Where To Buy My MacBook Pro-- Apple Store or Online?

Does it make a difference? There is an Apple Store just a 15 minute bus ride away from my apartment. Considering I'm goint to get apple care anyway, does it matter if I get it on line or at the store? Pros, cons? What say ye??

I thought the 7200rpm drive was custom. It is in my area. Stock is the 120GB 5400rpm drive and 1GB or RAM.
You may need to order it directly from Apple.
Whatever you do, do NOT buy from MacMall or some other 3rd party. They may be a little cheaper and have some incentives, but consider this:
I ordered my 17" MacBook Pro from them on 4/26/06. They didn't ship to me until 6/8/06! Meanwhile, Apple was shipping within 7 days since the beginning of May, and the Apple store had plenty of them available.
If you think that issue is resolved and MacMall has plenty of stock now so the wait is not that bad...wait, there's more...
I'm having issues with my system, and I called Apple. They told me I needed to get a new system because it's defective, but since I purchased it from MacMall I would need to call them about it. I did, and MacMall told me to call Apple back because they have a "no return policy" on Macs. What??? So I call Apple and they tell me they're sorry, but that I will need to send it in for repair.
I should have purchased it directly from Apple and paid the tax instead of paying for the Apple Care, which is not doing me any good now anyway.
So you have 2 options - go to the store and pick up whatever they can sell you, or order it directly from Apple where you can customize your order and get it within a week or two and actually benefit from Apple's support. From now on that's the only way I will ever go.

Similar Messages

  • Can i buy a MacBook/Pro from the US online store from another country?

    Hi guys,
    is it possible to pay for the US online store for buying a MacBook / Pro and ship it within the states of course??
    one of my family members are there and they are not that much into computers, is it possible to buy it from here (Jordan) using a Jordanian Credit Card and put the shipping address in the states??
    I didn't know where to post this exactly, so hope i can be answered and hope i can be directed into the right department instead of deleting it
    Thank you

    Sorry, but the US Apple Store cannot accept credit/debit cards with billing addresses outside of the US nor checks on non-US banks.
    http://store.apple.com/us/help/payments

  • Where to buy a macbook pro?

    I will be buying a macbook pro very soon( cant wait anymore).So where do you think i should buy it from apple walk in store or a compusa store?.I dont know which of this stores get the latest week macbook pros.
    Any ideas guys?
    cheers

    Well, I am afraid no one really will know the answer to your question, so your best bet is to look at the serial number on the box before you make your purchase (explanation below). From what I can tell from these boards, week 12 MBPs seem to be fairly trouble free, and for the most part whine free.
    Now I wouldn't be surprised if they get a little ticked at you if they bring up a MacBook to the checkout counter, only to have you inspect the box and then tell them you don't want to buy it after all... but it is a lot of money so I'd say your within your rights.
    Anyway, I would hurry down to the Apple SOHO store (prince and green). They had them in stock last weekend. Assuming your going with the full 2 GB of ram, you may have to pick up your machine with 1 GB and wait for the 2nd GB to arrive a few days later. But if you buy it at the Apple store you can just bring your MacBook back in when you go to pick up the extra ram and they will install it for you on the spot.
    I'd get there as early as you can tomorrow (saturday), before the weekend crush. And I would highly recommend the 2GB of ram since your going to be running a lot of Apps through Roseta for awhile. I actually think having 2gb of ram is more important than processor speed.
    And as far as CompUSA is concerned, I wouldn't bother (the customer service is sooo bad in manhatten CompUSAs). I guess if the Apple store doesn't have a MacBook that is week 12 or later, you could go check CompUSA, but either way, you are going to have to manually inspect the serial number to know which week it is. I doubt anyone on these boards has information on which production week stores are receiving.
    OK so regarding the serial number, it is actually really easy to tell which week your mac was made in. Here is how it works.
    The first part of the serial number tells you which factory the Mac was made in. I believe all MacBooks are being made in Shanghai so it should start with"W8". The full list of factory codes can be found here:
    http://www.tuaw.com/2005/04/14/when-was-your-mac-born/
    The next number is the last digit of the year it was made (which should be 6 since they were all made in 2006). So basically all MacBooks made so far should all have serail numbers that start with "W86"
    The next 2 number are the production week!
    So to sum it all up, look for a serial number that starts with:
    W8612....
    or higher (like W8613...)
    You know, it occurs to me that if you go to the Apple store, and you are really really nice, you might even be able to talk your sales rep into inspecting the serial number for you when he goes to pick up your machine. Its should be easy enough to explain, since they all start with W86, and I think they get some sort of commission or are somehow rewarded for sales, so he should be motivated to help you.
    And if you want to double check what I have said, grab a spare mac at the apple store and manually type in the serial number into this site which will also tell you the production week:
    http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html
    good luck

