Apple is reportedly testing a new AI tool to help AppleCare support advisors with queries, according to a new report. 

2024 is expected to be a big year for Apple in terms of AI upgrades coming to both the hardware and software that the company will ship later this year. However, this latest report seems to indicate that Apple sees potential for AI tools that can help its business run more efficiently behind the scenes as well. 

MacRumors reports this week that Apple “is internally testing a new ChatGPT-like generative AI tool that will enable employees to offer faster technical support going forward.” So what is this program? And how could it benefit customers?

Applecare AI? 

According to the report, Apple is testing a new tool dubbed “Ask” “that can automatically generate responses to technical questions they receive from customers.” The company “ recently launched a pilot program that provides select AppleCare support advisors with access” to the platform. 

While some companies have transformed (ruined) their customer service by replacing people with AI and chatbots, it seems Apple is instead using Ask to equip its human customer service agents with better responses. The report specifically notes “Advisors can then relay the info to customers in online chats or on the phone,” indicating humans will remain a primary part of the process. 

Ask can reportedly “automatically respond to a query with relevant information from Apple's internal knowledge base,” responses which advisors can rate as helpful or unhelpful as part of the testing. Advisors are also being encouraged to use Ask before trying other search methods or consulting a senior advisor. 

The news comes ahead of some hotly-anticipated AI upgrades coming from Apple in 2024. We’ve already heard that Apple is planning to completely revamp Siri, turning it into the ultimate virtual assistant using Large Language model technology. AI features could also be used to upgrade software including Apple’s iWork suite and Xcode. Apple is also expected to focus some of its hardware on AI this year. Both the A18 and M4 chips, which could debut later this year, are expected to get a major AI boost through an upgraded Neural Engine. Apple could announce its AI plans as early as WWDC 2024 with iOS 18. The A18 should feature in the next best iPhone, the iPhone 16, which we'd expect to be unveiled in September. 

Apple confirmed its major AI upgrades at its February earnings call, CEO Tim Cook revealing the company was “excited to share the details of our ongoing work in that space later this year."

More from iMore

• Apple's AI plans have been boosted by new research
• Here are six products Apple plans to improve with AI
• Apple is still set to showcase generative AI later this year

Checking the status of an AppleCare warranty, and how long is left on your plan, can be a bit confusing. We're here to help you find the details you need, so that your device is always covered in the case of damage or theft.

Whether you've got a top-of-the-line MacBook or an entry-level iPhone, there's no denying that Apple products are expensive — and getting them repaired can be a steep expense on top of that too if you're unlucky enough to have something go wrong. AppleCare+ is Apple's extended warranty service for its devices, covering at cost many common faults and problems, and can be a real wallet-saver in the event of disaster for your devices. It starts at $3.99 for basic monthly coverage for an iPhone SE 3rd generation, and rises in line with the value of your Apple device, and the level of coverage you're looking to get.

Apple's basic warranty if pretty good though, it's worth remembering. Every iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Mac comes with a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects and hardware failures. But for some extra dollars you can also extend that warranty for additional years with AppleCare+. Regardless of which warranty you have, you can easily find out whether or not your Apple products are currently covered.

Finding AppleCare warranty info on Mac

It may not be immediately obvious where your Apple warranty information is stored. But so long as you've got access to a web browser and internet connection, you can check it from almost anywhere. On a Mac it's particularly easy, as you can check the AppleCare status of all your Apple devices in one convenient place on the My Support page of the Apple website. With macOS Ventura, it's easier than ever.

1. Sign into your My Support page using a web browser. You'll need your Apple ID credentials to log in.
2. Click on the device you need to check. 
3. You're done! You'll now get a view of how much you're paying, and how long is left on your coverage plan.

Checking AppleCare warranty info on iPhone and iPad

If you've only got an iPhone or iPad, don't fret! You don't even need a web browser to find the AppleCare warranty information with these devices. It's just a settings menu item click away.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap General.
3. Tap About.
4. Tap on Coverage.
5. Tap on the name of your AppleCare plan.
6. If you don't see an AppleCare option, tap Limited Warranty or Coverage Expired for more information.

Is AppleCare+ worth it?

You may be wondering if AppleCare+ is worth putting on your iPhone or other devices, and our advice would be to look into all the options you have for warranty before you make a decision.

In my experience, I'd say it is worth stumping the cash for. I had a recurring fault with my old MacBook Pro that saw issues with its screen cause problems with my work. I had to have the screen replaced twice and as it was a hardware fault and not down to accidental damage, Apple replaced it at cost. For the sake of a few dozen bucks, I saved myself what would have cost hundreds and hundreds in an out of coverage repair.

Of course, the basic version of AppleCare (the one you don't pay extra for) does not protect against any kind of accidental damage, so if you drop your iPhone and crack the screen, you won't be covered without AppleCare+. However, that might not matter to you for a device like an Apple TV that doesn't travel with you everywhere you go.

You don't need AppleCare+ on all your devices, you can pick and choose which devices need the extra warranty based on how you use them.

While all eyes were on the new devices that Apple just announced during its Far Out event, the company has quietly made a huge change to the way AppleCare+ works. Now, you can break your devices as many times as you like and get them repaired.

Previously, AppleCare+ only allowed you to claim for accidental damage a couple of times per year. That would be enough for most people, but those most prone to dropping their things would sometimes run out of claims. Not anymore.

AppleCare+ has long been a worthy addition to any iPhone purchase because it covers for accidental drops, and when an iPhone is covered in glass it tends to break pretty easily no matter how careful you are. Now, it's even better than ever.

A huge change

The change hasn't been officially announced anywhere beyond the AppleCare+ webpage, with Apple simply saying that "AppleCare+ now includes unlimited repairs for accidental damage protection." This change applies to iPhones, Macs, Apple Watches, iPads, and other products that can be covered by AppleCare+, although fees still apply. You'll still need to hand over some money depending on what's broken, but now you can do it as many times per year as you might need to.

AppelCare+ includes accidental damage cover as well as additional technical support for those who need it. Apple products come with a standard one-year limited warranty and 90 days of technical support, so anyone wanting to extend either needs to go with AppleCare+.

Apple's move comes following the announcement of the new iPhone 14 lineup as well as the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, and refreshed Apple Watch SE. The company also refreshed the AirPods Pro for the first time, too.

Members of a class action lawsuit against Apple that settled to the tune of $95 million are starting to receive notifications that they may soon get a payment from the company as part of the claim. 

It follows a settlement last year after the company was sued for using remanufactured iPhones and iPads as replacement devices that were not "equivalent to new in performance and reliability." Apple offered $95 million to stop the lawsuit from going to trial and denied any wrongdoing in the case. While this was a small portion of what was originally sought, a trial may have ended up with no settlement money at all. 

Customers were asked to exclude or include themselves from the settlement earlier this year, with anyone who bought AppleCare+ for iPhone and iPad between July 20, 2012, and September 30, 2021 eligible in the class. 

Payment pending

Macrumors reports that class members are now being sent notifications stating that they are eligible for a payment of $28.90 and that they will be sent a notification before the iPhone 14 event. 

"As Settlement Administrator for the matter, we're sending you this courtesy email to inform you that by August 30, 2022, you will receive a payment notification email that contains a link to claim your payment electronically," an email sent to one class member reads. "Once you receive that email, you will have until November 28, 2022, to claim your payment."

This means that users should get a notification in the next few days, and will have three months to claim their payment. 

Apple has vastly expanded its AppleCare offering in recent years. Notably, the company's AppleCare+ service offers two instances of accidental damage every 12 months, and the option to add theft and loss cover. AppleCare+ is also included as part of the iPhone upgrade program, allowing users to upgrade to its new best iPhone every year for a monthly fee. 

The annual renewable plans for AppleCare+ are now available in three more countries — Japan, Australia, and Canada. Customers in these countries can now get these annual coverage plans from day one for all Mac models, the Studio Display, and the Pro Display XDR.

Apple customers from the U.S. could already pay for the annually renewable AppleCare+ plan since 2021. It's a new AppleCare+ option that arrived in the U.S., to begin with, and lets customers pick the yearly renewal option from the get-go. Previously, you would have to wait for your day three-year plan to finish before getting the option to renew annually.

