Amazon vs Apple Store

[MS bulldog]

what are the advantages/disadvantage of ordering from amazon vs. apple store?

the reason i ask is after comparing similar machines, the online apple store is $100+ more than ordering from amazon. i'm not doing a BTO, so that is not an issue. i'm just getting duck in a row before buying.

amazon $1299.00-$30(amazon card offer)-$100rebate=$1169.00
apple $1199.00(w/ed discount)+$92 tax=$1291.00

i guess the back to school specials might tip the scale a little the other way...oh yeah is one return policy greatly different from the other?

 

[WildCowboy]

Lots of people here at MR buy from Amazon. As long as you're buying a stock configuration available at Amazon, it can often be a great deal when they've got rebates going.

Restocking fees...Apple 10%, Amazon 15%.

 

[MS bulldog]

i'm trying to decide on wireless m&kb or not with the imac. i've read that the kb cord is too short for most. anybody confirm? my desk has one of those roll trays that hides the keyboard when no in use.

 

[tivoboy]

don't forget tax

don't forget, you will most likely pay tax from the apple store, but not from amazon unless you live in Washington state.

that could be a nice savings too

 

[buffalo]

i'm trying to decide on wireless m&kb or not with the imac. i've read that the kb cord is too short for most. anybody confirm? my desk has one of those roll trays that hides the keyboard when no in use.

My G5 iMac's keyboard was too short. I ended up buying a USB cable extendor. Problem was, I only needed maybe 6", but the shortest cord was 6'.

 

[buffalo]

Also, if you get the wireless, remember that you will get the one click mouse instead of the Mighty Mouse. (If that's important to you)

 

[mortey]

If you have tax in your state (like where I live in CA it is 8.25%) then Amazon will most likely be your best bet.

Cheers

 

[randykato]

It costs more, but if you buy at an Apple Store, you can boot up the machine on the spot, check it for problems, and if you find any (like a dead pixel), you can exchange it on the spot. You get three tries. At least that was the policy at the SoHo (NYC) store when I bought my PB.

I decided to do this after my previous PB was purchased online, came with three dead pixels, and it was considered "within spec" so I was stuck with it.

 

[nutmac]

If you use A9.com (doing several searches a week will activate it), you can get 1.57% discount on top of it (about $20). And don't forget that Amazon card nets you 3% in the form of Amazon coupon (must spend $5,000 first, however).

 

[Artful Dodger]

I bought my 20" Intel iMac from Amazon and saved $300 since I didn't pay tax and I also got the $150 rebate (fill this out online). So after all was said and done, I got my RAM a day sooner than the iMac but saved in the long run I find this better than using the EDU discount if stock config. is what you are looking to buy. Last as far as shipping, it was free overnight for me at the time but now that I have the 2-day Prime shipping service that is well, free shipping for three months for me Had I not had "free" shipping, next day was an extra $12 for them to ship it that way. Still a good savings all around I think.

 

[wxboss]

i'm trying to decide on wireless m&kb or not with the imac. i've read that the kb cord is too short for most. anybody confirm? my desk has one of those roll trays that hides the keyboard when no in use.

I bought the Apple keyboard for my Mini, and the cord was pretty short, but Apple includes an extension cable which gives plenty of extra reach.