Applecare vs. Apple Store

My superdrive died and I have discoloration of the top case. I'm going to take it to the Tampa apple store. Is there any benefit of calling applecare first or should I just make an appointment and bring it in? I'd be happy to avoid waiting on hold for an hour but if there is some benefit I'll suck it up and do it.
thanks

Thanks. I think I may call first. I made an appointment and went in to the genius bar a few weeks ago for case warping.
Not only did they refuse to fix my case but both the "genius" and manager were incredibly rude and seemed completely inconvienced by me being there or by any concern I voiced. I mentioned how incredibly hot the machine got, especially in the corner that warped and they wouldn't even turn the machine on to check it out.
I didn't know if filing a claim with applecare first would make the process easier or not.
The first time I went in they refused to fix my machine claiming I had dropped it and Apple's wonderful production wouldn't produce warping (even though its been reported before). I'm nervous that I'll drive all the way there for them to tell me that they won't fix my superdrive because "I dropped it" as they claimed previously.

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My MacBook Pro is malfunctioning and I do not have Applecare. Can I still take it to an Apple Store to have it looked at?

It all started after I downloaded the Maverick operating system. My computer gets "stuck" on different programs and I have to force shut it off by holding down the power button. First it started with changing the desktop background in system preferences, then my iPhoto would freeze up, now my iTunes is freezing up and I cannot sync my devices. I tried backing up my system but that won't even work either. Along with this, different programs on my computer now just close out unexpectedly. I am thinking it is either a virus or a software problem. I don't have AppleCare though, so what can I do? I don't live near any Apple Stores so I want to make sure I can actually do something about this before I drive some long distance to go find an Apple Store.

You can save yourself a trip by doing everything the Apple "Geniuses" will do.
1. Run the Apple Hardware Test. It will show nothing wrong.
2. Reinstall OS X. There will be no change.
3. Back up your data, erase the startup volume in Recovery mode, and install the OS again. Test without restoring any of your data. If you can't reproduce the problem with the machine in that state, then it's solved, as far as the "Geniuses" are concerned.
When you restore your data from the backup, the problem will reappear. Go back to the Apple Store, and the cycle will be repeated.
If you expect an Apple "Genius" to help you solve a problem with incompatible third-party software, which is what this probably is, you're going to be sorely disappointed. They're not allowed to do that, and they don't know how.

Which kind of information are necessary when buying AppleCare+ in an Apple Store? Just Apple ID?

A friend pf mine is going to buy an iPhone 5S for me in an Apple Store in Miami. If I want to purchase also AppleCare+ which kind of information do I have to give him? Is Apple ID enough?

wjosten wrote:
Brush up on your reading skills. No where did I mention reqular AppleCare in any post, and the OP never inquired about AppleCare. We're talking about AppleCare Plus.
Whether it's the plus version or regular version, they're both called AppleCare. The only difference between Regular & Plus is the damage protection. You're graspng at straws, wjosten. If I say that I filled up my car with gas, are you going to nitpick about whether it was Regular, Plus or Premium?
Also, where in this document ( http://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/applecare/applecareplus/docs/applecarep lus_us_tc.pdf ) does it refer to an Apple ID?
You are in error, wjosten. I know you HATE when that happens, but this is one of those RARE cases where you are wrong. Just like the 'passcode lockout' from the other day. As soon as I provided PROOF that you were wrong, you simply ignored the thread. And that's fine. But remember, this isn't personal on any level. It's about providing correct information to those seeking help.

How does AppleCare work if there are no Apple stores in the area?

