I got a 2.16GHz Macbook with Superdrive for $999 at Futureshop - which I thought was a still a pretty good deal since these are usually around $1150 refurbished (plus FS had a 1% GST rebate). The problem is that the "o" key sometimes doesn't work unless you press it just a tad harder than usual. I can't exchange it at Futureshop since they won't have anymore open box Macbooks so I guess my only option is to get Apple to fix it? How long will this take? Can I just take it to any Apple dealer to get it fixed or do I have to ship it out? (I live in Winnipeg).

I also have a question about Applecare. Can I buy this anytime or is there a deadline?

Applecare can be purchased anytime within on year. As for your macbook, you may have to provide a bill of sale, as if it was old stock, apple will estimate the purchase date. As for the sticky key, take it to a service provider. They may order a new keyboard, and hopefully let you keep your computer until the part arrives.

The bill of sale should "reset" your MacBook's clock to the day you purchased it, which would mean you can buy AppleCare anytime within 364 days of the purchase date.

HOWEVER, if this "open box" is actually a return unit, Apple MAY (and are within their rights to) decide that the original purchase date is THE purchase date. You can check the serial number to determine EXACTLY when Apple's warranty runs out online, or a service provider can do that while they're helping you fix the keyboard.

Thanks for the info guys. I guess the previous owner didn't register it with Apple yet because I successfully did that yesterday. I should be good for 1 year now.

Now to try and get my Leopard rebate...