Annual renewal option for AppleCare+ now a day one choice for these countries

As noted by MacRumors, Apple has extended the yearly renewal option from day one to customers in Canada, Japan, and Australia. This still isn't an option across the board, though. It's limited to all Mac devices, including all MacBook and Mac models. The plan is also available for Apple's display offerings, which include the Studio Display and the Pro Display XDR.

So if you're trying to buy a Mac or Apple display in these countries, you will now have the option to either pay for the three-year AppleCare+ coverage or set up an annually renewable plan. For example, see the checkout options for the MacBook Air 2022 below.

The options don't seem to be available for iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices, although Apple may make these available in the future. Considering this staggered rollout, it seems possible that Apple may consider rolling out these plans in other regions where AppleCare+ is available.

AppleCare+ extends your warranty coverage from the plan purchase date. You also get up to two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months. A service fee is applicable for accidental damage repairs. You also get 24/7 priority support from Apple, so you might want to consider picking an AppleCare+ plan the next time you're trying to buy one of the best Macs the company offers.

What is Apple's standard warranty?

If you want to try and make it through school without AppleCare+, Apple does offer a standard warranty on every best Mac. This is what comes with a standard-level warranty for free:

• One-year limited hardware warranty
• 90 days of free technical support

So, if you're working on a giant paper that's due and all of a sudden something isn't working right in Pages or any of your built-in software programs aren't running the way they should during the first three months of owning your MacBook, you have access to Apple support. You can call 1-800-APL-CARE and get help over the phone or contact Apple online via the Support tab or app..

Of course, if something is wrong with your MacBook itself — the battery, RAM, hard drive, keyboard, mouse, or other parts — and it's not due to accidental or intentional damage, Apple will repair or replace it up to one year after the date of purchase.

For example, if the internal hard drive just goes kaput in the first year, Apple will cover the cost to repair or replace it, and hopefully, you'll be able to recover all your school assignments. Or, in another instance, if you drop your new 15-inch MacBook Air on the ground while trying to set it up and break the screen, you're out of luck — unless you have AppleCare+. 

AppleCare+ extension

For any student that wants to make sure their MacBook will be protected for as long as possible, AppleCare+ is the best warranty you can get. For an additional cost, you can add AppleCare+ and get additional coverage for longer. AppleCare+ for your MacBook includes:

• A limited hardware warranty that lasts as long as your AppleCare+ does.
• Apple-certified service and support coverage
• Battery service coverage
• 24/7 technical support
• Unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection (subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or $299 for other damage)

You'll get technical support over the phone, chat, and in-store at your local Apple retail store for three full years. If you are having software issues with any built-in Apple programs or the operating system itself, you can call 1-800-APL-CARE or contact Apple Support online for assistance.

If your hard drive borks after two and a half years, AppleCare+ has you covered. If you drop your MacBook off of your standing desk ... multiple times ... and crack the screen, Apple will repair or replace it for $99 (or up to $299, depending on the damage) each time. You will have the option to mail in or carry in your computer for repair.

AppleCare+ service fee

If you go all-in with AppleCare+, your M2 MacBook Pro or any other Mac is covered for damages caused by accidents, but there will be a fee, and a hefty one in some cases. The standard service fee for accidents is:

• $99 for screen damage
• $299 for other damage

How much does AppleCare+ cost?

For students, Apple offers AppleCare+ as an annual fee, which will give you AppleCare+ coverage until you cancel it, or a flat fee which gives you coverage for three years.

Different models cost different amounts for annual fees or three-year coverage, meaning when you're searching for the best MacBook for students, be sure you take into account the repair costs should your student ever need it.

The table below lays out the prices for each MacBook model.

Obviously, the flat fee coverage for three years means you don't have to pay every year for an insurance plan, but if your college degree is over three years long (many are) the annual fee is a good way to ensure your coverage doesn't expire before you're done with your studies.

AppleCare+ vs. credit card benefits

Some credit card companies provide additional warranty protection when you make your purchase using their card. For example, American Express Gold has a decent warranty extension for up to five years in most U.S. states. Each credit card company is different and has different warranty benefits for some states.

If you like the warranty that your credit card company provides, it might be the alternative you need. Keep in mind, however, that credit card companies can't offer technical support. It's usually what MacBook Air, MacBook, and MacBook Pro owners end up needing the most.

Check out your credit card company's warranty policy and make sure you fully understand its benefits before choosing it over AppleCare+.

Our best MacBook recommendations

Apple has this week rolled out its expanded AppleCare+ with theft and loss coverage in Italy, France, and Spain. 

As noted by MacRumors, the more comprehensive cover means customers who buy AppleCare+ for iPhone can cover devices like the iPhone 13 not only for damage such as breaking the screen but also for when the device is lost or stolen.

Upgrading AppleCare+ with theft and loss was already available in the U.S., UK, and several other countries. 

Theft and Loss

In the aforementioned new nations, AppleCare+ with theft and loss is only three euros a month more than regular AppleCare+, or an extra 60 euros upfront if you choose to pay in a lump sum. 

That entitles you to two instances of theft or loss on your iPhone every 12 months. Like regular AppleCare+ there is an excess to pay on each claim, and for theft and loss that's 129 euros (it is substantially less when paying for a damage claim). 

This means that if someone were to steal your iPhone or you lost it, you can get a new one for 129 euros rather than forking out the full price for a new one, which could cost more than 1,000 euros. According to today's report, the claims will be handled by AIG. 

Information about filing a claim can be found on Apple's website, which also notes that users must have Find My iPhone active on their stolen device at the time of the incident and throughout the claims process. The device is also permanently disabled so that it can't be used again should you find it, a measure to prevent insurance fraud. 

AppleCare+ with theft and loss is available on all of Apple's best iPhones including iPhone 13, iPhone 12, and iPhone SE. 

What you need to know

• A $95 million AppleCare and Apple Care+ class action lawsuit continues.
• The lawsuit relates to Apple's use of refurbished parts and products as part of the programs.
• People can opt-out, or stake their claim for the spoils, now.

A $95 million class action lawsuit relating to AppleCare and AppleCare+ will continue and those working on the case have updated the lawsuit's website with more details.

The lawsuit stems from the fact that Apple sells AppleCare and AppleCare+ and promises "parts or products that are new or refurbished and equivalent to new in performance and reliability" when repairing or replacing devices. The lawsuit claims that refurbished parts and devices aren't in fact "equivalent," hence the claim.

Apple has agreed to the $95 million payout and it's now awaiting final approval and emails are being sent to people administrators believe are entitled to a cut of the money. Those who don't want to be included have until March 4 to exclude themselves. Those who want to object to the settlement as a whole can do so by the same date. A final hearing will take place on April 27 as things stand.

This all applies to Apple's iPhone and iPad, including the iPhone Upgrade Program that includes AppleCare+ as part of the purchase. As MacRumors notes, anyone who bought AppleCare+ between July 20, 2012, and September 30, 2021, be included in the lawsuit.

What you need to know

• Renewable AppleCare+ is now available in three new countries.
• It has come to France, Italy, and Spain.
• Customers can now extend their AppleCare+ on a monthly basis when their initial plan runs out.

Apple has this week rolled out its extended AppleCare+ to Italy, Spain, and France for devices like the iPhone 13, iPad mini 6, and Apple Watch Series 7.

As noted by MacRumors, renewable AppleCare+ can now be bought and paid for on a monthly basis in Italy, Spain, and France. An Apple support document explains:

As per previous rollouts, customers in these countries will have to buy new coverage within 30 days of their original coverage ending, and they can continue to pay for coverage on a monthly basis beyond their initial 24 or 36 month period. This is a great deal for people who tend to keep their devices for a long time but want continued Apple support beyond the standard AppleCare+ term.

The renewable plans are available on all of Apple's best iPhones, best iPads, and Apple Watch just in time for that iPhone 13 pre-order. Apple first offered renewable AppleCare+ in September 2019 before expanding it overseas. The feature is still only available for Mac users in the U.S.

What you need to know

• Apple has extended AppleCare coverage for the Apple TV.
• The plan now covers the device for three years instead of two.

If you have AppleCare for the Apple TV, you just got some extra coverage.