Asking this for my mother who just purchased an iPhone 6 based on my suggestion that it was the easiest to learn coming from a flip phone.
She leaves in Ocala, FL and there are no Apple retail stores in the vicinity. When I looked up for 'authorized repair locations' the closest was over 45 minutes away in Gainesville, FL. Is there a way to purchase AppleCare+ and have local support within the greater Ocala, FL area... via Best Buy (where we got the phone), Verizon Wireless (our service) or any other repair services? Otherwise I may need to consider SquareTrade. Verizon and Best Buy insurance is very expensive for a 2 year plan.
I just want something where she will not be without a phone for days if it needs to be repaired.
Thanks for your reply,
Don

Databaseninja wrote:
Asking this for my mother who just purchased an iPhone 6 based on my suggestion that it was the easiest to learn coming from a flip phone.
She leaves in Ocala, FL and there are no Apple retail stores in the vicinity. When I looked up for 'authorized repair locations' the closest was over 45 minutes away in Gainesville, FL. Is there a way to purchase AppleCare+ and have local support within the greater Ocala, FL area... via Best Buy (where we got the phone), Verizon Wireless (our service) or any other repair services? Otherwise I may need to consider SquareTrade. Verizon and Best Buy insurance is very expensive for a 2 year plan.
I just want something where she will not be without a phone for days if it needs to be repaired.
Thanks for your reply,
Don
Another thing to consider. Square Trade, and the insurance you are talking about are different than Apple Care +. Apple Care + is an extension of the manufacturer's warranty. Square Trade and the Verizon and Best Buy insurance are just that, to cover the device if lost or stolen. That does not cover warranty work. Only Apple warranties the device. You are actually lucky there is an Apple Store that close. My closest one is 2 hours away. Others are less fortunate than that. But, as rbrylawski indicated, you can call Apple Care and ship the device to Apple for warranty service if necessary. The easiest way to prevent her from being without a phone is to take it to the store, but you can also ask for Apple Care to ship a phone to her before she sends hers back, but that requires a credit card and they put a hold for the cost of the phone until they receive the phone back.

IPad I bought from friend has speaker issues. Am I able to take it to Apple Store and still be covered under the 1 year complimentary Applecare?

iPad I bought from friend has speaker issues. Am I able to take it to Apple Store and still be covered under the 1 year complimentary Applecare?

Yes, so long as it's within the original purchase year (ie, the purchase from Apple, not from your friend).
Matt

Why i cant buy only applecare por my iphone in apple stor onlain?

why i cant buy only applecare por my iphone in apple stor onlain?

about Applercare in Ireland
http://www.apple.com/ie/support/products/iphone.html
Important notes
Purchase AppleCare+ with your new iPhone. Or buy it within 60 days of your iPhone purchase:
Call 1800 804 062 (requires you to run a remote diagnostic and provide proof of purchase)
See AppleCare+ Terms and Conditions for complete product details.
If you did not order AppleCare at the time of placing the order for the iPhone you buy by calling the number above

Applecare and Local Apple Store disagree...

I just got off the phone with apple care with some disturbing news...
It started when my local apple store decided to replace my machine because of 3+ repairs made on it. I was told by the Head Genius that they warranty on the new machine would start over when they handed it to me, and all I had to do was switch my applecare protection plan over to the new macbook pro. I did; I called Applecare and they transfered it no problem.
The inconsistency arose when I received my "applecare protection plan certificate" by mail. It stated that I had until 6/18/2010 until my plan ended... Well, I was given this mac on 5/24/08 meaning the plan should end 5/24/2011, and not the year before. I called applecare (literally 5 minutes ago) and spoke to a woman who said that the protection plan was always based on the original purchase date of the machine.
This makes no sense to me... If I was up on my year warranty the day after they gave me a new machine, does that mean I don't get the standard year warranty for a new apple product?
If you are supposed to be covered by that standard year warranty, then how do they justify not giving the year to those who spent $300-some dollars on a protection plan and giving it to those who didn't make the extra purchase?
I'm baffled.
Any advice would be appreciated!

Even though it's a new machine, it was a replacement for an existing machine. It is the purchase date of the original machine, for which the Applecare was originally purchased, that is the start date. You received the replacement, but in Apple's mind (and Applecare's) you have already owned the machine for a year. They just transferred the remainder of your Applecare to the new machine's serial number. Looking at the dates you listed, you had almost finished your first year of warranty, and they replaced your machine during the warranty period. Now you are on the extended warranty you purchased.
To Apple, it's still the same computer. They just "repaired" the whole thing.

