Not sure about the quality of the parts but I tend to agree with a couple of James's other observations, especially concerning service. Thought I might have had a malfunctioning DVD drive the other day but suspected it was more likely something I had done wrong. Rang Apple service; straight through to an English-speaking human who took the details.
Would sir like the three year $249 phone support option? Err, no thank you.
Very well, then sir will be taking the one off $49 option?
Err, que? This is still under warranty!
Yes, but you only get three months free phone support.
Let me see if I've got this right. This machine is under warranty; it may or may not have a fault, but to find out I'll have to pay $49?
Well, nobody is going to offer you free support, sir.
Thank you for nothing, say I, and hang up.
Ring up the local shop where I purchased the machine, described the problem, directed to a simple option I hadn't ticked, et voila! Fixed.
Then a couple of days ago, I had exactly the same problem with my replacement mouse as I had with the original; the scroll button would not scroll down. Took it into the shop, they checked it, yep, faulty, we'll send that away to be replaced. Do I get a replacement now? No, you have to wait till it comes from the factory. Hmmm. Not a major problem I agree, but indicative of their policy regarding inventory which they deliberately keep at minimum levels.
I'd also agree that if you like playing with the insides of a computer, stick with a PC. I learned a lot about computers from stuffing around inside my PC, but only because I had to. I'd be quite happy never to take the cover off a computer again and so far I've seen no reason to with the Mac.
Chacun a son gout. Mac's arent the answer to everybody's prayer, but so what? It appears to get up some people's noses that Mac owners are very happy with their machines; again, so be it.