Cheapest Way to Buy 17" MBP

[Xander562]

Hello, i am thinking about buying a MBP 17" and am wondering what would be the best way to buy one, my options seem to be:
1. Buy from Apple Online Store/Retail Store
2. Buy From an online reseller e.g. Amazon.com ($150 rebate and no sales tax) <--Which online reseller is best?
3. Buy from an online reseller or Apple Store using a student discount <-- which reseller w/ student discount is best?
4. Buy a refurbished machine (i've heard these are sometimes better than new ones but just w/o the nice shiny MBP box.

As you can see i have many choices here, my main question is which one is the cheapest. i'm not particular about it coming in a shiny MBP box, but it would not be too bad if a new MBP turns out to be the cheapest. Please give your info on your experience/knowledge as to which would be the best.

 

[WildCowboy]

Your cheapest option will likely be the refurbs at the online Apple Store, although they currently don't have any listed.

If you're going with a stock configuration, Amazon with the rebate will probably be cheaper than educational pricing from the Apple Store.

If you want custom options, the online Apple Store is about your only option.

 

[Demon Hunter]

I imagine that Amazon.com would be cheapest. I buy direct because I loathe Amazon. Be prepared to wait a long time (read: months) for your rebate check.

Refurbished is like a grab bag. Some people get machines in the original box with upgrades. My mom's iBook G4 came with sticky residue and an uneven display.

 

[celebrian23]

Refurbs are usually lower than the educational discount. As stated, if you want customization (besides RAM which you can add yourself), you have to do it through the apple store, and use your student discount. If you don't want to customize, Amazon is usually the best deal. No sales tax is a big deal.

 

[sjshaw]

www.powerbookcentral.com

 

[zorg]

When I instert the eductional discount at apple, it doesn't ask for the college ID or anything. I go to education discount, then I enter my college, and it just takes me to the apple store with reduced prices. Does it even ask for college identification anywhere?

 

[Demon Hunter]

When I instert the eductional discount at apple, it doesn't ask for the college ID or anything. I go to education discount, then I enter my college, and it just takes me to the apple store with reduced prices. Does it even ask for college identification anywhere?

It's honesty policy, except in the retail stores. I heard they call you (random) but never happened to me.

The "choose your college" jazz is for giggles or institution-only stores...

 

[WaveSurfer]

Get a job at Apple...seriously.

 

[rob5]

If you're a student, the cheapest way to purchase one would be through Apple Developer Connection. There's a student membership that costs $99 and it allows you to purchase one system per life at a discounted rate. The 17" MBP is $2232 through this, so once you calculate your tax and the $99 fee, it comes out to roughly $2464.92 (with a 6% sales tax).