Should you get Apple Care for the new 16-inch MacBook Pro?

Best answer: Most people should invest in AppleCare+ to protect their MacBook Air or MacBook Pro in case of an accident.

• Fastest Apple Laptop: 16-inch MacBook Pro (From $2,399 at Apple)
• Portable Pro: 13-inch MacBook Pro (From $1,299 at Apple)
• Entry-level Mac Laptop: MacBook Air ($1,099 at Apple)

What is Apple's standard warranty?

Every MacBook Air and MacBook Pro comes with a standard-level warranty for free, 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 MacBook Air or MacBook 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 fails, 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, Apple will cover the cost to repair or replace it. If you drop your 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 an additional cost, you can add AppleCare+ and get additional coverage for longer. AppleCare+ for MacBook Air and MacBook 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 MacBook Air or MacBook Pro off of your standing desk ... twice ... and crack the screen, Apple will repair or replace it for $99 (or up to $299, depending on the damage) each time.

AppleCare+ service fee

If you go all-in with AppleCare+, your MacBook Air or MacBook 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

How much does AppleCare+ cost?

The additional cost of AppleCare+ varies depending on what device you want to cover. Here's a quick breakdown of how much it costs for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models.

• MacBook Air: $249
• 13-inch MacBook Pro: $269
• 16-inch MacBook Pro: $379

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 MacBook Air 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+

Fastest and largest MacBook

16-inch MacBook Pro

From $2,399 at Apple

More speed for the well-seasoned pro

The MacBook Pro is fastest in Apple's lineup and has the most storage options as well. The newest model is larger than pervious models giving you a beautiful 16-inch display.

More portable MacBook Pro

13-inch MacBook Pro

From $1,299 at Apple

Speed and portability

Although its a less powerful than the new 16-inch model, the 13-inch MacBook Pro still pack a punch, meaning its fast enough to get the job done, but also a much more potable size for travel.

Entry level MacBook

MacBook Air

From $1,099 at Apple

More speed for the well-seasoned pro

The MacBook Air, as it often has, rides the line between portability and power; a light enough package to take anywhere, and enough power to do almost anything. Touch ID is a welcome addition to the lineup.