  • Apple In-Ear Headphones - Where to buy in person besides Apple Store?

    Need sum help. Has anyone seen the new headphones in any retail stores besides the Apple Stores? I want to buy some in person and not over the internet. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!

    It might help if you mentioned where you live, unless you're prepared to travel world-wide to buy them in person.

  • Do I have student discount when I buy a MacBook Pro with retina display online ?

    I just want to know. Did apple have a student discount for Mac Book Pro with retina display when I buy it online ? If it yes, how can I do that ?

    http://store.apple.com/us-hed/browse/campaigns/education_pricing

  • Can I buy a MacBook Pro with swedish keyboard in USA and pick it up in New York?

    Can I buy a MacBook Pro with Swedish Keyboard online and pick it up on an Apple Retail store in New york

    This discussion comes as close to give you your answer as you will get here.
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/21374165#21374165
    Best option is to contact Apple Customer Service and pose your query to them.
    Ciao.

  • Can I buy a Macbook Pro from Apple store Singapore and send it to Italy?

    I' m wandering if I can buy a Macbook Pro Display Retina from Apple Store Singapore online and then send it to Italy. Please answer.
    Thank you :)

    They will not send it to Italy.
    If you want to take possession in Singapore and ship it yourself to Italy, you could.
    When it arrives in Italy, your new MacBook will be subject to VAT at its brand-new value, perhaps 17 percent of the full Retail price.
    I am not sure what you are trying to accomplish, but this does not seem to save you any money.

  • Can I buy a MacBook Pro 15" Retina, at a US Apple store, with Portuguese keyboard?

    I am in the process of buying a MacBook Pro 15" Retina laptop; although based in Dallas, TX I have a strong need for portuguese keyboard, which I cannot order online (Spanish is the closest offering, but not close enough).
    Can I buy a MacBook Pro 15" Retina laptop, with Portuguese keyboard, at an Apple store?

    I went to an Apple Store, near my house. One of the employees showed me that she could not order it either (sorry, looks like it is really not an option within US).
    She offered an alternative / fix: she could order a Portuguese wireless keyboard, that can be connected via Bluetooth.
    Hope this helps.

  • Best way to buy a Macbook Pro at an apple store

    I am going to purchase my first macbook pro next week. I am switching from Windows to Apple after 10 plus years of use. I am very excited to make the switch. My question is this, I was wondering what is the best way to buy one at an apple store? Should I schedule a one on one to make sure i get a rep? The reason I say this is because the store i go to is constantly busy and seems as though i probably wouldnt be able to get a sales rep for a while. Also i was wondering if this is something people use alot or does scheduling a one on one not happen very often. The last question I have is should i call ahead to the store to see if they have the macbook that i want in stock? If they dont can i order one over the phone and schedule a pickup at the store? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Welcome to Apple Discussions!
    It never hurts to get a rep, as they may be able to show you things about the machine you may not have known, and if they are well trained, they can answer all your questions and make you feel more comfortable about your purchase.
    For custom configurations that are not listed in the store online by default, you will likely need to go online, though some stores have a fully featured configuration with the maximum custom addons all prebundled. For more customization online is better.
    Ordering over the phone to the brick and morter store is not as likely to be doable, though some stores may offer it. Each store has their own policy, and I suggest calling them ahead to find out what it is.
    You can at least for http://www.apple.com/retail/ set a genius bar appointment ahead of time, to discuss your needs.

