My latest example is an expanding battery (see image). An issue that has been tracked back not to a specific computer manufacturer, but to the company who makes the batteries. This company sells these batteries to Dell and Apple. Understanding the fact that each manufacturer (Apple and Dell) gets the batteries from the same location, how they deal with the situation is the issue at hand. 

Scenario 1 -- Dell
Had I bought a Dell with Microsoft Windows, I would have to call Dell, speak with an Indian representative (work through a language barrier that is only exasperated over the phone), have Dell email a return slip, print the return slip, mail the battery back and have Dell send me a new battery, a 2 day process at minimum.  In my experience I would estimate 3-4 days. 

Scenario 2 -- Apple

Not the case with Apple.  I go online, make an appointment at my local genius bar for 7:15 PM the very same day,  (note: Apple store is open until 9:00 PM on a Saturday...wow), walk in at 7:15 PM, an "Apple Genius" sees me promptly; takes one look at the battery and tells me I have a defective battery. Next the "Apple Genius" goes in the back gets a new battery, scans the old battery's and new battery's barcode and slides the new battery into my laptop. He then looks at me and says, "You are good to go."  Wait?... what?... 7 minutes, that's it?  No out of coverage warranty talk or I need your name, your address and the name of your first born? ...Nice, peace "Apple Genius".  It took more time to walk from my parking spot to the store than the appointment itself.  That is what makes a lifetime Apple customer!