Apple QC is definately slipping.
The latest products seem more built for flash than to last. There is definately a problem with the (snow) ibooks, both with the flimsy keyboards and the video cable. My own ibook keyboard has been replaced twice due to the keys falling off - or failing to work. Then there was the OSX update that killed the ibooks battery - it would die after about 30-40 minutes when it used to last 3+ hours. Right now the ibook is out for repair because the screen would "short out" when it was picked up or moved - Apple has now had it for 3 weeks since I sent it in, and they still cant tell me when I will get it back.

Im glad some of you still have good experiences dealing with apple hardware and support. But my latest purchase and subsequent dealings with apple have been a complete disapointment.

When you pay more for something, you expect a superior experience and higher than average quality merchandise.

Steve Jobs might like to think of Apple as the BMW of the computer world, and they might have been at one point. But now they seem more like the VW. Selling overpriced, under-powered, unreliable products based only on their trendy good looks.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107120
Mac OS X 10.2 introduces a new way to install, known as "Archive and Install." It moves existing system files to a folder named Previous System and then installs a new copy of Mac OS X.

I've noticed that in the computer world in general (and Apple specifically) you generally either get a great system that will run for years with little or no maintenance, or you get a lemon that will need constant care and attention.

Nothing you can do will turn your lemon into a reliable machine which has always led me to suspect that if you get one you should just return it outright (since it'll probably have some kind of basic problem within the first 30 days -- mysterious crashes, a finicky battery) and go and obtain a brand new machine from a different store a few days later.

I agree. I've known one person who had a bad experience with an Apple (A PB 1400) computer. It never seemed to become reliable no matter what was done to it. I've been lucky (or maybe actually the problem children are unlucky), none of my Apples have ever had to go to a shop for any repairs. I've owned Apple and only Apple since 1980 and my Apple II+ through today and my MDD Dual 867.

but this only happens at startup. Why don't you just put the Mac to sleep? It's easier on the system anyways. There's your workaround.
But the weird thing is... after going to 10.2.5, I've crashed a lot, while initiating a PalmSync. But it's connected to the keyboard not my hub. It's probably a palm problems anyways, since they haven't updated the software in ages.

I have a USB hub and I didnt get that kernel panic ... what I have to do to get it? its like everyone have one and I dont...
I want a kernel panic too! LOL

Let me get this straight... Apple makes the hardware AND the OS themselves, right? I've been actively watching the Mac platform for some years now and have frequently entertained the notion of "switching" but this is utterly shameful! As contorted as things can get in the Windows world, I do have to give credit to Microsoft for almost flawlessly installing on the myriad of hardware configurations there are out there. I can expect some hardware (driver) conflicts in such a scenario but I wouldn't expect it coming from a company like Apple. I'm sorry to say that this gives me less reason to consider switching in the near future.

"Let me get this straight... Apple makes the hardware AND the OS themselves, right? I've been actively watching the Mac platform for some years now and have frequently entertained the notion of "switching" but this is utterly shameful!"...

You're not reading the full article above. This problem occurs with USB hubs- Apple DOES NOT MAKE USB HUBS, so they are not entirely to blame here. If this Kernel Panic occurred with some product they make, like say the iPod, THEN you would have a reason not to trust them and consider not switching. Or if it occurred with ALL USB hubs all of the time, then it would obviously be an issue solely for Apple to deal with. But PLEASE understand the situation before making comments like that.

I fixed the problem. I just had to unplug and not use everything that's usb based. That's fine because that's only my camera, printer, scanner, tascam us-428 sound card, and a media reader. How am I supposed to earn money, let alone, check my ***damn e-mail when my kernal's throwing a fit.

I really enjoy using my macs but I also see a definite decrease in reliability. My clamshell iBook, while cumbersome and awkward- looking in the presence of it's snow white update, has fallen down flights of steps, been sat on, stepped on, spilled on, all without one complaint. I eventually replaced the battery but that's because that laptop was left on for well over two years (rarely requiring reboots). I waited patiently to have my NEW iBook serviced because the battery wouldn't hold a charge more than 10 minutes. I also put up with the broken latch that keeps the lid closed. And I love the little mark that the keyboard makes on the screen. I would have an easier time getting solutions to any of these problems......but only if i cough up $250-$300 for Apple Care.
The Apple Genius at my local store even verified that the issues I have with my iBook screen and latch are a common occurance. This, coupled with the latest USB Kernal Panic, is making me think twice about whether Apple has what it takes to satisfy the end consumer.
I know that there will be a software update to fix the issue but for now I remain firm in my belief that from a production and customer service standpoint, Apple has failed me. If this failure persists, I will gladly spend less money on a machine that runs that thing people call Windows.