Q. Hi Kim. I love your radio show and all the great Apple-related tips you give. I'll be upgrading to an iPhone 5 soon and will probably get a new MacBook Air or Pro, too. I've never had any trouble with Apple products, so I usually skip the AppleCare extended warranty. Am I living dangerously? What do you think about AppleCare?
-Paul of Rochester, NY, listens to my national radio show on WHAM 1180 AM.

A. I get asked a lot about AppleCare and AppleCare+ (which covers the iPhones and iPads). It's a good time to review because Apple has pushed out so many exciting new products this year.

Here's the bottom line: Extended warranties are about risk tolerance, and risk tolerance is a very personal decision. If AppleCare or AppleCare+ will make you sleep better at night, go for it.

All Apple products come with a no-cost one-year warranty that covers hardware repair. Buyers also receive free phone technical support for up to 90 days after buying a product.

AppleCare provides an extra two years of hardware service and phone support for Macs and computer displays. It also provides one extra year of coverage for an iPod or Apple TV. At any time before the one-year warranty expires, you can buy an AppleCare Protection Plan. Prices vary by product.