'ello, Thanks to everyone who replied for the advice. I have, today, ``taken the plunge'' as the very helpful Apple salesman put it -- I suppose this means I'll be seeing a lot more of this list in the future :-).
One person was unsure as to how Linux affects AppleCare. I asked at two separate points in the conversation (just to be absolutely sure :-)) and both times he said that it does not in any way void the warranty. I can't wait for it to arrive! bye just now and thanks again for all the info, -- Matthew T. Atkinson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>