Every product of theirs I own has two attributes that I prize: it works without much thought from me and it is well supported by Apple. Basically, an iPhone just works. There is no tweaking necessary. I have AppleCare. If I drop it and the screen shatters, I can get it replaced for cheap. Not many other phones can claim this.

Until it doesn't, e.g. upgrading your phone to a newer version of iOS and then not having Wifi range beyond 1-2 meters for a couple of months.

I used to be impressed with how Apple products 'just work', but recently they have noticeably started slipping in this area.

I agree, and that could be dangerous for Apple in the long run. But they still seem to be ahead, especially when it comes to laptops. I've used a Nexus 4 with great pleasure for about two years, and being back on an iPhone 5S, while slightly better (in my opinion), is only barely worth the higher cost.

I hope that happens to laptops too, because I'd love to have alternatives and some more competition.

This is huge. My parents (ages >60) bought galaxies. They pay $9 per phone and a >$200 deductible if it breaks. The insurance is through a 3rd party. That is insane.

if it breaks 12 months in, you put in $108 then $200 for the deductible. Those are conservative estimates because I can't find the pricing right now but I now it is more.

My iphone apple care was $100. If it breaks that is $79. I can break it 3 times over the course of 24 months and it is cheaper than breaking the galaxy once at 12 months. Applecare is a steal.

What if the products are 'average' rather than 'terrible'? It's not like there's a binary value for quality.