I am also very happy with Apple (France). I have had two problems with a new 12' 1Ghz Al (bought Nov 2003) and a new 15' 1,25Ghz Al (bought January) powerbooks. After many phone calls, my 12' is being repaired for cosmetic deficiencies as i speak, covered under a special warranty extension awarded by AppleCare over the phone, and my 15' is being sent back for a full refund (had 1 lockup per day, slow as hell hard drive and the famous illumination problem).
I was always civil on the phone, explaining everything calmly but firmly. Have had about 5 different people on the phone, and never had a problem.
Cheers