Buying a new Macbook Pro online or at a store?

[serpico]

Here is my issue and hoping someone can suggest a good solution.

I'm in Canada and the prices have not adjusted here on the 17" Macbook Pro's. It is still $300 more than the US model. I thought about driving over the border and picking one up from either a Apple Store in the Seattle area or another big name store such as Best Buy.

But I wasn't sure if I can get a model with the 160GB 7200rpm HDD and glossy high res screens straight from a retailer or just on Apple Store online? Are these options only available online? Saving $300 helps towards these options or using it for Applecare, so that's why I'm stuck on where to buy. My next option that I just thought of was to call Apple Canada to ask if they have adjusted the prices to order by phone but not the website yet. But maybe that's wishful thinking?!

Thanks guys for the replies.

 

[ivi7]

I had this problem when I was buying my MBP. The strore didn't have the upgraded model I wanted and they suggested me to order online which could take a while.
Since I couldn't wait I decided to buy the base model and upgraded it myself.

What you could do is call a store you plan on visiting and ask them if they have what you need in stock.

I am not too sure if they are going to adjust the prices in Canada.

 

[iTeen]

Drive over the border...and don't get it at best buy...get it at the Apple Store...the one in Seattle is great

 

[xpovos]

I would recommend buying at a retail location if you can find one that has what you want, simply because after personally having had so many problems with MacBook Pros, I'm naturally skeptical about quality control with this particular model.

Definitely call these locations first, though (obviously). Some retail locations (Apple stores) carry the hi-res in only glossy or in only matte configurations. As an example, my closest Apple store started by carrying this configuration only in matte and have now switched over to only stocking the glossy models.

 

[Veritas&Equitas]

Here's what I'd do:

1) Buy the hard drive you want online via Newegg, etc.
2) If you don't want to install it yourself, bring it with you across the border.
3) Buy a Macbook Pro in store, not only allowing you to check it's quality, but also saving you $300 from CN pricing.
4) Give them the drive, and have them install it for a fee (if they are too pricey, CompUSA has Apple certified techs as well that will install it for a helluva lot cheaper)
5) Drive back across the border, enjoying your new Macbook Pro with your awesome upgrade, saving not only $300 on the price, but the additional cost the hard drive upgrade would cost if you ordered online through Apple.
6) Enjoy it.

 

[serpico]

Thanks guys for the input. It's good to know that the Apple Stores can carry those models with the high res glossy screens and not just online. The harddrive might be an issue, but buying one and getting them to install it is a good suggestion. I'll call the stores first around the Seattle area, I think there's a few Apple Stores in Washington State. See what they are carrying in stock and go from there. I'll try and call Apple Canada too and hear what they say about pricing as well, ... never know.

 

[paulyras]

3) Buy a Macbook Pro in store, not only allowing you to check it's quality, but also saving you $300 from CN pricing.

This brings up an important question for me (having grown gunshy about pulling the trigger on a new MBP). Will they actually let you pop open the computer and check for serious yellowing of the screen at the store and swap if necessary, or will you have to take it home, check it out, and bring it back if there's a problem (thus opening you to a debate as to whether it's really a problem or a special feature)?

Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.

Paul