As reported by MacRumors, Apple has extended existing AppleCare plans for the Apple TV to three years of coverage. The company announced the change in an email to customers who currently had the protection plan for their Apple TV.

The report speculates that Apple extended existing AppleCare plans to match the coverage of its new AppleCare+ plan for the new Apple TV 4K.

Apple announced AppleCare+ for the Apple TV 4K after the company's 'Spring loaded' event in April. Purchasing AppleCare+ for the new Apple TV 4K will extend Apple's warranty coverage to three years as well as add two incidents of accidental damage coverage every 12 months.

What you need to know

• Apple is shutting down its Joint Venture program on February 22, 2021.
• The company is recommending customers sign up for AppleCare Help Desk Support instead.

As reported by 9to5Mac, Apple appears to be shutting down its Joint Venture program designed to provide certain IT support and other functions to small and mid-size businesses.

Apple has begun sending out emails to members of the program, notifying them that the Joint Venture Program will end on February 22, 2021.

In order to provide some gap coverage, Apple is telling businesses to contact their Apple Business Team about AppleCare Help Desk Support, a new service that will provide some of the "most requested features of Joint Venture."

As noted in the report, Apple originally launched Join Venture in 2011 as a way to provide some areas of IT support to small and medium-sized businesses that did not have their own staff.

The email shared with 9to5Mac is specifically for a program member in Australia, so it is currently unclear if Apple plans to shut the program down internationally. Small businesses who want to learn more about their options with the company can visit Apple's Small Business website.

Once you splurge on a new iPhone, or if you have a phone in general, there's always the potential of unforeseen harm that may come your device's way. These little handheld computers are expensive and delicate, which makes them more susceptible to cracks, drops, or, something worse like getting lost or stolen. Grabbing yourself a superb protection plan is essential. That's why biting the bullet and paying the low monthly fee may ultimately be the wise choice.

It may not be available in every state just yet, but Visible Protect is great to have because it includes standard AppleCare support along with Apple's Express Replacement. This is great for those who prefer dealing directly with Apple for the first two years, especially when it comes to something like screen damage repair. However, once AppleCare's time limit maxes out for your device, then Visible Protect steps in with double the benefits.

The perfect duo

Here's what both plans have to offer:

Visible's protection plan comes as a nice bonus with full access to the Pocket Geek via the Assurant app, which adds performance and battery optimization, device diagnostics, virus protection, and in-depth safety features.

For the most part, all purchasing decisions are predicated on how much said item cost. Let's keep it real. Generally, people like to know what an item cost and if they can find something similar on the cheap elsewhere. If you buy the standard AppleCare protection through Apple, it'll run you $5.99 per month, while the AppleCare+ plan will cost you anywhere from $9.99 to $14.99 per month. So, getting the Visible Protect plan will not only save you money, but it will give you the standard AppleCare plan along with similar features comparable or better than AppleCare+.

What you need to know

• A class action lawsuit began against Apple in 2016
• The lawsuit focuses on replacement devices through the AppleCare+ protection plan
• It claims that replacing devices with refurbished models breaks Apple's own terms

Apple has been replacing broken iPhones covered under AppleCare+ with refurbished models for years. Apparently, that is not sitting well with a number of people.

Reported by 9to5Mac, a judge today certified a federal class-action lawsuit against the company and moved the proceedings forward. The plaintiffs, Vicky Maldonado and Joanne McRight, argue that replacing broken iPhones with a refurbished device violates Apple's own terms and conditions of AppleCare+, which promises "new or equivalent to new" replacements.

According to the plaintiffs, Apple has violated the Consumers Legal Remedies Act, California's False Advertising Law, and California's Unfair Competition. The lawsuit is being handled by law firm Hagens Berman, the same firm that won another class-action lawsuit against Apple for price fixing eBooks in 2013. Apple argues that the refurbished devices given as replacement models under its protection plans are satisfactory

The lawsuit seeks damages for consumers who paid for AppleCare or AppleCare+, as well as those who paid the additional cost for device replacement, and did not receive a new device. The firm is looking for Apple to pay consumers for the difference in cost of the refurbished devices that were given and the new devices that they claim should have been offered. The full press release can be found on Hagens Berman's website.

Since the very first iPhone launched, Apple has always made its hardware hard to get into and repair yourself, and the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are no different.

The glass back on the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus is held to the frame and the internal hardware with a strong epoxy, meaning it's essentially fused with the inside of the phone. It's not a simple matter of prying the glass back off the phone; you have to dissolve the epoxy either using extreme heat or extreme cold.

While you could potentially find a third-party repair shop willing to do fix the glass back, there's no guarantee that a repair shop will be able to do it safely, and even if they do, it will void any warranty (both standard and AppleCare+) if you have it.

Apple technicians have the proper tools, knowledge, and skills to fix your phone. Plus, you won't void any warranties.

If you have AppleCare+, repairing the back glass on the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus will cost you only $29; however, it gets significantly more expensive with AppleCare+. If you didn't (or don't) spring for the extra warranty, it would cost you $149 to replace the back glass on the iPhone 8 and $169 for the iPhone 8 Plus.

The popular YouTube channel, JerryRigEverything, makes a living tearing down phones, opening them up, and showing people how to replace parts, batteries, and other hardware. Even with his knowledge and experience, he had to go through some extreme measures to replace the glass back on his iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

As you can see — and he even mentions it in the video himself — it's not worth the risk to perform the task yourself.

Read more comics from The Pixel Project.

Twitter user Benjamin Black recently tweeted Serenity about his warranty woes after having bought his Apple product from a third-party retailer:

https://twitter.com/benjaminandjen/status/973977558541914112

Basically, while Apple offers a 1-year limited warranty on most products, that warranty doesn't always start on the day you purchased your device from a third party store like Best Buy, Target, or Walmart: In some instances, that warranty is logged in Apple's system as beginning when the store bought the devices from Apple.

Why do stores like Best Buy and Walmart sell Apple devices with shortened warranties?

When third-party retailers buy Apple products in bulk, Apple essentially washes its inventory of those devices. Of course the serial numbers are all still with Apple and all that fun stuff, but Apple doesn't maintain sales records for each individual device sold in each individual store. Therefore, the date that gets stored in Apple's system is the date the third-party retailer purchased the products.

So you may have bought an iPhone X from Best Buy last week, but the 1-year warranty may have actually started on November 3, 2017 (or whenever that store purchased its supply of iPhones).

What do I do if I bought a device with a shortened warranty?

If you're concerned that your device might have an erroneous purchase date, the best thing you can do is call Apple Support directly at 1-800-692-7753 (1-800-MY-APPLE) and have an associate retroactively change your warranty period.

TIP: You can only do this through Apple's Support line or online resources — your local Apple Store doesn't have access to the necessary records.

To change your device's "sold on" date to the date you actually purchased it from the store, you'll need your purchase receipt from the store in question and to explain the situation. Apple's customer service is excellent (at least from my experience), and you should be able to get it sorted. After all, it worked for our friend Benjamin:

https://twitter.com/benjaminandjen/status/974095287471034371

Questions?

Sound off in the comments below! Has this happened to you before? Let us know how you dealt with it.

When you purchase a product from Apple directly, AppleCare+ is available on practically everything and allows you get your device fixed for a reduced price. The exact details on how AppleCare+ works and what damage it covers changes per product, but typically, AppleCare+ extends coverage to two years. The good news is AppleCare protection plans can be transferred to new owners.

When you use third-party services — like Swappa — to buy or sell your old iPhones, iPads, or other devices, it's always advantageous to include an AppleCare plan if you can. The process is a little tricky and requires a bit of work, but here's how you transfer your AppleCare+ protection plan.

The things you'll need

Before you can initiate a transfer of an AppleCare+ plan, you'll need to assemble the follow items:

• Your AppleCare agreement number (found on your Apple account).
• The serial number of the device the AppleCare plan is currently covering (found in Settings of the device). Make sure you know how to find your serial number of your iPhone and iPad
• Your original receipt for the purchase of the device and AppleCare plan.

Get ahold of Apple

Once you have all the important details together, you'll need to get a hold of Apple to request a transfer of AppleCare ownership.

