[stomachmonkey]

You do not necc. need Applecare.

Boxes are fully warranted for a year.

If you have "bug" issues they'll show up in the first few months.

Just had my 1st gen MacBook Pro in for service. 2 yr old box.

Had to stop short and it flew of the seat and was prevented from further flight by hitting the dash and crashing onto the floor.

F'd up the screen a bit but was still functional.

Dropped it at my Apple store and used the "Flat Repair Rate", they will fix anything and everything for a flat rate.

It cost me $335 to fix what was originally a $3,500 box.

Box went out to repair facility in Houston and was back in 5 days.

For my $335 they replaced the logic board and LCD.

Pretty good deal.