iPod: The Missing Manual, 7th Edition

AppleCare—What It Is and Whether You Need It

You probably have an insurance policy on your house and car, so why not get one for your iPod? That's the logic behind getting the AppleCare Protection Plan for your iPod. The price for this peace of mind? The plan for the iPod Classic and Touch sells for $59, while coverage for the Nano and Shuffle is priced at $39.

When you buy a brand new iPod, you automatically get free telephone support to fix one problem within your first 90 days of iPod ownership, plus a year-long warranty on the hardware. If the iPod starts acting weird or stops working altogether, Apple will fix it for free or send you a replacement ’Pod.

If you buy the AppleCare Protection Plan (available in many places where you buy iPods or at www.apple.com/support/products/applecareipod.html), you get:

• One full year of free telephone support from the date of your iPod purchase

• Two full years of hardware protection from the date of your iPod purchase

Your iPod's earphones, battery, and cables are all covered under the plan. If you need a repair or replacement, your iPod's covered.Paying an extra $39 or $59 to get the extended warranty may not appeal to everyone, but if you want a little peace of mind with your new iPod, it's a small price to pay.