Filed under: Bad Apple
3 year warranty with Higher Ed. purchases, or not?
A few weeks ago, Apple stuck a message up on their Higher Education store (EU only) stating that due to a new national agreement for Higher Education individual purchases, any Macs purchased from the store would receive three years of parts and labor coverage at no extra cost. When I later purchased a MacBook from the HE store, I was so excited to be picking up a new Mac as to not notice that the sign had disappeared. I was reassured later on by several people in the support forums who showed me this extract from the HE Store's Terms and Conditions (no, not this one! Yes, there are two T&Cs *sigh*):
"10.1.1 All Apple-branded desktop and portable computer products shall be subject to a 36 calendar month warranty period commencing from the date of delivery."
When I received my MacBook, I checked the included booklet regarding my warranty: the above clause is nowhere to be seen. Instead the booklet talks exclusively about my one year limited warranty with no mention of Higher Education or extended warranties. Likewise, when I use Apple's tool to check how much AppleCare you have remaining, it returns a result of 356 days. Apple has confused me even further by allowing people who have purchased new Macs from the HE Store to purchase 3 year telephone coverage for around £50. When I bought my MacBook, there wasn't even an option to purchase AppleCare in the build to order section!
I'm not the only one to feel confused. People over at the Apple support forums (1, 2, 3) and the MacRumors.com forums are equally mixed up. So, what's the deal Apple?
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tom Etminan said 1:20PM on 5-26-2006
I had also noticed this anomaly, and have posted on the Apple forums about the situation: http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=2401118#2401118
Basically, i've called both the people in charge of HE individuals and institutions and get conflicting stories. However, i believe the institution people know what they are talking about, as they need to.
The state of affairs it this. Laws recently changed which required Apple to give 3-years free warranty on educational items. However, Apple haven't got round to updating everything on their websites or documentation yet.
If they try to sell you AppleCare for an extra £50, be aware that the only thing you will get is extended phone support beyond the 90-days free. You already have the 3-year warranty.
If you wish to confirm this, then call the institutional HE store.
Reply
Douglas F Shearer said 1:36PM on 5-26-2006
WHen I ordered my Macbook last week, I didn't understand why the Applecare options were blanked out. Maybe it is included as part of the price with HE products. Would be nice to know, although sice I wasn't wanting it anyway, it's a bonus! :o
[My Macbook has finally mae it to Belgium, only have to wait till early next week now....]
Reply
Chris said 1:44PM on 5-26-2006
I'm no lawyer - But when you hit purchase your buying it under the T&C's available to you right there and then, and if they say 3 years - Apple have to provide 3 years.
Reply
Tom Etminan said 1:52PM on 5-26-2006
I have spoken to Apple about this. You will get 3-years warranty. They just haven't got round to updating their documentation and websites yet.
I told them it was confusing and to get it sorted, but the guy didn't care in the slightest.
Reply
icruise said 1:53PM on 5-26-2006
I had no idea that higher education purchases got an extended warranty. Is this true no matter what school you go to?
Reply
Marco said 2:27PM on 5-26-2006
By the way, since 1999 EU law grants you two years of warranty, minimum, unless you're buying as a company or a professional (i.e., not paying VAT on the purchase.)
It's officially known as directive 1999/44/EC of the European Parliament. Check "my website" link for the full text.
I'm not sure if this law has been enacted in the UK, but it is definitely active in Italy. The Italian version also adds that a manufacturer may advertise a 1-year warranty (which seems to be the case here), but the total duration is at least 2 years, anyway. The second year is to be covered by the retailer (which is Apple as well, in this case).
Kudos to Apple for one extra year, though...
Reply
Mike said 7:41PM on 5-26-2006
Have a read of the Sale of Goods Act, it's amazing how many people don't know their rights as a consumer.
Reply
Richard said 4:49AM on 5-28-2006
This whole 3 year warranty on HE purchases has been a complete nightmare of misinformation for Apple. This has been going on since last December, when the warranty was supposed to have first started. It wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that they provided any info about this on the Store, and then as mentioned above, this has now been removed. The T&C's that I read suggested 36 months warranty, but because of the general confusion that I felt I rang Apple who did assure me that my machine will be covered for 3 years, and that the upgrade available was indeed for extended telephone support only. I am still dubious however, as it seems that people still have conflicting information.
Reply
Rob said 6:23AM on 5-29-2006
Bloody hell, some people on here sound like a bunch of old women. If it says in their terms and conditions that it is 3 years, then its 3 years! Thats the law, there is nothing to be 'dubious' about. Get a grip!
Reply