Plan Protection AppleCare for problem!
I had no problem registering the iPod on line, even though I bought it from Amazon. The registration does require filling out an online form and choosing an “Apple ID”, but the defaults are set NOT to send any advertising emails. etc.
I did have an opportunity to use the AppleCare warranty about a year after buying my Nano (battery didn’t hold charge). The telephone call did take about 12 minutes on hold (daytime hours), but the tech rep offered either to send me a return box (free shipping), or I could take the Nano to an Apple store and exchange it. My closest Apple store is a tank of gas, so I exchanged by mail. The box came in 2 days, and the Nano was returned within a week. I can’t tell whether it was the same unit or a refurb, but it was in pristine condition.
My experience isn’t unique; Consumer Reports regularly lists AppleCare as the best tech support in the electronics industry.
AppleCare Protection Plan for