The easiest way to get ahold of Apple is to call Apple Support and talk to a representative to fulfill your request.

You do have the option of mailing Apple the following documents and information.

• The AppleCare agreement number.
• Copies of all sales receipts.
• The serial number of your Apple device.
• Your telephone number, email, and mailing address.

Any questions?

Let us know if you have any more questions on how to transfer your AppleCare to a new owner by leaving a comment down below.

If you nip into a store like Best Buy or Walmart for your large electronics, you'll almost definitely be offered a protection plan of some sort. These are often replacement or repair programs that claim to make the blow of dead electronics easier on you in the long run. "If your TV dies in the next four years, we'll give you a TV valued at what you're paying now."

As a former Best Buy employee, I've been on the inside of these transactions, and I've seen the tricks other employees pull to try to sell these overpriced plans, because this is where these stores make the most money. The markup and profit on these plans is almost as much as it is on accessories (did you know cost on a $50 HDMI cable is like $2?).

Here are my two cents as to whether or not you should actually buy into one of these plans.

What you're buying

These protection plans are usually pretty well-explained, and you'll almost always get a pamphlet on what you're entitled to in the event that your device goes kaput. Plans will vary by device, so whether or not you should buy the plan will also vary depending on the device you're purchasing.

Best Buy basically has three plans: a replacement plan for smaller electronics, like cameras, headphones, gaming controllers and consoles, etc., a service plan for larger ones like TVs and home theater equipment, and a service plan for laptops and tablets. This is called "Geek Squad Protection". Remember that you don't get your money back if you don't use the service.

Product Replacement Plan

Out of the three, the replacement plan is most worth it. It's usually pretty inexpensive (around or less than 50% of the cost of the device), and really if anything goes wrong, you just get a new one. Buttons stop working on your Xbox controller? New one. Headphones stop working on one side? New pair. Depending on the device, you usually have the option for two to four years, depending on the product. Since this plan covers "normal wear and tear," it's totally worth it. It even covers blown speakers, so in the middle of your third year, crank 'em, blow 'em, and get newer speakers.

This is honestly the only plan I'd purchase for my devices. But even then, I'd only get it for anything over $100. For devices below that price point (aside from gaming controllers and speakers), it's not really worth it.

Learn more

Geek Squad Protection Plan: Large electronics

I can't tell you how much I was pushed to sell these plans during my tenure as a "home theater specialist." I've never been a really "salesy" dude and often found it hard to peddle this for most things I sold. I would honestly only get this plan if you're spending over $500.

Depending on the product, this plan will cover you for two to five years, with tiered pricing based on the price of the product. The longer you buy, the better the "deal," but on $2000+ TVs, the price of the service plan can hit $600 for five years.

For larger TVs and home theater systems, Best Buy will perform in-home service, but only if the manufacturer's warranty covers that or if you had things installed by Geek Squad (another massive upsell). Otherwise, you'll need to bring whatever it is into the store.

Now, coverage for these products is pretty decent: you get pixel burnout and burn-in repair, power surge repair, full parts and labor coverage, one-time bulb replacement for projectors, home theater speaker coverage, reinstallation and recalibration (if you intitally purchased those services through Geek Squad), and extended coverage for various appliance parts.

If your product cannot be repaired within a certain timeframe or it ends up just being cheaper to replace it, Best Buy will, with a product at the same price point as what you paid for your product. *This is where things get hinky and I'll explain further below**.

In my experience, these protection plans are only worth it if you're spending over $1500 on the product. The price of the plans is often exorbitant and unnecessary. The employee might give you a "deal" on the protection plan, but read on to find out why that's not the best for you, the customer. Most current LED TVs don't experience terrible burn-in unless they're cheaply made or there's a manufacturer defect (which you'll likely experience within the first year). Unless you're absolutely cranking your speakers all the time, they shouldn't blow unless there's a defect (remember that you always get what you pay for with speakers). Home appliances is an iffy category, especially depending on the appliance. There's a lot you can fix yourself on larger appliances, but I would indeed consider protection for larger appliance like fridges, ranges, washers, and dryers.

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Geek Squad Protection: Computers and tablets

Though the pricing is just stupid ($270 for a three-year plan on an $850 laptop), the experts at Geek Squad are actually quite knowledgeable (in my experience). Basically if just about anything goes wrong with your computer or tablet, including accidental damage from drops or spills, it's covered (you may be charged a fee if it's for a cell phone). Best Buy will either repair it with new or refurbished parts or just replace it. Now, for certain software woes, there are likely cheaper independent options where you live. The other thing you have to consider is previous devices you've owned. I have a MacBook from 2009 and have never had to have it repaired once; there have been issues, but I've been able to fix them myself, and I'm by no means an expert when it comes to computers.

So you really need to consider your usage and whether or not you're comfortable fixing something yourself. If you have absolutely no knowledge of troubleshooting, then a Geek Squad plan may be best for you, especially if you're a power user who absolutely counts on their computer for work or other needs. I wouldn't buy a plan for a tablet, though unless you're buying the highest-end devices. Even then, that's probably an iPad, and AppleCare+ is the better deal.

For computers, it all depends on your knowledge as to whether or not you should buy the protection plan. I would say if you're somewhat savvy or have savvy friends, don't go for it or only go for it for the shortest term. With computers becoming obsolete after only a few years now, there's really no point. And you can upgrade RAM and other components down the road if need be anyway.

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Where they getcha

This is the most important section when it comes to Best Buy. You will, 9 times out of 10, be offered a "deal" on your protection plan. Best Buy employees aren't on commission, but they'll still offer deals because if your numbers aren't good, you'll just get fired (or demoted to cashier). The language is always that they'll offer you the service plan for less, but the service plan is not what's being discounted. The way they discount is off the most expensive product you're buying.

If you buy a protection plan for a TV, then the money comes off the TV, not the service plan. So Best Buy makes the full amount off the plan, but less off the TV. The kicker is that, if it comes time to replace the TV (which it very rarely does), you only get a TV for the actual purchase price.

So if you're buying a $2500 TV, but the employee offers $200 off the service plan, then you're actually only pay $2300 for the TV and will only get a $2300 TV if you need a replacement.

This is how the deal is made on any and all protection plans, so be very wary.

Walmarts plans are far simpler and vary far less than Best Buy's. You get two-year or four-year options at flat rates based on the price range of your product.

They essentially cover everything Best Buy does (outlined above), but at much better rates. For example, if you purchase a laptop priced between $500 and $5000, the three-year plan is only $95. That covers your hardware, including normal wear and tear and accidental damage. Now that is absolutely worth it. Buying a TV between $1000 and $5000? $163 for a four-year plan. They'll even include in-home service if the manufacturer's warranty covers it.

And if you've spent under $150 on a product, Walmart just gives you the money back in the form of a gift card. Now I don't particularly care for the evil empire that is Walmart, but I do have to admit that it's protection plans are actually totally worth it.

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Do you actually need protection?

For the most part, the answer is no. The out-of-pocket cost for most repairs does not often exceed the price of the service plan you're buying, depending on the device. I would recommend only buying protection in these scenarios, and even then, really consider your options first:

• TVs over $2000
• Computers and laptops over $1500
• Home theater setups over $2000

Common repairs don't often exceed the price of service plans. And if you are going to buy a protection plan, get it from Walmart and really take your needs, use, and financial situation into account before buying into a program that you'll likely never use.

Do you buy the protection plan?

Do you have experience with buying protection plans? Ever bought one and not needed it? Ever not bought one and needed it after? Let us know in the comments below!

If you've added the iMac Pro to your cart and you're just about to check out, you've likely been prompted to add AppleCare+ to your bag. You may be thinking, "I've already spent more than $5K on this thing," or you may be thinking, "what's a few hundred more going to hurt?"

Does Apple's standard warranty, the one that comes with your iMac Pro for free, cover everything you think you might need? Or should you break down and take it to the next level?

• AppleCare vs. AppleCare+
• AppleCare+ extensions
• AppleCare+ service fee
• AppleCare+ vs. credit card benefits
• Who shouldn't get AppleCare+?
• Who should get AppleCare+?

