Yeah, I've been in and out of the modern MBP for RAM and HDD upgrades inside of three minutes. Very thoughtful design, especially for a notebook.

The newer laptops are a lot easier, and they reflect it by labeling the HD as user-serviceable without voiding the warranty.

Meanwhile, I have this: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-MacBook-Pro-15...

Which definitely qualifies as a PITA. Easy enough for me, though, as I've had far nastier, also from Apple (12" Powerbook): http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-PowerBook-G4-A... (they don't have a HD guide, but that's all the screws). And all those screws are different sizes (or close enough).

Old Thinkpads used to be awful as well though. Changing the keyboard on a 380D required burrowing in from the back :(