Apple on Wednesday revealed its revamped ProCare service plan. The priority support plan now separates technical support and service at the Apple Store from training, which was previously bundled together with the service. ProCare costs $99 per year; the new personal training program is called One to One, and it also costs $99 per year.
Users who have already paid for ProCare don’t need to worry, however — Apple has kept both services together for those users for the duration of their memberships. This applies to new ProCare customers only.
The $99 fee for ProCare covers up to three computers. ProCare nets you “Next in line, first on the bench” priority service at Apple retail stores. ProCare users get same-day service, including a “QuickDrop” repair drop-off that lets you drop off systems without having to schedule a reservation.
ProCare also pays for complete set-up of new systems, including transfer of old data onto a new computer, a yearly “tune-up” that includes updating Apple software, running system diagnostics, and screen and keyboard cleaning. ProCare members also get backup consultation — Apple Geniuses will work with you to find the right backup solution — and reservations at the Genius Bar up to 14 days in advance.
One to One is Apple’s new personal training program. For $99 per year you can schedule one on one training with Apple store Trainers up to once per week. Topics covered by One to One include digital photography, Web site making using iWeb, podcasting, iPod and iTunes, movie making, basic Mac training, Apple TV, Keynote and Pages, “Mac 101,” GarageBand and “Open Project,” where you bring in your photos, movies, sketches or ideas, and an Apple Trainer offers creative advice for how to get through the project from start to finish.