AppleCare iMac old product number OK?

Question

Hello,
I've just ordered "AppleCare Protection 3year iMac" from Saverstore, a fairly large online retailer in the UK. Searching the given part number M7812Z/A (which would be equivalent to M7812LL/B in the States, I think) reveals that this is the code used for AppleCare around 2001-3 timeframe. I read of at least one person using this part number when buying off eBay to register a more modern iMac successfully, but I'm the type to worry, so I called AppleCare just now.
I was told in the first instance that "all iMacs are treated the same", but when I indicated my worry about the part number, the rep stated (without even asking for the number) that the only way of checking applicability to a particular computer was to open up the box and supply the registration number. While UK distance selling regulations will certainly enable me to return a sealed box within 7 working days, opened is another matter.
Since someone's had to set the AppleCare database to accept/deny agreement numbers based on part numbers, there's obviously someone in Apple who knows the answer , but I'm not sure who to ask next.
Any thoughts are welcome - thanks for listening.

Answer 1

Hi Veri!
I'm still using a number of AppleCares with part number M8851LL/A that I bought several years ago. Yes, I was expecting the prices to go up, so I bought in a stock of them. The AppleCare packages are dated 2003, as are the TechTool Deluxe CDs that have been inside. WARNING: do NOT use any of those old TechTool discs, as they are pre-Tiger!!! and of course, pre-Leopard. The ones you're looking at may even be pre-Panther.
Every one of the AppleCares that I've used to enroll a Mac, nine so far, has been accepted immediately on Apple's website and has been credited (attached) to the computer serial number that I entered. The most recent use was last week when I enrolled one of the old AppleCare with my new Alu iMac. A week to ten days later I always receive the AppleCare certificate in the mail from Apple.
The AppleCare database with which you'll interface online does not reference the package part number at all. You enter the serial number of your Mac and the Enrollment No. that's contained inside the sealed package. You'll be offered a confirmation screen where you confirm everything, including what kind of Mac you're enrolling, prior to submitting it and it's then instantly enrolled to cover that Mac.
It simply must be an iMac/eMac package to use with either of those computers. The iMac and eMac both have the same cost AppleCare. Obviously, one can not use a less expensive product to replace a more expensive product, and Apple's online interface does make that distinction.
Be sure not to wait until the actual anniversary date of your Mac purchase, as the requirement is to enroll within the first year. The anniversary date is the first day after the year is over. Learn the hard way, is my motto:(