AppleCare vs. AppleCare+

Every Mac, iMac, MacBook, and Mac mini comes with a standard-level warranty for free called AppleCare, which includes:

• One year limited hardware warranty
• 90 days of free technical support

If something isn't working right or your built-in software programs aren't running the way they should during the first three months of owning your iMac Pro, you can call 1-800-APL-CARE and get help over the phone troubleshooting your issue.

If your physical computer, the battery, RAM, hard drive, keyboard, mouse, or power cord fail, and it's not due to accidental or intentional damage, Apple will repair or replace it.

For example, if the internal hard drive just goes kaput in the first year, AppleCare will cover the cost to repair or replace it. If you drop your iMac Pro while trying to set it up and break the screen, you're out of luck.

Unless you have AppleCare+.

AppleCare+

For an additional cost, you can add AppleCare+ and get additional coverage for longer. AppleCare+ for iMac Pro includes:

• Three years (total) limited hardware warranty
• Three years (total) technical support
• Coverage for two incidents of accidental damage (subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or $299 for other damage)

You'll get technical support over the phone, via chat, and in-store at your local Apple retail store for three full years. If you are having software issues with any built-in Apple programs or the operating system itself, you can call 1-800-APL-CARE for assistance.

If your hard drive borks after two-and-a-half-years, AppleCare+ has you covered.

If you drop your iMac Pro off of your standing desk ... twice ... and crack the screen, Apple will repair or replace it for $99 (or up to $299) each time.

AppleCare+ service fee

If you go all-in with AppleCare+, your iMac Pro is covered for damages caused by accidents, but there will be a fee, a hefty one in some cases. The standard service fee for accidents is:

• $99 for screen damage
• $299 for other damage

AppleCare+ vs. credit card benefits

Some credit card companies provide additional warranty protection when you make your purchase using their card. For example, American Express Gold has a decent warranty extension for up to five years in most U.S. states. Each credit card company is different and has different warranty benefits for some states.

If you like the warranty that your credit card company provides, it might be the alternative you need. Keep in mind, however, that credit card companies can't offer technical support, which is usually what Mac owners end up needing the most.

Check out your credit card company's warranty policy, and make sure you fully understand its benefits, before choosing it over AppleCare+

Who shouldn't get AppleCare+

• If you just dumped your entire savings into your iMac Pro and don't have a few hundred to spare, don't starve to death just to get that added protection.
• If you are pretty darn good at troubleshooting software issues on Mac and you're shop savvy enough to know how to get a killer deal on replacement parts, you might be able to repair your iMac Pro for cheaper than the service fee.
• If you purchased your iMac Pro with a credit card that has an extended warranty policy and you're pretty darn good at troubleshooting software issues on Mac (remember, credit card companies don't provide technical support), you'll probably skate buy without needing to actually use AppleCare+ over a three-year period.

Who should get AppleCare+?

• If you feel better knowing that your iMac Pro is covered and someone will be around to help you whenever you need it, get AppleCare+.
• If you're accident prone, get AppleCare+. The service fee to repair or replace something on your iMac Pro will be far less expensive than doing so out of warranty.
• If your credit card company doesn't have an extended warranty policy or if you don't totally trust that your credit card company will follow through with its promise, AppleCare+ is more reliable.

See at Apple

Still not sure about AppleCare+?

If you're still on the fence about whether you want to spend the extra money for the extended warranty, hop over to our iMac Pro discussion forums. The iMore readers are friendly and always happy to give advice.

New T-Mobile customers will be able to get AppleCare protection for their iPhone or iPad through the carrier's Premium Device Protection program.

T-Mobile has announced that it will start offering AppleCare device coverage for customers who purchase iPhones and iPad for its network. Apple's extended warranty program is being offered as a part of T-Mobile's existing Premium Device Protection at no additional cost. In addition to new customers, AppleCare services will also be available to those who purchased their device recently.

From T-Mobile:

So what can you expect from the inclusion of AppleCare in your T-Mobile protection plan? Here's what T-Mobile says:

• 24/7 priority access to AppleCare's award-winning technical support via chat or phone
• Low service fees such as $29 for iPhone screen damage
• $0 for battery service
• Apple-certified repair or replacement at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers
• Software support for iOS, iCloud, and Apple-branded iOS apps
• Hardware repairs and service backed by Apple

AppleCare protection is available for T-Mobile customers now.

Sales, gimmicks, ads, all pale to insignificance compared to how they treat you, the customer, in the days, weeks, months, and years following your purchase. It's something that needs to be considered part of the overall value and as part of the overall decision. Brian X. Chen, writing for the New York Times:

Chen contrasts this with the renowned customer support offered by Apple and Amazon. That's been my experience as well.

I've told the story before: When my iPhone 4s was hit by fireworks on New Years Eve, the screen ended up feeling like sandpaper. I took it to the Apple Store, and a Genius I'd never met before swapped it out free of charge. An iCloud restore and 30 minutes later, I walked out with what was essentially my phone made new again. Then I walked over to the carrier store and saw the rep telling a customer his non-Apple phone would need to be sent away for repair, it would take a couple weeks, and there were no loaner phones available.

This was back in the days before AppleCare+, and I'm now pretty sure it was replaced because Apple wanted to capture it and figure out what the fireworks had done to the screen. It was a unique situation. Today, though, I'd just pay the AppleCare+ free and get it fixed, at least twice if necessary. That removes a lot of stress from my life.

I, like many others I'm sure, have been driven apoplectic by problems getting non-Apple laptops serviced in the past, which is why I stick to MacBooks now. I've had several neighbors and friends-of-friend who suffered through problems with non-Apple tablets and phones as well. Many of them come to realize it's a cost, just like any other.

That's why, for years now, we've included Apple Store access, AppleCare service, iCloud restore, and other customer centric services as part of our reviews. Because it really does matter.

There seem to be a number of ways that your Apple Watch can become damaged that make it eligible for service, both in and out of warranty. Under the standard one-year limited warranty, for instance, Apple will apparently repair a watch with debris under the glass, or pixel errors. Apple will also reportedly fix a watch were the back cover that has been removed, according to MacRumors:

There are a number of damage instances that are not covered under the warranty, but are still eligible for service. These are said to include a missing or damaged digital crown, cracks in the display glass, missing band release buttons, and cracks in the back cover.

Apparently not eligible for service are disassembled units or "catastrophic damage", which makes sense, given that it would mostly likely entail your watch being destroyed, and you'd probably be better off getting a new one.

For extended protection, including a two-year warranty and repair for two incidents of accidental damage for a service fee, you could also get AppleCare+ for your Apple Watch.

Source: MacRumors

Whether your AppleCare is expired or you opted not to extend it, out of warranty replacements through Apple can be expensive. If you aren't comfortable performing a DIY repair on your own, that may leave you looking for a repair company that's either local to you or accepts mail-ins that can perform the repair for you.

In the past few years, many repair companies have cropped up all over the world that specialize in iPhone, iPad, and iPod repair. Unfortunately, not all of them use quality parts and/or know exactly what they're doing. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a third party iPhone, iPad, and iPod repair company.

Research them online

This is somewhat common sense but it's absolutely the first thing you should do. If they aren't listed on Yelp! or Google Businesses, it may not be a good sign. Check for an official website, Facebook, or Twitter page and see what other people are saying about them. If you can't find an online presence, we'd recommend looking for another option. Any credible repair company should be more than forthcoming with their customers and gladly accept their feedback in a public forum where potential customers can find it.

Finding quality information about a company online is extremely important when you're looking at mailing in a device. Walk-ins allow you to gauge your level of comfort on a face to face basis but mail-ins take that factor away. If you're thinking about mailing your device off to a company, you should communicate with them on the phone or at the very least, via email, before doing so. If you can't find a contact phone number and/or physical address, find another service. There are many reputable companies out there that will talk to you.

Inquire about pricing

Pricing is a deciding factor for many when they're debating whether they should get a device fixed or use an upgrade, if available. A reputable repair shop should be open about their pricing. A good sign is if they actually list it online on their website or Facebook page.

When it comes to paying for a repair, prices will vary given where you live and your local market but the going rates should be pretty consistent across the board. For instance, iPhone 4/4S repairs typically range between $80 to $115 for a screen replacement depending on your location. This should include labor and parts.

