Assembled, ASSEMBLED... not MADE!
I know you're setting him straight but don't be mislead or misleading. On the box it says 'Designed in California' for a reason.
Now that thing about 'AppleCare'; you must remember you're in a shop and they want to make a sale; they just want to suck you in. The warranty runs out in a year so IF you know that, you can purchase AppleCare near the end of your year. If you sale your gear in that AppleCare period, you can include it in the sale and it caries over. AppleCare is only a peace-of-mind option.
Finally, getting one thing regardless, if you're computing needs aren't THAT serious, get a iMac; otherwise, get a Mac Pro and load it up with top gear (cards, RAM) from a qualified, KNOWN distributer; and chances are, your warranty won't be voided. If you choose gear just from Apple, it'll cost ya!
