*******, blued, and tattooed, regarding my cracked iPhone screen.
The Apple store was packed. I luckily got a rep quickly, though. Turned out he was new, and had to go ask a "manager" everything.
1. Applecare would not cover the damage in any event.
2. I must make a "Genius" appointment for them to review it. Rep thinks the whole phone will have to be replaced (at a big but unknown to him fee). Seemed unaware that cracked screens are not exactly uncommon. If it could be repaired, they'd have to order parts (you're kidding, right?) and I'd need another appointment. Would not estimate cost. Would not have Genius rep, 5 feet away, take 10 seconds to glance and say repair or replace. For a hundred bucks or less, I'd have replaced, just to get it over with (not feeling well). I chose to leave. I can make the appointment online, or buy elsewhere. Guess where I'm leaning?
3. Applecare plan, in this case, is worthless. It cannot be activated for my particular iPhone. Either I bought it after the 1 year warranty period, or it had to be registered within the 1 year period (rep & mgr did not seem to know the rules). NOT what the AT&T rep said. Sigh. Guess I've got an AppleCare plan for sale cheap.
4. Previously, I had a high opinion of Apple Store personnel and knowledge. Well, I did not get their best rep today. But they sure seemed to be making the sales.
I'm still quite happy with the iPhone and will repair it. Only question is, next summer/fall will I be moving up to a 3GS or 4G (or whatever they call the next model).