Buying MacBook at local Apple Store v. Online Apple Store

I buy pretty much all of mine (my sites) from a servicing reseller unless it's an education discount becuase of post sale in and out of warranty performance, but you can likely get those benefits if you have a good service authorized agent close by. At least I noticed that the one I use accommodates individuals as well as businesses with more volume because they get reimbursed for the warranty work. The secret is having your claims made early enough in the day for them to have the parts the next day.

Good luck.

40guy said:

Admittedly somewhat of a novice but I have been using imacs for years
and my question is why anyone wants to continue using windows??

thanks,
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pls don't contact me at [email protected]

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Plenty of reasons but they may not apply to a lot of people and many people the people buying Macs. Running specific programs and other compatibility come to mind first and then there would be cost effectiveness too. I know I am not alone as one who uses and or supports more than one operating system and/or having to use a program that only runs under Windows or DOS. I am not alone with the philosophy that what one doesn't spend means a lot.

I don't complain about this too loudly though because the integration issue is good for my business and the "geniuses" (generally not) at Apple Stores seem daft to networking, directory services and a lot of stuff beyond basic desktop computing.

A lot of people who buy personal computers do not choose the first tier brands and Apple's increased sales are helping that and compatibility and functionality is nicely aided for those who need more than Apple's operating system - good in my opinion.

I am an old WordPerfect user and found for my iMac NeoOffice which is an open source suite that can open WordPerfect files and save them in several different formats - but not back in WordPerfect :-(
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Vernon

Reply a little too late, but I had the same issue (employee discount). I printed out my cart, took it to the store, and they matched the price there.

Problem solved. Discount at store!

talmy said:

Not everything one might need is available for the Mac. In my case,
which almost certainly isn't the same as others:

5. There is no good personal finance program for the Mac. I use MS
Money, but even Quicken is better in the Windows version.

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Yep, the Mac version of Quicken REALLY sucks. If you've bought it, just ask for your money back and they'll usually oblige.

talmy said:

6. Some websites absolutely insist on Internet Explorer.

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Just enable the Debug menu of Safari then you can pretend that you are running IE and the web site is no more the wiser.

Yes, I know! In fact that's how WP docs open when I'm under OS X.

A problem (besides not being able to save back) is that not all features are carried across reliably. Figures and equations are the most problematic as are old docs that use the WP fonts (WP was ahead of the industry in expanding beyond ASCII characters, unfortunately they were also ahead of Unicode). This has actually kept me stuck with the mid 90's WordPerfect 8. At least look at the money I've saved in upgrades!

Life isn't better in the MS Word side. For complex Word documents, there are compatibility going from PC to Mac as well. Figures created in Windows Metafile format rarely come over intact. In fact I've had better results opening PC Word files with NeoOffice!

rjackb said:

talmy said:

6. Some websites absolutely insist on Internet Explorer.

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Just enable the Debug menu of Safari then you can pretend that you
are running IE and the web site is no more the wiser.

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That assumes the site isn't coded relying on some quirk of Explorer. The company I work for has Web-based training that is so finicky I can't run it at work on IE but must access at home using a Parallels VM of Windows XP in virgin condition. It dies with IE7 (must be 5 or 6) or if you have installed the Sun Java plug-in. I use the Sun plug-in at work.

Well- buying at the local store will help you develop a bit of a relationship with the staff there, and if you have any issues you know exactly where to take it.

Or- you could also get the macbook from someplace like macmall.com. They have to sell the macbook at the same price, but there's often a $100 rebate. and-you can get additional software and accessories for near free after rebates. Plus, you'll save on the tax.

The downside is that the rebate forms are a bit tricky to find and fill out- so this is only a benefit if you're a person who's willing to go through the rebate process. Copying packing slips and UPC codes, filling out forms, etc.

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At the Apple stores in the Phoenix, AZ, area you can still get the online discounts. Take some documentation in to support your qualification for the discount (in my case my company id for the corporate discount) ask for the discount when you checkout and it's no problem. But, I couldn't get the hard drive upgrade, just the RAM. They told me hard drive upgrades and high end video cards had to be bought from the online store.

jack

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A few of my photos:
http://web.mac.com/kurtzjack/ or
http://www.sportsshooter.com/members.html?id=4177

Bought MBP online 2 weeks ago. Don't worry about Windows vs. OS X. In a day or 2 you won't want to go back to Windows. Buying online vs store was not a issue, but for upgrades must purchase online since they are not in stock at the store. Go for it!
Fred Maurer

Any reputable Ebay Sellers for brand new MacBook Pro ?

BeachnCruz said:

Any reputable Ebay Sellers for brand new MacBook Pro ?

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I am afraid I'd be only asking for trouble by looking to eBay for such items. I'd stay with well-known reputable national dealers. I would rather take my chances with a real individual in my city over an unknown eBay outfit. But why bother? Enough established retailer sell new, refurb, used, anything you might ask for.

Like I said earlier, have a look at the Apple Store under the refurb section. Great prices and they come with the same warranty as if you bought it new. Packaging is not as fancy but the delivery time is great. From Cali to Milton Ontario Canada in 3 days.

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Nikon D Fifty
Nikon Fifty mm F1.4
Sigma 24-70 F2.8
Nikon Seventy - Three Hundred VR
Nikon SB- Six Hundred
Nikon SB Twenty Four

Minolta HiMatic F
Yashica GSN

Apple's refurbished products are a great deal. I have a bunch of them, the only problem is that you can't custom configurations (bigger hard drives, high end video cards etc) on the refurbs. But if don't mind doing the work yourself (or paying someone else to do it) they are an excellent value.

jack

--
A few of my photos:
http://web.mac.com/kurtzjack/ or
http://www.sportsshooter.com/members.html?id=4177