I got two sad stories about Apple. But first I'd have to praise Microsoft. I've never had any issues like these with them.
My daughter had to have a Mac for her major in college. I was smart enough to get the extended warranty.Just after she graduated, and about a month before the extended coverage was to expire, it failed. So, off the the Apple store to see about repair. Lugged the anchor into the mall, and the "Genius" said that I'd have to schedule a repair. Online. Apparently, broken Macs can still schedule repair visits online?
I, also bought Da Wife an Ipad 2. It took a swim in her purse with a bottle of water. Apparently the purse was real water tight. In talking with Apple, and at the first mention of "water", they refused to even look at it. Their only suggestion was to buy a new one. We found an independent repair place online and sent it to them, packed in raw rice(at their request) to draw out moisture. $180.00 later, it is fine, with the exception of the front facing camera, for about a year and a half so far. Her office bought her a Mini, so the 2 is now mine.
For the record, I hate Itunes, but to download even free apps, you have to set up an account. But you don't have to give them a credit card, so I'll give 'em that.