Sure stuff stops working and that is no fun. But being able to pick up the phone and talk to someone who seems able to talk a high level or low level (as needed) about possible problems and solutions is a huge plus. It is also great to know that I can get online, schedule an appointment, and show up at the store for face-to-face assistance too!

It is an extra-expense but I have learned that the pay off is ease of use for my expensive gadgets!

The one that I have held off on is my iPhone–have another month or so before I have to decide if I want to ante-up the $99 for another year of AppleCare on it. . . guess it depends on how great the “next generation” is and if I can resist.

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Hard drives are just incredibly complex mechanical devices. I’ve had several go out on me, but I mostly use laptops and lug them around with me everywhere. I’m so glad to have Time Machine now because I know my stuff’s backed up every day.

I had a hard drive crash when I was using a PC laptop and had to pay $1500 for data recovery services. They got all my data back, but it was definitely a lesson learned!

Repair issues tend to run in a huge range, some items are more common to a specific build or run. This is only evident after seeing many of them come thru the shop and keeping a log of what has happened, mainly repeated experiences help.

As to the CD-ROM issues, I don’t ever like to blame user error, but items that get used repeatedly and discs inserted/removed tend to wear and break quicker. I do see CD-ROM drives here and there, but much more common are hard drives. This is not just one type of machine, but across the board.

As for the aluminum, we’ve seen bad interconnect cables, logic boards that cause fans to run at full speed and never stop, video issues. Also look at the flip-side, I only see broken machines. Just think about the ones that are out there with no issues!
It also takes a bit more work to get at the components of an iMac, especially the newest ones. We have to remove the glass with suction cups, put it in a anti-static bag and then work on the insides.

Going back to my original comment, I think the Apple Care is wise if you go past the 1yr mark or even if you plan on selling it. I’ve seen too many without it and a logic board randomly goes out and the part with labor is close to the cost of a new MacBook.

Electronics fail. Period. It is anyones guess as to when. I’ve got some hard drives that are 7 years old and then run great and others that came straight from Apple that were DOA (dead on arrival).

I feel the need to make this point as well, Apple Care is not for accidental damage or abuse. Apple will not cover a dropped machine, liquid, etc. Many people get confused on this issue and act a bit too carefree around expensive equipment thinking they’ve got insurance.

I hope that helps. If there is anything else, let me know via comment or email.

Sam, what are the problems you see coming in most of all? At my work, we have about 50 laptops (MacBooks, MacBook Pros, iBooks) and many of them have had CD-ROM issues.

That being said, I have used it 2 times. Once, to replace the battery at the apple store and another to replace a fraying mag-safe connector on the power supply. With regard to the power supply, I called AppleCare, told them that I could see bare wires on the power supply and the immediately drop shipped a new one with a postage paid label to send back the original.

I guess my point is that not only is the service top notch, but they don’t give you any hassle. As opposed to the horrors that I’ve experienced trying to get service for other products at places like Be$t Buy.