Am I eligible for Applecare if I purchase an Apple product at a store other than an Apple store?

Am I eligible for AppleCare if I purchase an Apple product at a store other than an Apple store?

Not purchased yet. Perfect condition. It is on sale in a store other than Apple and if I purchase it, would I be eligible to register it for AppleCare?

Can you buy AppleCare after buying new iPad without visiting Apple store?

Can you buy AppleCare after buying new iPad without visiting Apple store?

Rumblin 4x4 wrote:
Can you buy AppleCare after buying new iPad without visiting Apple store?
You can if you do not live in Florida, apparently. I called this morning to add AppleCare+ and after giving my info (explaining that the Apple Store is 50 miles (at least) from me, I was going strong until she realized that I live in Florida. Apparently, some moron in the FL State Legislature got a bill passed to "protect" senior citizens and you can't buy things like AppleCare+ online or over the phone!! You have to do it in person. Seriously?!? I'm a senior citizen and I knew exactly what I was trying to buy.........she even had to read the description even though I told her I knew all about AppleCare+. As my husband said, "If you're smart enough to go online and pre-order, and set up an iPad, surely you are capable of making a warranty purchase!!!!!!
I even tried calling the Verizon store here, since I bought a VZ version, and even they can't sell it!! Going to Orlando from the beach during Spring Break and Snowbird Season will take up most of a day.......all to spend $99. I may just skip it and keep my fingers crossed that I never need it in a year from now.

AppleCare drops to $39 at Apple Store

Unlimited tech support calls from purchase to one year after original warranty expires. For some, this might be an attractive "upgrade" or insurance against future problems.

I am hoping and praying for the samething on vz's website for the 10th. It's the way I've always done it.
QuikSilver6645 wrote:
I was looking to reserve iPhone at an Apple store on the 10th, will I be able to Bill To Account there or only through a Verizon store?
Thanks

Is there any way to find out if an apple store can replace a macbook air battery whilst you are there before you go there?

My MacBook Air has come up with the Service Battery warning and isn't holding charge as well as it used to. I expect the battery needs replacing.
How do I find out if an applestore can replace it there and then?
I've been told I need to go online to book a genius appointment, and online the nearest apple store is one that can service macbook air laptops. However, when I go online and select book genius appointment for mac at this applestore it says "There are no available appointments at this store".
When I speak to apple on the phone, I am told, it is not possible to tell me on the phone whether apple stores have spare batteries or not for my macbook air.
On Tuesday I may have time to go to this apple store (Liverpool) without a genius appointment, but not to the next city (Manchester Trafford Centre). When I look for appointments at the Trafford Centre, the only available slot in the next 7 days is on Friday which I cannot do as I am not in the country. It is not possible to book further forward.
So, I really don't want to be going on a wild goose chase trying to find somewhere that can provide and fit a new battery.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated as to how I can get a new battery fitted for my macbook air as soon as possible.
As this is not a rant or complaint (my previous post was removed), I also would like to clearly provide the same constructive criticism as included in my previous post. When the problem "Service Battery" is highlighted by the laptop, in this "connected world" we live in, I think excellent customer service would be being able to book a genius appointment from your laptop with 1 or 2 clicks and also to be able to buy and reserve a battery to be fitted there and then.
As my macbook air is critical for my work and I used it 7 days a week, I really need to be able to replace on applecare customer service to fix this. Thanks.

call them, tell them you NEED a new battery installed, and they need to tell you when they can do it. That is their job to help you! Give pushback if necessary.

Can I convert an apple store gift card into a itunes gift card

Can I convert an apple store gift card into a itunes gift card. I bought the wrong one.

Hey Carterc25, I have been dealing with the same issue this morning... I've talked to the senior adviser of Applecare and "Bruce" told me the only way to convert apple gift card to itunes is by physically going to an Apple Retail Store and buy an Itunes gift card. Many people don't understand the difference between "apple" and "itunes" in gift cards so it is only obvious more people will fall victim to scheme. My advice is DO NOT BUY APPLE GIFT CARD.
Another reason to ditch Apple and be a Microsoft customer. #Microsoftisbetterthanapple

Frustrated with Apple Service and Apple Store... Lemon Law?

