If you live in the US, Apple has a no questions asked 14 day return policy. When my computer goes in for service I just buy one, restore my machine from time machine onto it, and then return it.
My girlfriend took her 12-inch MacBook in for its 2nd(!) keyboard replacement. When she asked about a loaner, the employee actually recommended buying and returning a new one. She got the new retina Air for a nice 5 day test drive — and now we're both pretty sold on it.
In EU you have similar policy, but it is mandated by law, for all the things that you buy online. I know of people who bought new 55 inch TV only to watch soccer World Cup, and then returned it.
With tens of thousands of retail workers involved, that's hardly surprising that some would suggest the technique.
That doesn't change the fact that these sorts of abuses of a return policy cost everyone else money, and risk getting the policy shortened/restricted for all.
Agreed, if your MacBook is critical to your job, shouldn't you have Apple Care or some sort of insurance policy to ensure you get a timely replacement? Relying on Apple's goodwill seems like risky business.
> Equipment Loaner Service. If the issue with your Mac Computer requires us to keep it for more than twenty‑four (24) hours, you will be provided the option of borrowing a similar Apple product from our pool of loaner products ("Loaner") based on availability at your local Apple Retail Store. Apple is not obliged to provide a Loaner that is the same as, or of equivalent or better functionality or appearance to your Mac Computer; nor does Apple make any representation that a specific software program is or will be installed on your Loaner. Please see below for additional terms and conditions relating to this Equipment Loaner Service.
Search "loaner" on apple.com - hundreds of results relating to iPhone financing, and Clean Supplier Standards Codes. No mention of this program.
Search "Joint Venture" if you're lucky enough to know the name - results on the use of Conflict Minerals, and Sustainability Reports. No mention of this program.
I agree; I have it and I don’t even write software full time (and have 2 other laptops). Its main advantage to me is that it lets me cut the line for getting service appointments in-store.
How often do you replace laptops? We're on a 3-year schedule across the organization, PC or Mac. All leased or covered by some sort of business-class warranty/service plan. It can be slightly annoying, as IT doesn't do any in-house repairs any more, but it mostly works. I thought a 3-year replacement schedule was fairly standard.
Unfortunately not. There are also 4-5 year renewal cycles. In any case, for the affected machines, there is no Apple Care aware any more as it is limited to 3 years after purchase.
This is an even greater problem with iPads, Apple Care only lasts for 2 years after the purchase, so any significant repair after that usually means a total loss.
These cards exist in the US as well. They're called "charge cards" here. The classic American Express card is one example. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure that anyone else still issues them.
Works great.