Why does everyone always bring up the gaming thing? Running windows via bootcamp/parallels/vmware fusion is super easy. I've played Final Fantasy XI on my Macbook Pro for years.

For the apple care thing, I've always found Apple to be really good about taking care of you. I've had a bunch of things replaced while on warranty, and even when I was out of warranty, they would replace things like the power cord or battery for me. But I guess a lot of that depends on if you get a nice person or not at the genius bar.