Hello,
I'm wondering if anyone has had an experience like this before, and if so, how they resolved it? Also, does anyone have any sort of customer service phone number (not tech support), where I could reach a supervisor, or someone who deals with issues like this on a regular basis?
Let me start from the beginning, and give a quick run-down of my problems.
*First let me say that the first Apple Store I went to is almost two hours away from where I live, and the second store is just about two hours.*
I bought a 17" Macbook Pro (Unibody, 2.8ghz, 4GB, 500GB, antiglare display, etc.), in September of 2009. I had problems from the beginning, originally some problems with both the wireless card, and a general slowness of the machine, combined with a cosmetic defect in the screen. I made an appointment at the Apple Store. At the first appointment, they said they had to order a new display assembly to fix the cosmetic defect. So I drove home, got a call a few days later that the part was in. I called a few days later to say I wouldn't be down for another few weeks, and could they please hold the part for me. I was assured that they would. I drove down about a week and a half later, and was told the part was sent back; apparently the message the gentleman I spoke with on the phone had not gotten passed along adequately. I was a little miffed, but figured accidents do happen, so I'd give the benefit of the doubt.
When I returned to get the display put on, I reiterated the wireless issues I was having (the wireless signal strength was spotty, while my 3 yr old Macbook had perfect strength sitting in the same location [yes, I both alternated which one was on, to make sure there was no interference, as well as had them both on at once]). I was told that because they could not reproduce it there, they couldn't really do much. I also reminded them that the machine was still slow, and they recommended an OS re-install. They then took the machine in back and replaced the display assembly. When they brought it out a while later, the new display had the same problem. I mentioned this, and she said that all the ones that were in back seemed to have the same problem, so there's not much they could do at the store.
I went down again a few months later to let them know that the OS re-install hadn't helped, and that I really couldn't keep driving two hours each way to not get anything fixed. They apologized profusely, and said they could mail the machine to their depot center, where it would be repaired and mailed back to the store, upon which they'd mail it to me. They also ran some tests at this appointment, and discovered that the processor heatsink may be failing. They made a note, and sent it out. I got a call a week later from the technician at the depot location, quizzing me on the exact problems I was having, and spoke to him for almost twenty minutes while waiting for a doctors appointment. (We'd played phone tag for a few rounds before we finally spoke to each other). I described everything as best I could without having the machine in front of me, but I felt that I was a little ridiculed by the technician. The attitude I sensed was "our tests didn't find any hardware failures, so you must be wrong, or lying." He didn't use those words of course, but he didn't exactly hide it too well either. As I was called into my doctors appointment, (so had to hang up) I asked him over the phone to please do as many tests as possible, and use the machine if necessary to reproduce the effects. He said he'd try, and hung up. I received the machine a week later or so, with a sheet listing what had been done. The list reads:
Labor charge
Flat rate repair charge
Obviously, I wasn't actually charged for either of them, but absent a more detailed list of what they'd done, the only difference I could detect was that they finally replaced the defective display with a non-defective part.
After another month or so, I returned to the store to let them know I was still having problems, and to get advice. They told me that they'd have to reproduce the issue there in order to do anything. They proceeded to reproduce the issue, and told me that a CLEAN install should do the trick. I did a clean install, and copied things back on very slowly, a few things at a time. The problem persisted even before I'd put much back on.
About a month later, I made an appointment with the other Apple Store (I have two, both about two hours away), and took it down. They reproduced the issue, and said it could be due to a faulty hard drive. They took it in back and replaced the hard drive. I was a little unhappy how many appointments it had taken, but was hopeful that it had finally been fixed.
I got a survey in my email about my satisfaction with my last appointment, so I filled it out honestly: that I had been extremely frustrated and disappointed, but I hoped that the fix that was finally provided would be successful. I was contacted the next day by the Head Genius at the most recent Apple Store I'd visited. She was very nice, and spent some time quizzing me on approximate times of hangups and delays. I told her that it did seem like the problems were still there, but I wanted some more time to verify the specifics, and that they had in fact persisted through the HDD replacement, and that I'd call her back if they persisted.
