AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod touch/classic OLD VERSION Review

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(More customer reviews)Granted, I would never spend $59 to cover a $79 iPod Shuffle... but for any of the other iPods over $200, it's a good deal... and here's why.
Out of the box, you get a one year limited warranty. In the first 90 days of this out-of-the-box warranty, you can call Apple once for a general question - like "how do I speed up this track" or "tell me how in the hell to use this infernal gadget!" - but after that, it's $49 per call... unless there is something technically wrong, then the call is free. It is a toll-free #.
The one year limited warranty is a 2-parter. In the first 6 months of this warranty (this is where reading the fine print really helps), you can contact AppleCare or go to an Apple Retail Store if your iPod is failing (not from accidental damage, though - just if it stops working or behaves badly) - if they cannot do a software fix for it, they will replace the iPod with a refurb unit. The refurbs have new cases and new batteries - but the LCD and Hard Drive might be refurbs. This is also in the fine print. The unit is still covered under your warranty for the life of the warranty period.
Your warranty period starts from the date of purchase of the iPod, not the date of purchase of the warranty. You have one year to buy the warranty and register it online. So, let's say you are a last minute shopper and you fly to New York to shop at the Fifth Avenue Apple Store that is open 24/hrs a day, 365 days a year... and you buy the blooming iPod on Christmas day. You of course remember the date (like a birthday) in your memory... knowing you have one year to buy the warranty and register it... you will have until Christmas EVE the next year to buy & register the warranty online. You cannot buy it on the one-year anniversary - it's one day too late - 366 days, not 365 days. Don't procrastinate! By waiting, you do not add time to your coverage.
So - back to the limited warranty - after the first 6 months, there is a processing fee. This is waived if you have the AppleCare Protection Plan (APP), but if you just have the limited warranty, you'll pay $29 plus tax for a replacement unit. Why? They ship the old unit back to be taken apart and recycled and it covers the shipping of the replacement unit to the store or to you (if you do the mail in service instead of going to the store).
When you get a replacement unit, the unit is covered for the length of your warranty or 90 days - whichever is longer.
When you have APP, there are no more fees - you have coverage for 2 solid years - unlimited phone support and no fees if you have to replace the unit in the store 20 times.
If you drop the unit, accidentally put it in the washing machine or run it over with your car, they will be able to tell and that kind of damage is not covered. If you have a warranty on your car, you use it if you hit a speedbump and your transmission falls out. But, if you wrap your car around a tree, this is an insurance issue, not a warranty issue. Same with the iPod. Apple does not sell insurance. Some credit cards do offer limited insurance on electronics. You will have to check w/ your card to see if this coverage is available for you.
Some people opt to do all their holiday shopping at a big-box retailer w/ their attractive 6-12 months no interest deals... that's fine and dandy - but you need to be aware of some of the extended warranties they sell. Ask lots of questions.
Many big-box retailers offer a 4-year warranty for about the same price as Apple's 2 year warranty - but what is in the tiny print is that in the first year, you have to take the unit to Apple for service. So - you take it into Apple (or mail it in) - they don't 'repair' your unit - they either do a software fix if it was corrupted software (something you can do yourself at home) or they will replace the unit. When they replace the unit, you now have a new serial number - and this is not covered by the other retailer's 4-year warranty. You won't know this until 2 years later your ipod dies again - you go to the big box retailer and they tell you that the iPod you have in your hand is not the one you covered with their warranty. Oops!
With your APP warranty, you're paying 8 cents a day for peace of mind. And if you're buying a $400 iPod, it's nice that you don't have to worry about getting another one for 2 years. It's a hefty investment only to have to pay $30 for a replacement in 6 months if the thing starts acting funny, then paying for a new one. By the time your APP runs out, you know they will have come out w/ some new awesome model you 'have to have' anyway. I still have the first iPod I bought about 5 years ago and it still works. The battery life is nil, but plugged in, it still works... but I still bought a new model when it came out... and you will too.

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Every iPod comes with complimentary single-incident telephone technical support within 90 days from the date of purchase and one year of hardware service coverage. The AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod extends your service and support coverage for your iPod, its included accessories, and iTunes to two years from the original purchase date of your iPod.
This AppleCare plan (MA518LL/A) cover the iPod touch and iPod classic. With this plan, you get direct access to Apple experts for answers by phone and anytime access to web-based resources. Should your iPod or the included accessories need service, Apple-authorized technicians will repair it or provide a replacement using genuine Apple parts. (For iPod shuffle or iPod nano, see the MA964LL/A AppleCare Protection Plan.)

Key Features Comprehensive service and support
Extends telephone support up to two years
Extends hardware coverage up to two years
Provides expert support for both Mac and Windows users
Protection for the iPod and iTunes solution
Covers iPod and included accessories: iPod battery, iPod earphones, other accessories in the iPod box
Supports iTunes and connection with iPod
Quality and convenience backed by Apple
Offers award-winning technical support
Provides a convenient toll-free telephone number
Guarantees genuine Apple replacement parts
Permits transfer of the plan between owners

Investment protection Apple recommends that you purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan with your new iPod to take maximum advantage of the coverage the plan provides. This comprehensive plan is available for all iPod models within their one-year limited warranty that connect to either Macintosh computers or Windows PCs.
One Number to Call for Help Because Apple creates both the iPod and iTunes, they form a truly integrated solution for digital music and more. If you ever have a question about their use, you'll have direct telephone access to Apple's own technical support group--the people who know iPod and iTunes best. AppleCare representatives can help troubleshoot your iPod and its connection with iTunes. Apple offers the same complete service for both Mac and Windows users.
Peace of Mind at Home or on the Road With iPod, you can take your entire music collection everywhere you go. But should your iPod need service, the AppleCare Protection Plan gives you the peace of mind of knowing that Apple provides global repair or replacement coverage.

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