Most people don't realize that you can buy AppleCare any time during the first year of ownership. I always wait until the 1-year standard warranty is about to e

Most people don't realize that you can buy AppleCare any time during the first year of ownership. I always wait until the 1-year standard warranty is about to expire before deciding. At that point you have a better idea if the machine is prone to having problems or not. Also, you can gauge how your hardware is holding up against new technologies that have popped up since you bought it. Perhaps you want to ensure the machine lasts at least 2 more years... perhaps you have your eye on something a little shinier.