSX) but it's a pain in the @#!*%

Does that only apply to dell? I have a hp dv2000 from 2006 that runs windows 7 without problems. It shipped with windows xp

You appear to be back-pedaling. I am not a cruel man; if you want to change your position, that's fine. But let's be clear that your position was: Mac owners are stupid.

Quote from yearofdeath : I never said nor implied windows users were smarter than Mac users... whatever bias or issues you have are your own.

I never claimed you thought Windows users were smarter. You specifically called out Mac owner intelligence, by saying:

Quote : unfortunately, the majority of Mac users do not understand how and can not help themselves.

And the rest of your post is about Apple's inadequacy. You can try and get off on a technicality here, but don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining: you believe Apple to be an inferior ecosystem and its customers to not be savvy. My only point in response was that ALL computer users fall into this large swath.

Quote : You might care to actually read into apples terms of service, specifically on their software manipulation - ask someone you know who can read and understand this legalese - very useful to know. I have a feeling that you are capable of doing your own 'research' here, but you might want to look into it for yourself.

This is a link to AppleCare's TOS: http://images.apple.com/legal/app...A_v5.4.pdf

I see nothing that is not standard here. Software manipulation voiding a warranty is very standard: when you flash an Android phone with a custom ROM, you void the warranty. (Note I did not say rooting the phone, as that has been deemed legal.) This is cookie cutter language. And Apple doesn't even say it voids the warranty: it just says "the warranty does not cover 3rd-party software or software that uses the device in an 'unintended' way."

As a contrast, look at Microsoft's warranting of its software: namely, it does not offer one for OEM products. If your computer's software breaks for ANY reason, it's your issue, and computer manufacturers (like Dell, HP, and Lenovo) specifically DISCLAIM software warranty in their hardware warranties. So if you mess up your software for ANY reason, not just "software modification", you don't even have a warranty to void.

So your issue is that Apple offers a warranty at all? Or what?

Quote : What you think I did is actually not even close - his machine was simply 'not supported'. Ill try to get his Mac ID the next time I see him so you can go ahead and argue with apple support and convince them otherwise.

Let me break this down. Apple shifted its architecture in 2005, from PPC (an IBM-based solution) to x86 (Intel/AMD that we all know and love). The first Intel machine shipped in January of 2006. As of Snow Leopard (OSX 10.6, r. Q2 2009), PPC Macs are no longer supported. This was widely announced, so it came as no surprise.

Leopard (OSX 10.5, r. Q4 2007) was the last PPC-compatible OS. Leopard is important because it was released AFTER all PPC Macs stopped being sold. So if we assume your neighbor had a PPC Mac (and not an Intel one), there is no way that your neighbor had Leopard installed when he purchased his machine, meaning that (unless he upgraded it himself) he had a clear upgrade path to a new OS.

I used Leopard for years, and nearly all OSX software states that "it is compatible with OSX 10.5 and beyond." However, this will not be the case much longer, as both Microsoft and Apple are moving to 64-bit OSes. (Windows 8 and Mountain Lion are both 64-bit only.)

Your stipulation is that "Apple support" told you it was "not supported." I find this very hard to believe, but you're not giving us all of the information. The Mac ID, the current OS, and the issue he was having all play into this. If he has an Intel Mac, it's AT LEAST supported through Snow Leopard. If he has a PPC Mac, it is supported through Leopard. If you asked if his Mac was supported in Mountain Lion and they said "no", they were telling you the truth. But that doesn't mean there wasn't AN option available to him. Should Apple have offered that? Probably. But when was the last time any computer retailer held your hand properly? They want to push new machines. It sucks.

Quote : I do find it interesting how you go about listing your credentials, however... Setting up networks and personally crimping cables, all by yourself... Repairing and completely disassembling and reassembling numerous laptops, macbooks and ultravooks... that you P2P and torrent copyrighted software like every other butt-wipe out there... utilizing Backtrack, etc. It might surprise you to know you aren't special / exceptionally intelligent... Somewhat of an ass-wipe, maybe

Well, according to every internationally recognized measure of intelligence, I actually am exceptionally intelligent. Would you like me to send you my transcripts from undergrad and grad school, and/or my IQ score? I'd be happy to do so.

Does it make me an asswipe to flaunt my intelligence? According to universally accepted standards of polite conversation, absolutely. But I was not flaunting my intelligence in my last post; I was establishing credibility. I have worked with technology for more than 15 years. I have worked with a variety of machines. Apple machines are well-made, expensive, and difficult to repair, but so are ANY machines that target the same engineering goals. My listing of software-that-I-use was to show that I use all three major OSes because each have their advantages. Your post was directly attacking the Mac ecosystem, and I was providing proof that I am suitably experienced in all three OSes to say that your claims are invalid. You can choose to reject my credentials; I don't much care. I was taught to always support my arguments with evidence, even if it is anecdotal.

Quote : You sound like a fairly competent individual, though - maybe you could work at apple tech support one day and give customers some much needed info (if you don't already) - apple support sure as hell isn't. It sounds as though you might have an idea of and/or experience in the field, in which case, you already know better than to not waste your time

Again, Apple support is not unique in its communication with clients. You are NEVER going to get insightful troubleshooting from any consumer support service: it's not in their paygrade. You either need to get on tech forums or you need enterprise support (I highly suggest HP for enterprise tech support; they get a competent tech out ASAP whenever you have a real problem.)

Where it is unique is in its convenience and customer service, which is why I purchase extended warranties for most of my Apple devices. It saves me the headache of performing repairs or troubleshooting basic issues, since my entire family calls me whenever there's a problem with anything remotely technological.

My entire point, through both of these posts, is:

1. You were not qualified to troubleshoot your neighbor's machine, and you blamed your lack of competence on Apple. You were exceptionally arrogant when others tried to point this out, so I responded with a similar level of arrogance which appears to have (somewhat) cowed you
2. Apple is not uniquely good or bad from a consumer-perspective for any software-oriented support

And I believe I've demonstrated both. If you disagree, respond; this is more interesting than the RFI I have to finish.

It says I cannot checkout because I have a billing address in Florida. WTF?

Get a squaretrade warranty that also covers the accidental damage. it is almost the same price.

Quote from jdatb : Does that only apply to dell? I have a hp dv2000 from 2006 that runs windows 7 without problems. It shipped with windows xp

There are exceptions, depending on when you purchased your machine, but typically the hardware vendor won't provide any support. Because Windows is so ubiquitous, quite a few OEMs simply provide drivers for their hardware to MSFT to ensure legacy support, so a machine made in 2006 *may* run Windows 7 assuming its OEM parts have drivers available in the WHQL library (made available through Windows Update).

Case in point: I have an HP machine I purchased for my father in 2007-8, and the only drivers HP provides are for Windows Vista. Not XP and not 7. I managed to get XP running on it through some driver acrobatics, and *technically* I can use most Vista drivers in 7, but the fact is that none of it is officially supported. Apple, in general, is much easier when it comes to this: if you have an Intel Mac, you're golden through Snow Leopard. If you have a 64-bit Intel Mac, you're solid through Mountain Lion. You never need to download any drivers for your core system; it's just covered.