After very carefully copying things back on (yet again), I realized that it still wasn't fixed. The slow opening of programs had been sped up considerably, but the actual running of the programs was slower than ever, rendering Aperture 3 nearly unusable. Almost every adjustment (and all brush adjustments) will result in a complete system hangup. The few times it occurred to me to open activity monitor BEFORE opening Aperture, I was able to nab a few screen shots using a mouse shortcut I programmed. They show sometimes Aperture uses up to 170% of the processor (!?!), and almost always over 100 when this happens. Other occasions, it's Finder that's eating it up. I ended up with 14 screenshots of about 7 or 8 separate incidents. (Each time, I had to force quit the program, and restart the computer. At NO point was any other program running besides Finder and Aperture 3).
I called her back about three weeks after the last call, and explained that the problems were still happening. She was very nice again, and quizzed me about the problems, and durations of delays and hangups. She said that she'd order a few parts that it could be, and if I brought it down, they'd keep it there until they fixed it. I explained that after six trips of two hours and 90 miles, I'd put a lot of time, energy, lost work, and gas money and tolls into this computer, only to have it still not be fixed. I told her I wasn't sure that I would be able to come down again, and asked if there was any other way we could arrange this, or any other available options. She was very nice, but asserted that this was the only option.
Today, I went down again, and explained to them that I really can't come down again. After $150+ in gas and tolls, plus 28 hours of driving, plus lost wages, I just couldn't do that any more. They were very friendly, and kept telling me they really wanted to help me, but theres not much they could do as far as me not having to come down and pick it up again. A few minutes later, we were discussing the specific issues, and it was actually working for once, and they said that they couldn't replace it without verifying the issue, because Apple would throw a fit. (Understandably). This combined with overheard conversation, and other snippets of things said directly to me, led me to believe that if the issue could be reproduced, the computer would be replaced, and I wouldn't have to drive down again.
A few minutes later, after showing them the screenshots taken previously, we reproduced the issue. Aperture caused a system hang bad enough to prevent showing the dock, quitting, or force quitting (including the keyboard shortcut). I then told them that I had to leave in ten minutes (My sister had a birthday party starting at noon, and they needed adult supervision by that time). They talked for a few minutes and after continually assuring me there was no way around me driving down again to pick it up, told me that they would mail me a box, I could mail it back to the store, and then once it was fixed, we could discuss how to get it back to me. Being in a huge hurry, I grudgingly accepted this, and left.
I guess I'm a little confused that they didn't replace it after reproducing the issue, which they seemed like they were willing to do until I reproduced it.
On a whole, I've been extremely disappointed in Apple Service on all ends, both depot and store, and I'd like to know if there's a number I can reach to get some sort of escalation to at least talk to someone, and maybe get some sort of explanation of how it's okay to have someone make seven (almost eight) four hour trips for one single computer problem with a computer that is under warranty.
At this point, I'm so frustrated, if I could get my money back, and never buy an Apple computer again, I would actually think seriously about it. I was a recent convert (bought a macbook for college in 2007), and thought I would never even think twice about going back, but after this... I'm really not so sure. The only thing that would really prevent me from doing so is probably the $1000's in software I'd have to re-buy for windows, especially since you can't get student discounts twice on one title from most companies.
I think it's pretty unreasonable to expect someone to spend that much money on a computer that is under warranty, even if it's just on gas and tolls. I frankly can't see the logic in that.
Do I have any recourse? Even though it's only been technically "repaired" twice for the same problem (this will be the third) It's been looked at and analyzed seven times. I don't know much about lemon laws or consumer protection/warranty laws, but it seems to me that this should qualify.
If anyone has a phone number or email address of someone a little higher up on the food chain than a head genius at a NH Apple Store, I'd love to get this taken care of. Even a non-tech support customer service number would be helpful.
Thanks in advance, and sorry for the long novel up there.