Cheaper isn't always better!

We're talking about your iPhone, iPad, or iPod here. While it's always nice to snag a good deal on something, a repair isn't something we recommend compromising on. If someone is offering to perform a screen replacement or other repair that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We have seen repair shops crop up that offer screen replacements for the iPhone 4/4S for as low as $40 to $50. This is a huge red flag that they're probably not using authentic or high quality parts. Knock-off and counterfeit parts on eBay and Amazon are cheaper for a reason, they have an extremely high defect rate. It's also less likely that the repair company is going to warranty or stand behind their work.

That leads us to our next topic...

Part quality

Don't ever be afraid to ask a repair company what kind of parts they use or where they come from. While you can find high-quality parts from eBay and Amazon for a higher price tag, it's not normally a route that a reputable repair company would take.

Suppliers offer repair companies great deals depending on how much they order in a given month. The more they order, the higher of a discount they'll get on their wholesaler account. Amazon and eBay sellers typically won't do this nor is either site set up for this. Any reputable repair company should be more concerned with providing a quality service over saving a few bucks per screen or component cable.

Warranty

A very obvious question that you should always be asking is whether or not a repair company warranties their work. Any good one should absolutely be warrantying not only parts but defects in workmanship. I've found that 90 days is pretty typical across the board with some companies warrantying work a little longer. They should also be able to answer specifics on what exactly is covered under the warranty.

This typically comes into alignment with how a supplier will warranty parts for that company. For example, eTech Parts will warranty all the parts I buy for 90 days, so I pass that 90 days on to the customer. If they have a problem, we correct the issue and then deal with the part supplier on our own time.

For example, we typically warranty the repair they have performed and that particular part but if they come in with another issue, we'll always check and make sure another issue didn't arise from an error on our part. This requires a great level of trust between you and your customer.

It sucks to tell a customer you made a mistake, but everyone does, and it's how we learn. And let's face it, accidents happen. It just can't be at the expense of a customer and a repair company has to be willing to own up to their end of the deal.

So don't be afraid to ask what happens if they break your device during a repair. It can happen and a reputable repair company should have an answer that you're willing to accept.

Repair time frame

This is probably the biggest concern of any person that walks through our door and the question we hear most often:

Any reputable repair company should be forthcoming about how long they'll have your device and give you a receipt for it when you drop it off. While repair times may vary from company to company, most knowledgeable companies can do almost any iPhone repair while you wait unless it involves heavy diagnostics. For example, a smashed iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S screen should take no longer than an hour from start to finish, meaning you can most likely wait for it. Just keep in mind that if there are people ahead of you, it can increase the wait time. For common repairs on iPhones, don't expect to leave your iPhone for more than a few hours. If they're telling you days, walk away.

Other repairs that require more diagnostics such as liquid damage could take longer and are harder to estimate exact time frames. This will typically depend on the repair company and how many technicians they have at their disposal. We typically know within 1-3 days whether or not we can fix a device but that number may vary given the extent of the damage. If a hold up is caused by special ordering parts, that should be something the repair company communicates with you. We always try and keep in contact with our customers to let them know the status of their device as often as we can.

Smashed screens on other devices such as an iPad or iPod touch can vary greatly. Newer iPads can be more challenging but common repairs should still be able to be done same day or with a 24 hour turnaround time. Same thing for iPods. If you think a turnaround time estimate doesn't sound right, don't be afraid to ask why or call around to other places, even if they aren't in your area, and ask them what they estimate.

The bottom line

There are lots of repair companies out there who do exceptional work and treat iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch repairs as an art form. They love what they do and are genuinely good at it. Many of them may even service other kinds of devices such as Android and BlackBerry. Unfortunately, this is an industry that for every one reputable company that stands behind their work, you'll find three guys on the corner using sketchy parts off eBay to make a quick buck. It's something quality repair companies have been fighting since the beginning and still continue to fight today.

If you do your homework and voice your concerns to a prospective repair company, you'll know within seconds whether or not you trust them. If you don't, walk away and look for another option.

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The Otter Box Commuter Series for iPad may just be the ultimate in rugged cases. I know, that is a bold statement, but I am really that impressed. What separates this case from the competition is that is clearly engineered by people who like their iPads and want them protected. You get a low-profile case with a lot of extras. Like many iPad cases on the market, the Commuter is a three-layered system...

• Layer 1:  Self-adhering clear protective film (Cleaning cloth and installation card included)
• Layer 2:  Durable silicone mid-layer
• Layer 3:  One piece custom molded polycarbonate shell

Upon removing the case from its packaging, you are presented with a flip-out installation guide that includes your cleaning cloth, screen protector and applicator. After reading the instructions (yes, believe it or not there is a RIGHT way to put this thing on) I was ready to rock and roll. My first attempt failed as the bottom right corner did not properly get placed in the outer shell appropriately. No problem though, on attempt number two, I was successful.

Once you have placed the Commuter case on the iPad, it is very well protected. You have solid polycarbonate protection on the back, top, bottom and sides. There are grooves in the underlying silicone to prevent them from sliding out of place which is nice. In other models of this type, the silicone would sometimes move after putting the case together and would require some adjustment (I did not identify this as a problem till I put on this case).

You have access to all of your openings: Speaker on the bottom, volume rocker, mute switch (previously known as  rotation lock), power button and headphone jack. The headphone jack has additional protection via a silicone plug built into the case. On the bottom of the case there is a hole cut into the back that allows the Apple logo to proudly display.

Now, here is one of the more compelling reasons to get this case. Because of it's design, it really isn't meant to come off frequently. That is a bit of a disappointment to someone like me who uses the iPad Dock and the Keyboard Dock. Well, my prayers have been answered and the Commuter has a removable plate in the back that allows access to a dock! It is easily removed and placed back again. As a matter of fact, I am typing this review on my iPad in the Keyboard Dock with the Otter Box Commuter in place!

Overall, the Otter Box Commuter Series for iPad is a perfect on-the-go accessory for everyday handheld technology. It doesn't get in the way (literally with the dock plate on the back) and you have piece of mind knowing that your iPad is safe and secure. It's available from the TiPb iPad Accessory Store.

Pros

• Very well protected without compromise to style or bulkiness
• included, quality cleaning cloth and screen protector, plus applicator
• OMG YOU CAN DOCK YOUR IPAD WHILE IN THE CASE!

Cons

• The silicone is a lint-magnet (note attached photos)
• What's wrong with a little color? Only available in black

[gallery link="file" columns="2"]

The Otter Box Commuter Case for iPhone 4 is a well constructed hard-shell case with a silicone layer underneath and screen protector. It provides a no-slip grip while keeping the thin iPhone 4 form factor we love.

Reviewing cases can be tough; there are a lot out there. I think it's fair to say most cases I review are rather good. I haven't really come across the "perfect" case yet, but I might be close with this one. Why? Well, it's the perfect compromise between slim and protected and it's by Otter Box, an industry leader in hardcore protective cases.

What makes this case unique among its competition is that the silicone is very well constructed. The the hard shell outer case and the silicone literally work in concert to protect every aspect of your iPhone 4. The silicone covers everything from the headphone jack port across the top of the device to the 30-pin connector slot on the bottom. Each is protected with a flip-out plug. What is so great is the headphone jack is protected without the sacrifice of blocking the second mic; it's still uncovered. I am very impressed with Otter Box's design work.

The hardshell is pretty solid. The only way I could envision it breaking is if it was frozen to -30 degrees then smashed with a hammer. I seriously feel very secure with it.

Here is something else I like about the case; by now you may know how much I like raised edges on cases for the iPhone, as it protects the screen if it is laid on its face. With the Otter Box, I feel I am getting an extra .5 or 1mm additional height and the hardshell meets the height of the silicone on the top, bottom and sides of the device. This means that if placed face first and any weight is placed on the device, it is still not likely to scratch. That is great design work and my kudos to Otter Box.

If you need your iPhone protected, look no further than the The Otter Box Commuter Case for iPhone 4 to have a good looking case while keeping it safe. Available now from the TiPb iPhone 4 Accessory Store.

