I found out that my AppleCare plan, which has 18 months left on it, does not roll over to my Apple-supplied replacement iBook. If I want any extended warranty, I need to pay full price on another three-year coverage plan, even though when you factor in the 18 months left on my current plan, a new plan will only buy me 18 months more coverage. I felt cheated, so I wrote them a letter.

To whom it may concern,
I purchased an iBook G3 (900 MHz 12") in July 2003, along with an AppleCare extended warranty. After repeated logic board failures, The Emeryville, CA Apple Store exchanged my G3 iBook with a brand new G4 iBook. When problems cropped up on my new iBook, I found out that the protection plan I purchased is no longer good. Why? Because it is a new machine--a machine I did not buy, mind you. Therefore, I am hereby complaining about your policy regarding replacement units and AppleCare. I do not feel it is acceptable to terminate an agreement until the three years are up--period (unless someone voids the warranty by opening their iBook up and damaging it). I paid for three years of coverage on my iBook. I expect three years of coverage.

I feel that when a replacement is given, the owner should be able to choose one of the following:
-carry over the remaining AppleCare coverage or be granted the standard 1-year limited warranty; whichever is longer
-purchase a new three-year agreement for a discounted price (discount proportional to the time remaining on the AppleCare warranty: 18 months left on the existing warranty gives you 50% off a new one, 6 months left gives you a 16.5% % discount, etc...).

I believe the plan I noted above would be fair to both Apple Computer and consumers. The current arrangement just doesn’t cut it.

I love Apple’s products, but sometimes I feel they treat their loyal customers like dirt.