Advice needed on iMac and also on in store student discount

[morty192]

Currently I have a macbook 2,1 and it is causing me no problems at all (comming up on 4 years old and I am tying on it now ) however I am considering purchasing a iMac as a desktop for the heavy side of my computer usage such as some games e.g Football Manager and for storing converted family videos that i still have to get round to converting from VHS and I am looking at purchasing the 21.5 inch iMac with the i5 processor.

Would this iMac be capable of handling what i'm looking it to do efficiently? Also as I am currently a UK student if I bought this at an apple store would I get free apple care on top of a student discount or would the free apple care be the only discount?

Just had an another idea. I already have the cash for it would it be a wise decision to set the money aside for 5 months or so and just let it collect interest and hope there has been a refresh or that a refresh is imminent?

Many Thanks
Morty

 

[DanielCoffey]

The next iMac refresh should be easter-ish which will introduce the Sandybridge processors but the current models should be fine for your needs. I would be more amazed that you had found a bank account paying any significant interest at the moment. *grin*

 

[Andythed]

As a UK student you get a discount on the imac and an even bigger discount on apple care

Apple care is not free

 

[MagicBoy]

HE purchases come with a 3 year hardware warranty as opposed to the standard coverage of 1 year.

Apple Care for 3 years is a modest top up on top of this which adds telephone based software support and onsite repair for desktops IIRC.

 

[morty192]

HE purchases come with a 3 year hardware warranty as opposed to the standard coverage of 1 year.

Apple Care for 3 years is a modest top up on top of this which adds telephone based software support and onsite repair for desktops IIRC.

so would it even be worth paying that little bit extra for apple care?

 

[And]

Would this iMac be capable of handling what i'm looking it to do efficiently? Also as I am currently a UK student if I bought this at an apple store would I get free apple care on top of a student discount or would the free apple care be the only discount?

Morty

Hi,

I bought a macbook recently and went into the store to splash the cash down and walk away with it. I was almost at the end of the transaction when on the off-chance I mentioned the education warranty. To cut a long story short, I left empty handed.... The manager indicated that you can get an educational price in store, but you do not get the 3 yr warranty, just standard 1 yr. If you want the education 3 yr warranty, which is included in the price, buy off the educational web store. Which is what I did and I now have a shiny mac book. A bit of delayed gratification never hurt anyone ;-)

I think the additional applecare you can buy online gives you additional telephone support.

best, and.

 

[ECUpirate44]

so would it even be worth paying that little bit extra for apple care?

Apple Care is always worth it imo

 

[chrismacguy]

Apple Care is always worth it imo

Definitely is normally, however I wouldnt necessarily purchase it as I normally buy it just for the warranty (I only have it on my Mac Pro as it was partially a present and it was at the present givers insistence)

 

[morty192]

Thanks for the replys guy's that was really quick!

So basically as i'll be buying from H.E. UK store I shouldn't worry about paying extra for apple care as it would only add phone support which I'm very unlikely to use anyway.

Also in your opinion wait for sandybridge processors or not will it drop before or during July? As i reckon thats as long as i'll consider waiting lol

Morty

 

[mat1110]

I got about 11% off the mac over the phone and the AppleCare was £45. Didn't think twice for that amount

 

[Trinite]

Thanks for the replys guy's that was really quick!

So basically as i'll be buying from H.E. UK store I shouldn't worry about paying extra for apple care as it would only add phone support which I'm very unlikely to use anyway.

Also in your opinion wait for sandybridge processors or not will it drop before or during July? As i reckon thats as long as i'll consider waiting lol

Morty

I'm no expert, but everyone around here seems to think the Sandybridge refresh is likely to be in the first half of 2011.

I hope so: that's what I'm waiting for, too....

 

[morty192]

My next questions is if I buy a refurbished model from the H.E. store am I entitled to the 3 year applecare that a brand new purchase entitles me to?

 

[iStudentUK]

My next questions is if I buy a refurbished model from the H.E. store am I entitled to the 3 year applecare that a brand new purchase entitles me to?

This is a tough call!

I logged into the education store and the standard store and the refurbished prices did not change. However, the T&Cs are not clear-

10.1 All new Hardware carries a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

(emphasis added)

But-

10.1.1 All Apple-branded desktop and portable computer products sold after October 1st 2005 within the framework of the HE National Agreement shall be subject to a 36 calendar month warranty period (the “HE National Agreement Warranty”) commencing from the date of delivery.

Personally, I would contact Apple and get an answer in writing as to wether refurbished products brought online can be purchased subject to the "National HE Agreement".

I made a guide to student discount here for a more detailed view- https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1103022/



EDIT- Why are you looking at refurbished, the student discount is about 15%, so brings prices close to refurbished anyway. Just curious! Please let me know if you found out about the warranty on refurnished products, I'll add to the thread I created if so.