  • If I buy a macbook pro second hand, am I able to bring it to the apple store to be reset to factory settings?

    I am looking into buying a macbook pro used and there is the chance that it still has a user on it which will stop me from using the computer. Is it possible to bring a used computer into the store to be reset to factory settings? I am a current apple user if that helps.

    Unless the Mac has been reformatted (disk erased) the prior owner's admin account would still be setup.
    Try to get the original install disc(s) that came with the Mac otherwise you will need to purchase Snow Leopard because at some point you may need to repair the startup disk or reformat the drive.
    Snow Leopard is still available from Apple >  Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store.
    I doubt Apple will reformat the drive and reinstall OS X for you unless you pay a fee.

  • Can i buy apple care from the state or the UK if i buy a macbook pro from a recommended apple retailer in nigeria?

    I want to buy a macbook pro from a retailer apple recommended but i am not sure if they sell apple care. I wanna know if i can buy apple care from the UK or the states if i buy the macbook in nigeria.

    Hi adeyy,
    Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.
    The AppleCare FAQs has some information that you might find helpful:
    http://www.apple.com/support/products/faqs.html
    Where can I purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan?
    Depending on the Apple product, the AppleCare Protection Plan is available at the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores, and many Apple Authorized Resellers including many wireless service providers. Apple recommends that you purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan in your country of residence, because each AppleCare Protection Plan has terms and conditions specific to consumers in the country or region in which the plan is offered. Please see the AppleCare Protection Plan Terms and Conditions for complete details.
    Regards,
    Jeremy

  • Where should I buy a Macbook Pro

    I have seen on MacMall the Pro version for about $300 less than in an Apple store. Is there an advantage in buying it in an apple store vs. macmall?

    I am in communication with "Small Dog Electronics" in Vermont; they are an authorized Apple reseller and extremely knowledgeable staff; their email newsletters are great. I plan to order from them in morning.
    Small Dog is excellent, with a long history of good customer service.
    My MacBook Pro is the first computer I've ordered from Small Dog, but I've ordered many other Mac-related items from them over the last several years. I've never been disappointed. The same is the case with my MacBook Pro order from them. I know many people who have had similarly good experiences with Small Dog and no one who has had a bad experience with them.
    You just can't go wrong with Small Dog. They don't always have the lowest prices, but they generally have good pricing, and you can feel assured you're buying from one of the most honest and reliable Mac resellers out there.

  • Can I buy a MacBook Pro from U.S.A's store online with a keyboard English&Arabic? How?

    Can I buy a MacBook Pro from U.S.A's store online with a keyboard English&Arabic? How?

    That is great!
    But the price ismore expensive than the United States.
    In the United States's store $2199
    In the United Ararb Emarates $2499.73
    I can save $300 if I will from United States, but I want the Keyboard English and Arabic.
    Can I request that by contact to Apple?

  • HT3053 where can i buy a macbook pro 2011 battery

    where can i buy a macbook pro 2011 battery

    Apple would be a good place to start...
    http://www.apple.com/v20110414080359/support/macbookpro/service/battery/

  • Now I am in Thailand. Can i buy Refurbished Macbook pro from US appple store?

    Excuse me. I am in Thailand. Can i buy Refurbished Macbook pro from US apple store?

    The USA web store requires payment in US funds, from a US source, and with a US billing address for the account.  And as Limnos mentions, they do not ship internationally - they will only ship to a US street address (no P.O. Boxes so no re-shipper will work either).

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