I bought a MacBook over the weekend. I have read on other forums that the AppleCare plan that is available for it only covers manufacturer's defects. IOW, it would not cover any accidental damage (ie dropping it). Can anyone here confirm that?
If drop damage is not covered for the MacBook, is there any reason to expect the iPhone's AppleCare to cover it? If not, is the AppleCare plan really worth investing in since most electronics with manufacturer's defects fail relatively quickly (most likely during the standard warranty period)?
I've never heard of a computer warranty that covers physical damage you inflict. Regardless, extending tech support from 3 months to 3 years is just as valuable if not more so. Have a problem with anything, a software glitch, a configuration know-how deficit, whatever, and you can just phone 800-275-2273 and get the answer.
Also, a personal anecdote: my old PowerBook came with a problem where the monitor latch wouldn't hold. It was repaired when I first got it, but it recurred 2.8 years later. Repaired again, but the tech didn't seat a screw properly and it gouged the key deck. Re-repair was so delayed due to various supply issues that Apple just offered to replace it with a brand spankin' new MacBook Pro (on which I'm typing now). AppleCare plan: worth every penny, imo.
We'll see what an APC costs for iPhone. An iPod one costs $59. I'll guess iPhone's will cost $99, $129, or $149.
-K