If you have a fax machine at your fingertips, I guess this isn't a really big deal, but if you don't, and if you are handicapped and can only walk with great difficulty, you might decide the whole thing really isn't worth the hassle.

Also be prepared to read your iPods serial number which is indistinctly, dimly, and microscopically etched into the backside of your machine. My tired, old eyes required my best magnifying glass with intense light to make it out, and even then I managed to mistake 2 Qs for Os on my first attempt.

On my first request for service I found the iPod representative to be pleasant enough, even affable; but, upon reflection I realized that other than to recite the things I must FAX to them, she hadn't so much as given me the time of day, let alone an answer to the question I had asked her.

For just Pennies a day....Peace of Mind! (Rating: 5.00)
Review : The iPod and iTunes redefine what digital music should be: great audio on a superlight device with stunning design, fast download speeds, and ample storage for your music collection. Now, with the AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod, you can be sure that your music will play on.

One number to call for world-class support
Because Apple creates both the iPod and iTunes, they form a truly integrated digital music solution. If you ever have a question about their use, you'll have direct telephone access to Apple's own technical support group-the people who know iPod and iTunes best. AppleCare representatives can help troubleshoot your iPod and its connection with iTunes.

Apple offers the same complete service for both Mac and Windows users.

Investment protection
Every iPod comes standard with 90 days of phone support and one year of hardware service coverage.The AppleCare Protection Plan extends your service and support coverage for your iPod, its included accessories, and iTunes to up to two years from the original purchase date of your iPod.With this plan, you get direct access to Apple experts for answers by phone and anytime access to web-based resources. If your iPod or the included accessories should need service, Apple-certified technicians will repair it or provide a replacement using genuine Apple parts.

It's recommended that you purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan with your new iPod to take maximum advantage of the coverage the plan provides. This comprehensive plan is available for all iPod models, within their one-year limited warranty, that connect to either Macintosh computers or Windows PCs.

Peace of mind at home or on the road
With the iPod, you can take your entire music collection everywhere you go. But should your iPod need service, the AppleCare Protection Plan gives you the peace of mind of knowing that Apple provides global repair or replacement coverage.

All this for just pennies a day!

Expensive, limited coverage (Rating: 2.00)
Review : Considering that this policy only extends the warranty for one year, it is expensive. Coverage for the iPod's biggest problem, its battery, is vague. Apple simply defines as non-defects some apparent battery problems, such as the fact that the battery drains very rapidly when the unit is not in use and turned off. Plus, the battery can drop drastically in usage time, and Apple protects itself by saying this: "Service coverage is available ... for battery depletion of 50 percent or more from original specification." What other company clearly states that precipitous product failure is not covered by either the original or extended warranty?

?? (Rating: 4.00)
Review : Why on earth would anyone buy applecare from amazon.com? I mean, really, come on.