Defective iphone s iPhone 4S

My iPhone suddenly has no sound and after hours of time on the phone with support they are sending a new phone.(The usual $29.99 fee generously waived)This is the second new phone they have had to send  me in six months.The first had a bad connector. A friend of mine had the same problem with his sound disappearing so this is obviously a defect Apple knows about. Each time something like this happens it takes up hours of my time and they always try to say this is not a problem that is covered by the warranty. Also, they charge my credit card about $800 until I return the old phone.Is the 4S a dud and with constant problems?

I am new to Apple and also bought an Macbook Pro about a year ago that I seem to spend half my life learning how to use.It is not compatible with the printer at my office so I can't print there. This took hours of time on the phone with support to determine.They never offer any compensation for my time.

I always heard such good things about Apple and how easy to use their products are. I have found this to be far from the truth. Do other people have these issues with Apple products and service?