AppleCare is appended to the serial number of the iPod;
AppleCare covers hardware, shipping, and technical support.
-- iPod Warranty without AppleCare ---
When you purchase an iPod, comes with a 1 year warranty.
First 3 months; 1 technical support call free, after that $49.
First 6 months; Any shipping charges for repair are waived, after that $29
First 1 year; Battery replacement free, costs only shipping $29
Shipping charge any repair = $29
Out of warranty battery replacement = $99 + shipping
-- iPod Warranty with AppleCare ---
First 2 years; Unlimited Technical Support by phone
First 2 years; Unlimited Shipping charges waived
First 2 years; Unlimited Battery replacements free
First 2 years; Unlimited accessory replacements free
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This way, if the earbuds crap out, the wheel ceases to function, the hard-drive gets magnetized, the audio-jack loosens, or the playlife is less than 4 hours;
We'll replace the iPod or accessory for free.
Honestly, it's good to have an AppleCare plan; You could send your iPod in for replacement at the end of the two years, and have a brand new iPod, ready to go.
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Apple employees purchase the APP - not for the technical support of course. For the battery replacements and shipping charges.
I can't sell the iPod without the APP, it's already in place. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif