When the logic board in my current model MBP failed, I had to leave it with them for 6 days. When the graphics card had an issue in my previous MBP died, 4 days.
With a Dell, you can at least choose to pay for NBD repair. UPS guy shows up, it's repaired and back in your hands within 48 hours. And that's if they don't have a service contractor in your area that will come to your home/office.
Yes, you pay for it. But at least it's an option.
That said, moving my data and preferences and everything to the replacement box (and having to delete them afterwards, so nobody gets into them) is too much work. I'd rather have a spare laptop/desktop myself ready to go when the need arises.
As professional programmers, spending like $2-4K for 2 laptops every 4 years or so isn't that much to ask (which we can also reduce from taxes AND sell afterwards).
Heck, if we owned a taxi, we'd spend far more on its maintenance and operating expenses for the same period, and make far less.
Then, it becomes an issue of sending it off and waiting for it to come back. Hopefully they give you a temporary unit.
The same things (them coming it, sending it off) you can do with tons of Mac repair shops.
That said, whether Mac or PC, if you're doing business with your laptop, then get 2 laptops, or a laptop and some desktop machine.
Doesn't have to be equally expensive, but if you can't afford the downtime for repairs, replacements, etc, have something to fallback on.
It's might also come handy when some friend visits and doesn't have a laptop, etc.
We use it. Super simple to get setup.
I used to also recommend Lenovo laptops with their onsite warranty plan, but after so many privacy missteps lately, I've stopped.
I was really really impressed with this.
