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Buy online or from local store???

S

Spike88

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jan 25, 2010
662
0
Want to purchase iMac 21.5" i3 CPU with pre-loaded iWork, large size "wired" keyboard and TrackPad. Based on Online Store selections, I can select iWork pre-bundled (for discounted $69) and large size "wired" keyboard for free. Not too sure if BB or BS store will over these free inclusions.

Question: Do I buy "online", do I buy at my local FS or BB store, or should I buy at my local Apple store? If wondering, FS, BB and official Apple store are only a few blocks away from each other.

If I need to return / exchange the iMac box, which "source" could treat me with less hassle? Don't think I need to return it (due to technical problems) but "just in case" situation...

thanks.
 
Which is the best deal (meaning least expensive)? I would go with whichever one was cheaper (including shipping, if any). I think if you want BTO, on-line may be your only choice (not sure though). I have bought only two iMacs and they were both purchased on-line, because the nearest Apple retail store is 60 miles away, in the heart of a really big, really busy metropolis. On-line is easy, sometimes cheaper, always fast and it's delivered right to your door (free of charge if you spend enough), with all the extra stuff you want already installed and ready to go. Basically, your pick.

Rich :cool:
 
Thanks guys. You are probably right about the "customization" task. re: Online store lists these customizations for free but retail facing stores will probably charge for it. Saving $15 for travel gas, save $10 for parking, save my 2 hour time for retail store round trip (and product purchase) is worth savings considerations a well. Will order from online store tonight.

Thanks for your experience...

.
 
Spike88 said:
Thanks guys. You are probably right about the "customization" task. re: Online store lists these customizations for free but retail facing stores will probably charge for it. Saving $15 for travel gas, save $10 for parking, save my 2 hour time for retail store round trip (and product purchase time) is worth savings considerations a well. Will order from online store tonight. Thanks for your experience... .
Click to expand...

Update:

A few moments ago, I "verbally" ordered a new iMac 21.5 "3.2GHz Intel Core i3" from online apple store. Also ordered the larger size keyboard and optional trackpad as well. I tried to use their online web page for my order but I kept getting an error. After trying a few simple things, the guy simply said, "give me your order details over the phone and I'll force feed it into the system". At the end, he gave me an order confirmation number and ensured I rececived emails via a different email id. I should get this new iMac i3 box within the next 8-12 days. Possibly within 15 days - due to some minor shipping backlogs and my remote location.

Thanks for everyone's help.... Now, I need to wait.....

.
 
Spike88 said:
Update:

A few moments ago, I "verbally" ordered a new iMac 21.5 "3.2GHz Intel Core i3" from online apple store. Also ordered the larger size keyboard and optional trackpad as well. I tried to use their online web page for my order but I kept getting an error. After trying a few simple things, the guy simply said, "give me your order details over the phone and I'll force feed it into the system". At the end, he gave me an order confirmation number and ensured I rececived emails via a different email id. I should get this new iMac i3 box within the next 8-12 days. Possibly within 15 days - due to some minor shipping backlogs and my remote location.

Thanks for everyone's help.... Now, I need to wait.....

.
Click to expand...

The wait is probably the only downside to ordering online. Enjoy your new iMac:)
 
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