I would suggest contacting AppleCare and briefly explain your frustration and ask to speak to a senior manager. Be articulate, have all of your facts organized including receipts, case numbers, etc. so when you talk to someone in charge you have your facts in a row. You should be also patient and persistent until you get a solution to your problem.
We are users just like yourself and cannot do anything other than provide some advice.
Had I been you with all the issues you seem to have been experiencing I would have asked to speak to a store manager. However hindsight is 20/20 so that doesn't do any good. If you do decide to go back to one of the stores make an appointment and when you arrive let them know you want to speak to the store manager. Again be articulate, organized and have all your facts ready including ALL documentation.
Good luck,
Roger
Message was edited by: rkaufmann87

I bought a new Mac Pro from an Apple store, it was sold as factory sealed, but it's reconditioned - it has some strangers entire photo,library from 2003 to 2011 in the trash bin.

. I bought a new Mac Pro from an Apple store 2 days ok, it was sold as factory sealed, but it's reconditioned - it has some strangers entire photo,library from 2003 to 2011 in the trash bin.
I was bought a Mac book pro as a birthday gift from the Apple Store in Leicester, after completing the initial set up procedure, I noticed that the trash bin was full of some one's entire photo collection from 2003 to 2011.
This is entirely unacceptable for Apple: How long have Apple been fobbing of consumers who believe they were genuinely purchasing a 'new' Mac book?
How is it that I have someones entire photo collection on my 'branch new Mac Book Pro' - these photos included wedding photo's, birthday celebrations, family celebrations and children. Its a serious breach of data protection, it's an invasion of some poor persons privacy and private photo collection. What concerns me the most, is what could have happened if those photo's had fallen into the wrong hands. We managed to trace, locate and contact the person who the photo's belong to within 10 mins using information taken from their wedding album.
Understandably these people are also very distressed that their personal photos are on my brand new Mac Book pro.
I would like details of who to contact in regards this incident.

Katdee22 wrote:
. I bought a new Mac Pro from an Apple store 2 days ok, it was sold as factory sealed, but it's reconditioned - it has some strangers entire photo,library from 2003 to 2011 in the trash bin.
Return to Place of Purchase.
Katdee22 wrote:
I would like details of who to contact in regards this incident.
Contact AppleCare.
Apple Contact USA > http://www.apple.com/contact/

My hard drive S.M.A.R.T. status is reading 'Failing' for my 27' iMac. Does this mean that I need to take my iMac to the Apple Store?

Ok, the whole story in a nut shell.
My computer was lagging pretty badly and so I turned it off and on again, obviously. But when I turned it back on, I couldn't get to the login screen, the computer would just freeze at the white loading screen with the Apple logo and the loading spinner.
After that, I left it for a couple hours thinking that it might resolve, when it didn't I forced reboot and booted of the OS X instillation disk, following advice of the internet about running diagnostics.
I opened Disk Utility to see what was going on and I then attempted to run repairs on the hard drive, this failed and froze up. So I rebooted. Next time I open up Disk Utility it highlights the internal hard drive in red and says that the S.M.A.R.T. status is failing. I've seen a couple other people with this problem and I was wondering if this is a reoccurring problem with iMacs or a one of thing, either way, what should I do, take it into the Apple store?
F.Y.I.
I don't have AppleCare and my computer is no longer under warranty, so if I have to take it in, how much do you think it will cost me?

Beaneebar wrote:
I don't have AppleCare and my computer is no longer under warranty, so if I have to take it in, how much do you think it will cost me?
If the machine matches your profile, Mac OS X (10.7.4), iMac 27', 2012 model, refurbished, then it should be covered under the first year of use. Contact Apple's Express Lane and verify. If it is, then after getting it fixed, purchase AppleCare—the cheapest insurance policy available for Macs.

Applecare vs. Apple Store

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