Buying an iMac at an Apple retail store

[lego8]

Hi,

I'd like to buy a 21.5" iMac i5 at an Apple store near my college when I move in. Because the i5 is a special order product, how can I be sure that the store will have one in stock for me to buy? Thanks

 

[Hellhammer]

Call them. It's unlikely that they have them in stock but they can order one for you

 

[iBookG4user]

You could try calling the store to see if they have it in stock.

 

[miles01110]

Call them. It's unlikely that they have them in stock but they can order one for you

Are you sure about that? I don't think Apple Stores have an in-store reservation system for ordering BTOs.

 

[Hellhammer]

Are you sure about that? I don't think Apple Stores have an in-store reservation system for ordering BTOs.

Of course I cannot guarantee that but I can't see why not. If they can't do that, then order one online with in-store pickup, that lets you configure it. Just select your retail store from the list and click shop online, I think that's for in-store pickup, don't see what else would it be. Correct me if I'm wrong

 

[lego8]

I don't think there's any such thing as in store pickup... I just chatted with Apple online and they said that the computer has to be shipped.

 

[dwarnecke11]

Can I shop online with a retail store and also with an educational discount?

Absolutely

 

[miles01110]

Of course I cannot guarantee that but I can't see why not. If they can't do that, then order one online with in-store pickup, that lets you configure it. Just select your retail store from the list and click shop online, I think that's for in-store pickup, don't see what else would it be. Correct me if I'm wrong

I don't think that's for pickup. I don't know why it's not, but it seems the "Shop Online" link is just another way to get to the Apple Online Store.

 

[heesey1010]

I don't know if this is commonplace anymore, but occasionally Apple retail stores would have (very few) computers with custom configurations available. One time I asked if they had a 4GB RAM but 160GB hard drive Mac Mini available and they actually said yes...like I said, I doubt it's common, but it doesn't hurt to ask. I've also been told one other time that they can do whatever upgrades to your Mac as a kind of post-purchase BTO for almost the same price as if you just did a regular BTO through the Apple Store Online.

But again, call your local Apple store and see what they say.

 

[Hellhammer]

I don't think that's for pickup. I don't know why it's not, but it seems the "Shop Online" link is just another way to get to the Apple Online Store.

http://store.apple.com/us
http://store.apple.com/us_kiosk_5000065

Upper one is normal Online Store and lower one is Arrowhead Mall

Also, Reserve and pickup thingy and this

AFAIK it's for in-store reservations, why would the URL be different and there reads Apple Store Arrowhead Mall above the products?

 

[miles01110]

AFAIK it's for in-store reservations, why would the URL be different and there reads Apple Store Arrowhead Mall above the products?

Reserving something already in the store is different from CTO and having them ship it to the store.

 

[SiMBa37]

http://store.apple.com/us
http://store.apple.com/us_kiosk_5000065

Upper one is normal Online Store and lower one is Arrowhead Mall

Also, Reserve and pickup thingy and this

AFAIK it's for in-store reservations, why would the URL be different and there reads Apple Store Arrowhead Mall above the products?

I think Apple may have suspended the online reserve and pick up service. Just tried it out for my local store in Manahasset, NY and when you go to pick a product, all are listed as unavailable, even iPods.

 

[TheBritishBloke]

I think you're just gonna have to order it from the online store. Even if they do let you order it to the store it would be easier and quicker to order from the online store yourself.