Originally Posted by Efrem
A series of Apple PowerBooks over the past nearly 15 years have needed service twice:
Once for a new screen when I dropped the thing four feet onto a marble floor. The rest of it continued to work fine.
Once (a different computer) for a new internal modem when I inadvertently connected it to a digital phone line.
Other than that, no problems yet. I know Apple isn't perfect, everyone makes a lemon once in a while, and I'm not trying to ignite yet another Macintosh-versus-Windows religious debate, but based on my experience thus far (and on confirming evidence such as the recent Consumer Reports survey that puts their reliability as the industry best) I save my money when it comes to extended warranties.
I hear stories all the time about things that happen to people's Macs and how they survive (they get driven over, take falls from significant heights, etc).
This one takes the prize for the most bizarre though. The powerbook was baked. On purpose, apparently. --And it still worked.
The screen and keyboard were dead, but everything else was fully functional.
Apple has been on top of the reliability surveys now for a while and has been the leader in customer support as well now for several years. The last couple of years its lead has increased.
I recommend extended warranties for new Mac owners, because it extends the phone support from 90 days to 3 years. This can be handy, as the user is still learning their way around the system. Otherwise, it's a tough call. For portables, an insurance policy that covers things like loss due to fire or theft or something might be better.