Pros

• Awesome protection with little sacrifice for thinness
• Throughly protected, yet access to all ports, even the mic!
• Included screen protector
• Durable silicone skin
• Polycarbonate outer shell

Cons

• Though relatively easy to take on and off, not really meant to be removed
• Lint tends to stick to the silicone, but this is an issue with every silicone skin I have come across
• No color selections other than black
• Can't place in dock with case on

[gallery link="file" columns="2"]

What's the best way to get Apple to do a non-warranty repair on your bricked or broken iPhone or iPad? Simple: tell the truth.

I have seen all kinds of schemes cooked up by people who have done something ill-advised to their devices. They have a strategy. They know how to fool the liquid sensors. They have a story for the dent they couldn't pound out. They play innocent when their product is mysteriously bricked. They have a plan for every contingency.

When all else fails, they make noise, complain to the manager, write angry letters to SJ and the media. Finally, they post on internet forums and try to win in the court of public opinion. Well, I'm here to tell you, there is a better way.

Last night, I called the local Apple store to tell them I had bricked my iPad. I made it clear that it was my fault. They told me to go ahead and bring it in anyway and made an appointment for that night.

When I was called, I repeated that it was bricked because of something that I did, and just hoped they could reset it. They gave me no guarantees, but promised to try, and try, they did. After about an hour, they told me that it was as good as fried. I thanked them and did my best to hold it together.

The rep was not done talking. She said they would consider it a warranty repair, and simply gave me a brand new, 32 GB 3G iPad. I was shocked. I told her I couldn't accept it, as they owed me nothing. It was not a warranty issue and I didn't want anyone to get in trouble over my mistake. She told me that Apple was more interested in making me happy. She also told me not to ever do that again.

My wife was also floored by the generosity of service. I know that if I had gone in with some lame story, I would have been out of luck. No need. This was not my first, such experience, but it was the most dramatic.

If you damage your device, don't try to hide the evidence, or make up a story. Just tell the truth. There is a reason why Apple keeps getting the highest scores for customer satisfaction.

This is an official entry by dandbj13 in TiPb’s next top blogger contest. Think you have what it takes to join Team TiPb? Bring it!

Here is the OtterBox Defender in pink [$42.95 - iMore Store link], also offered in black, white, and yellow [iMore Store Link] a case said to be strong enough for a man but made in pink for a woman.

As a special bonus, we asked you, our readers, if you wanted to see Rene use this case for a day along with photographic proof, and you responded with a strong, hell heck ya! Though, getting Project Pink to happen was more difficult that originally planned...

Read on for the review, and the results, after the break!

The OtterBox Defender fully encompasses your iPhone. It comes in four different parts: the hard inner shell that separates into two parts, a soft silicone layer that goes over the inner shell for added protection, and then a belt clip which grasps your iPhone. A sheet of plastic covers the screen, camera lens and back Apple logo hole. The other buttons and ports on the iPhone are covered by removable silicone so they are also protected from dust.

The hard inner core provides impact resistance and the outer silicone provides cushioning and a better grip for the user. If you want a case that will provide protection from all but the greatest of falls and bumps, then the Otterbox Defender is for you.

It should be noted, however, that while the Otterbox Defender will resist a little rain or a light splash, it's not water resistant. If you would like something you can take to the beach or the bathtub then I would recommend the Aquapac.

Just because it's dressed up in pink, that doesn't make the Otterbox Defender any easier to put on or take off your iPhone. I looked at the case, turned it around a few times, trying to figure out how to open it. Sheepishly, I asked Rene to open the case for me. He then took the case and turned it around a few times. In the end we figured out you have to stretch the silicone layer off the inner core, logical you say? Chinese puzzle box, I reply!

So if you need to get your iPhone in and out of its protection quickly than this is not a case to get. Its protective qualities also make this case more bulky than most, though a fair trade for your precious iPhone. I found the belt clip to be less secure than I wanted and I usually carried the OtterBox Defender in my purse. Loose belt clips seem to be a problem specifically for the pink version of this case but not for the other color selections (black, yellow, white).

The front screen was still easily touch sensitive and I had no problems using it for texting and gaming, though the high side bezels did make it difficult to access the inside edges of the screen.

Project Pink began as a simple promise: if 50 comment were made in a past review our dedicated editor Rene Ritchie would wear the next pink case I received for review. As soon as the post went up the comments came streaming in, people Twittered and Facebooked to ensure it would occur -- in short it took on a life of its own. We easily got 50 comments by the end of the first day. A week went by, then two, scheduling conflicts, illness, for a while I doubted that Project Pink would ever come to completion. Then I heard that Rene had to travel to the Apple store. I knew this was the perfect opportunity to have Rene test out the OtterBox Defender and its lovely shade of bubblegum pink. Being a man of his word and a great sport, not only did Rene wear the OtterBox Defender but he twittered, emailed and carried it around on his belt. Though this was not all selfless as he did garner quite a good deal of female attention at the same time.

If you absolutely must have a pink case but also demand something that gives your iPhone the best chance for survival then the Otterbox Defender is for you. It's multilayer design offers protection and grip though it is thicker than most cases, just ask Rene!

Please take a moment to let Rene know how cool he was for going through with the dare! Would any of you other men out there have done it ?

Let me start off by saying I'm not usually a fan of any protective skins for any cell phones that are currently on the market. I've found that Egrips for iPhone 3G have to sway me in a different direction, however, and I've found they can be quite valuable. If you'd like a more confident grip on your iPhone 3G, then Egrips available from The iPhone Blog Store for the price of $14.95, just may be what you are looking for.

For a more in depth look, keep reading after the break!

Design

Egrips are made from a specially formulated silicone elastomer that has an extreme amount of friction that prevents your iPhone 3G from sliding around on almost any surface, as long it is dry. You name it, it will stick -- things like car seats, center consoles, counter tops, desktops, laptops and even your shirt sleeve. Egrips are only 0.5mm thick so if you decide these are for you, the days of bulky silicone skins and cases.

In the package you get 4 separate strips to apply to your iPhone 3G. The back piece, two pieces for each side of the home button, and one last piece for the upper right hand corner next to the handset speaker. You may be wondering, where is the piece for the left of the handset speaker? Well that's an easy one to answer: there is none (it would cover the light sensors). Don't fret just yet, you can still place your phone face down without it getting scratched. The three pieces do a fine job. Something else worth mentioning here is that Egrips comes in two variations: black (what I went with), or clear.

Usability

How many times have you set your iPhone 3G down on the passenger seat while you were driving only to take a turn and see your precious phone go flying off of the seat and crashing into the door or onto the floor? Scary moments, I know. I was a bit skeptical when I first received my Egrips but I put it to the test by placing my my iPhone 3G on the leather passenger seat in my car and took a nice quick ride. While I was nervous that my phone would go flying, to my surprise it didn't move an inch. Success!

While some of you who don't use a case may really enjoy Egrips on their own, I can understand there may be a concern for those who do use a case. I have eight or nine cases for my iPhone 3G, with the Egrips applied to my phone I was able to still use all of my holstered cases. Vertical or horizontal, it did not make a difference. For those of you who use hard cases or silicone cases, I am afraid you are out of luck. That add extra thickness of .05mm is just a bit too much for those types of cases.

A few more questions I had were: how long and how well would it stay on my iPhone 3G and would it stay clean? Honestly, I've only been testing out Egrips for about a week and I can say that I see no signs of them coming off anytime soon. None of the corners have peeled up or are showing any signs of that happening, which is a good thing. If you do want to remove it for whatever reason it does indeed come off without leaving any residue or damaging the phone in any way shape or form. Now the other all-important question: how clean would this sticky material actually stay over a period of time? Again, Egrips did not disappoint. What I expected was something similar to a silicone case. You put it in your pocket and when you remove it, it's covered in lint. Not the case with Egrips, which was nice to see.

Conclusion

So if you are someone who likes the whole "naked" look of your iPhone 3G but you want a little more reassurance in terms of grip, Egrips are just the sort of product you should consider trying out. If you are someone who loves a hard case or simply wants the best protection you can get, you might want to pass on Egrips.

