21" iMac Shipping Dates

[Buadhai]

I was planning to buy a 21.5" iMac for my daughter and her kids for Christmas. Oddly, the shipping date for the Retina models is 4-5 weeks while the sRGB model ships in 5-7 business days. Are the Retina screens in such short supply to cause such a difference?

Ordinarily, the 4-5 weeks would be in time for Christmas. But, she lives on Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands (a US territory). Apple won't ship there (they never have) so I have to ship to a forwarding company which will ship by air to Saipan. I doubt it will make it.

Another option would be a buy a Mac Mini, which has a short ship time and then order a display, keyboard and mouse from someone who will ship to Saipan. (Many companies will.)

Any thoughts?

 

[AZhappyjack]

Depending on the configuration that you are looking at/for, there are plenty of other retailers that may have what you want in stock... even locally (BestBuy, or an authorized Apple retailer)... the Apple refurb store might also be an option, as they ship in a matter of days in most cases. The downside to the refurb store is that you are limited to what they have when you are looking to buy. BTW, I have purchased a number of Macs (iMac and MBP) for myself and family members and they are absolutely good deals on like-new products. I have never been disappointed with a purchase.

 

[Buadhai]

Depending on the configuration that you are looking at/for, there are plenty of other retailers that may have what you want in stock... even locally (BestBuy, or an authorized Apple retailer)... the Apple refurb store might also be an option, as they ship in a matter of days in most cases. The downside to the refurb store is that you are limited to what they have when you are looking to buy. BTW, I have purchased a number of Macs (iMac and MBP) for myself and family members and they are absolutely good deals on like-new products. I have never been disappointed with a purchase.

I should have mentioned that I live in Thailand so I'll need a retailer that will ship.

Thanks for the tip on the refurb store. No 21" iMacs at the moment, but I'll keep checking.