Are online built-to-order's "safer" than buying from store / Black or White Macbook?

[ryanx27]

When purchasing a new Mac, isn't the best idea to order from the online Apple store -- the idea being that you're having a brand-new unit shipped to you straight from the factory (my BTO iBook G4 was shipped to me from China) instead of taking the chance of getting an early, defective product at the retail store?

I know that isn't fair to people who buy at the retail stores, but that's what I've always heard. Any thoughts, anyone?

I'm ordering a BlackBook in a matter of weeks, and will be praying that it dosen't have problems.

p.s. -- I have fairly oily hands, tend to get fingerprints all over everything, and I'm prone to getting my electronics items scratched up. Is this going to be an issue with the BlackBook? Should I go with the white macbook?

 

[SuperSnake2012]

I would assume you would get a newer machine buying BTO because there could be supplies of old machines in the store that haven't been sold.

I would definetly get the white over the black in your case, because the blackbook shows oil on the machine very easily because it uses a different material than the white.

 

[Grimace]

I doubt there is any difference at all. I worked at an Apple Store for quite some time and we received drop shipments from the East all the time.

The machines aren't necessarily being built from scratch. The same "core" parts are usually waiting to be customized with hard drives/RAM/etc. The processors/heatsinks/logic boards don't change based on whether you do a BTO.

 

[ryanx27]

I would assume you would get a newer machine buying BTO because there could be supplies of old machines in the store that haven't been sold.

That's what I assume, too. I think as a general rule, it probably holds true... but MacBooks are selling like friggin' hotcakes -- just look at how much Apple's share of the notebook market has gone up over the past few of months. I would venture to guess that the Apple Retail Stores don't hold onto them for more than a few weeks (this is just an anecdotal guess, but every time I visit an Apple Store, it's packed to the gills and everyone seems to be walking out with a laptop)... as for other retailers, who knows!

I think the biggest argument against buying from the Apple Retail Store is if you're still a student -- they won't give you the student discount! If you order online, you can get the Educational discount on the computer AND a discount on AppleCare! I wonder how many people out there don't realize that, and have unwittingly spent hundreds of dollars they didn't really have to.

I would definetly get the white over the black in your case, because the blackbook shows oil on the machine very easily because it uses a different material than the white.

Dang. I think the black looks more professional (I'm a law student and hope to be doing some summer work in law firms next year). Then again, I don't want my laptop looking all nasty and oily...

 

[FFTT]

I'd spend that extra $200 on RAM and forget about cosmetics.

You'll still be able to do amazing presentations on a White MacBook and that's what counts.

You can install a bigger better HD yourself or buy a fast 7200 external drive.

If you treat the tools of your trade with respect, keeping it clean and protected, it will serve you well.

A black gloss finish will show scratches dents and finger prints much worse than
a White Model.
If you want a more professional " image " consider a refurb MacBookPro or buy a nice suite.

Ordering online insures that you are getting the latest stock updates.

 

[jefphil]

I would get it from the store. I ordered my ibook g4 online and it came defective TWICE! I finally convinced them to just let me exchange it in the store and it worked perfectly.

If there is an online problem it takes forever to ship the unit back and have it fixed. Whereas in the store you get peace of mind that you can just go right htere and do it in a second.