Pros

• Gives you excellent added grip
• Does not add much extra bulk to your iPhone
• Fairly cheap

Cons

• Does not offer the overall protection that a normal case can
• Hinders your ability to use some cases while Egrips are on iPhone

TiPb Rating

If you don’t know OtterBox, you should. They make high-quality, high-grade cases for the iPhone 3G that offer first-class protection. The OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone 3G ($49.95) is one of the most comprehensive cases ever designed for the iPhone 3G.

We had already taken a look at the OtterBox Defender Series for the Original iPhone, how does the updated version for the iPhone 3G hold up? Does it offer great protection? Is it just another case?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

The OtterBox comes in 4 different parts—each serving a purpose to cradle and protect the iPhone 3G. The base layer is a hard plastic shell (front and back). The second layer is a thick yet still soft layer of silicone that wraps around the aforementioned hard plastic shell. And finally, the last piece is a plastic cradle that adds another layer of protection but also doubles as a belt clip.

A thin sheet of plastic protects the screen, camera port, and Apple Logo while the headphone port, volume buttons, and sleep/wake ringer switch are protected via rubber caps. A thin cloth also covers the speakers.

Overall, the design of the OtterBox is carefully thought out and provides a perfect fit for every little nook, switch, and button on the iPhone 3G. Using a hard shell base layer with a silicone skin offers great protection while providing for even greater textile feel.

Usability

Obviously, the OtterBox Defender Series serves to a specific niche and those who have no need for such a rugged case would assume the case is in excess. But judging it from a pure protective stance—there are few options better. I have full confidence that the OtterBox case will protect my iPhone 3G in almost any likely scenario—a fall down the stairs, skidding across a hiking trail, and even a drop on concrete.

But because of its intricate design, care and exactness is needed when applying the case. The OtterBox is not an ordinary case that can be easily slipped off and on, you’ll have to fix the silicone to wrap around the intricacies of the plastic shell. Furthermore, the plastic shell seems to have a lot of clips and snaps that need to be put together. It’s a process to be sure, but after you’re done, this is protection at its finest.

Even more amazing is how the OtterBox maintains the iPhone 3G’s sensitivity and allows access to all its ports, buttons, and features. The touchscreen maintains the same sensitivity, I had absolutely no problem playing games and surfing the web with the OtterBox applied.

The buttons can be easily pressed except for the Home button. For some reason OtterBox decided to make a Home Button that cuts off the top of the circle. The plastic cover for the touchscreen can also get problematic if you leave some air space between it and the iPhone’s screen. Unsightly air bubbles would appear but I found this to be hit or miss and not particularly damaging.

The included belt clip is made from the same tough plastic as the hard shell and it locks the iPhone into it quite well. In fact, I often times had trouble pulling the iPhone out of the clip—the fit was that secure. The belt clip is able to rotate 360 degrees and the iPhone can be placed either be open faced or face backwards.

OtterBox has certainly improved on the deficiencies in the original iPhone, namely two issues that I had problems with are now fixed. The ringer switch is now accessible and the home button can be pressed when inserted into the belt clip. Bravo to OtterBox for listening to my complaints!

In all, the OtterBox offers as close to complete protection and coverage of every part of the iPhone. If you’re looking for superb protection or live an outdoor lifestyle, this case is truly one of the best available.

Final Thoughts

I’m a huge fan of OtterBox products because they put care into their design and they execute extremely well. The silicone seems to be of higher grade than basic silicone cases—offering better texture, thicker protection, and doesn’t seem to stretch as much. I definitely feel like OtterBox succeeded in creating a case that can offer maximum protection without sacrificing usability.

The one downfall is obviously price. At $49.95 it is a fairly steep cost to pay for an iPhone case. But compared with other cases priced near the Defender, the Defender offers an infinite amount more protection. Though it does add considerable amount of thickness, if you’re looking for a case that protects your iPhone from the elements—thickness should be expected.

Also, it cannot be fully submerged under water, a definite shortcoming considering its target market. However, with all things considered, the Otterbox Defender for iPhone 3G is great implementation of protection without compromise. All of the iPhone’s features are present with an unparalleled level of protection. I would consider this a buy for anyone who’s lifestyle is rugged, planning an outdoor trip, or is looking for the ultimate protection for their iPhone.

PROS

• Superb Protection
• Soft Silicone Feel
• Everything Protected, Every Feature Still Usable

CONS

• Bulky
• Pricey

FINAL RATING:

Many iPhone cases on the market offer fairly simple protection that serve more for an iPhone owner's peace of mind than offering extreme protection. The OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone ($49.95), however, is one of the few cases that carefully map and design their product to ensure superb protection.

How does the Otterbox perform? Is it as secure and successful as the case suggests? Or is it just another case in the iPhone pipeline? Could it all be just a gimmick?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

From a quick glance, the Otterbox Defender doesn’t look much different than any other case. Upon closer inspection however, you begin to notice the well-thought design and construction. Though it adds a considerable amount of thickness to the iPhone, it feels great and solid in hand.

The Otterbox Defender comes in four separate pieces: a front and back hard shell, a silicone sleeve, and a belt clip. The Otterbox Defender includes a protective plastic cover for the screen and an exposed plastic to show the Apple logo—I mean you still have to know it’s an iPhone right?

The camera is also protected by a thin sheet of plastic and the headphone jack and docking port are protected via rubber caps. The speakers and microphone have a very thin sheet of protection on it. The volume, lock, and home controls are also protected by rubber buttons with the silent/ringer switch is completely inaccessible.

Overall, the design of the Otterbox Defender is extremely sturdy and solid. The choice to use a combination of a plastic hard shell with a silicone rubber skin is great because it combines the protection of a hard shell with the overall feel of rubber.

Usability

With such an intricate design for a case, it is obviously going to take time to apply and remove the Otterbox Defender to the iPhone. There are a lot of clips that need to be snapped together and rubber that needs to fit in specific holes, but after you get through that process, make no doubt about it, your iPhone feels as protected as can be. The silicone rubber skin is of great quality and feels great in hand.

All the buttons—volume, lock, home—are equally as responsive with the rubber covering them. Amazingly, the plastic screen that protects the actual iPhone touch screen does not inhibit the sensitivity. I was very impressed by how responsive the iPhone’s touch screen was under that layer of plastic. The only problem with the plastic screen is that if pressed with any amount of force, it would occasionally create unsightly air bubbles. There didn’t seem to be anyway around it.

The included belt clip is made from the same tough plastic as the hard shell and it locks the iPhone into it quite well. In fact, I often times had trouble pulling the iPhone out of the clip—the fit was that secure. The belt clip is able to rotate 360 degrees and the iPhone can be placed either be open faced or face backwards. My problem with the belt clip is that the home button is not easily accessible and it is too tough to remove for easy access.

I have very few complaints about the Otterbox Defender for iPhone because it offers as close to complete protection and coverage of every part of the iPhone. Plus, it gives off a secure and solid look and also feels wonderful. If you’re looking for protection or live an outdoor lifestyle, this case is truly one of the best available and the price can easily be rationalized to be ‘worth it’.

Final Thoughts

I’m very impressed with the Otterbox Defender for the iPhone because of its thoughtful design and excellent execution. I loved the feel of the case because it not only felt sturdy and solid but it also added grip to an obviously slick iPhone. It definitely feels like OtterBox didn’t cut any corners with this case.

Unfortunately, it does come with a fairly high price. But compared with other cases priced near the Defender, the Defender offers an infinite amount more protection. Though it does add considerable amount of thickness, if you’re looking for a case that protects your iPhone from the elements—thickness should be expected.

Also, it cannot be fully submerged under water, a definite shortcoming considering its target market. However, with all things considered, the Otterbox Defender for iPhone is great implementation of protection without compromise. Almost all the iPhone’s features are present with an unparalleled level of protection. I would consider this a buy for anyone who’s lifestyle is rugged, planning an outdoor trip, or is looking for the ultimate protection for their iPhone.

PROS

• Protects Your iPhone in Every Imaginable Way
• Feels Great in Hand
• All Buttons, Most Features Easily Accessible
• Solid Build Quality

CONS

• Adds Considerable Thickness
• Occasionally Leaves Air Bubbles Behind Plastic Screen Cover
• Pricey
• Belt Clip is a Tight Fit and Gives No Access to Home Button

FINAL RATING: 4.7/5