Re: If proof is needed...
Disagree.
I own an ageing RF710 (one of THE first core i7 laptops).
Its had: a new battery, new CD rom. new speakers ( i vacummed dust off and sucked the paper out of the speaker!) new ram upgrade, new intel wifi / bt card and last month, fresh from Sammys own UK parts distributor a new top chassis including keyboard and glide pad and all the associated electronics.
Thats pretty decent spare availability AFAIAC.
Its never skipped a beat. Best laptop i've ever owned.