Final Buying Questions

[Aea]

I think I may go to a retail store tomorrow and pick up a low-tier MBP, just want to ask some questions (many again)

- Is there any real reason to buy the medium tier besides being able to play games on ultra settings?

- If I buy at the retail store and there's a problem, can I take it back to them, will they work on it or do I have to ship it out?

- Are there any "Must Buy" accessories, I'll be getting a BT mouse (for gaming) and probably a red or black speck case. Any of these sell at the store?

- How do I avoid problems like dead pixels, etc?

- Is the exchange policy without a 10% restocking fee?

- Are problems really that prevalent or is that first-week buyers panic?

- Can I just buy the MBP and pick up the ipod / printer later?

 

[queshy]

- Is there any real reason to buy the medium tier besides being able to play games on ultra settings?

I believe the processor may be faster (confirm?) but gaming would be the real advantage.

- If I buy at the retail store and there's a problem, can I take it back to them, will they work on it or do I have to ship it out?

Yup, bring it back and they'll change it for you or fix it.

- Are there any "Must Buy" accessories, I'll be getting a BT mouse (for gaming) and probably a red or black speck case. Any of these sell at the store?

The case is super important. I'd also recommend the mouse for gaming...aside from that, maybe a USB thumb drive?

-How do I avoid problems like dead pixels, etc?

Ok, for dead pixels, here's what I did when I bought my iMac. You pay for the iMac, and ask them to open it up for you at the genius bar. It shouldn't be a problem. All apple stores have wifi...so when the computer starts up just google "mac dead pixel checker" and download an app that flashes different colors on the screen. that way, dead pixels are easily discoverable. in fact, I found a red stuck pixel and they swapped the iMac for me right then and there.

- Is the exchange policy without a 10% restocking fee?

If it's defective they don't charge you for exchange. if it's a return for your money back im pretty sure there's a restocking fee.

- Are problems really that prevalent or is that first-week buyers panic?

If you read a macbook pro forum you're bound to hear all about problem laptops...it's kinda like going to a city on vacation and going ONLY to the hospital...after spending a day at the hospital you'll come to think that everyone in the city is sick! Apple computers don't get their incredible rep by being defective all the time!

- Can I just buy the MBP and pick up the ipod / printer later?

That's a good question. I know that you need to "pay" up front for both then you get a mail in rebate. You probably have a week to do it, but I'm not 100% sure.

 

[NickD]

That's really great advice queshy. Yep. Get the problems solved at the store (if there are any problems). Saves you a trip, and gas.

 

[queshy]

That's really great advice queshy. Yep. Get the problems solved at the store (if there are any problems). Saves you a trip, and gas.

Yeah, because I went through iMac hell. I originally bought online then it had problems...shipping it back is a big pain in the you know what. buying at the apple store is good because (if you live pretty close to one) you save a LOT of hassle. Once I was on iMac number 4, I decided to open it up at the genius bar (go later at night when it's not as busy or earlier on). It's important to download the program (one like this would work: http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/10793) because on the blue background it's hard to see them sometimes. Once I saw a red stuck pixel, there's no way they would have said "no" after I just (literally, 2 minutes ago) bought a 2500 $ machine.

 

[CalBoy]

Yeah, because I went through iMac hell. I originally bought online then it had problems...shipping it back is a big pain in the you know what. buying at the apple store is good because (if you live pretty close to one) you save a LOT of hassle. Once I was on iMac number 4, I decided to open it up at the genius bar (go later at night when it's not as busy or earlier on). It's important to download the program (one like this would work: http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/10793) because on the blue background it's hard to see them sometimes. Once I saw a red stuck pixel, there's no way they would have said "no" after I just (literally, 2 minutes ago) bought a 2500 $ machine.

That's actually a good tactic. It's harder to say no to someone who's just given you a huge sale. Really good advice queshy.

 

[queshy]

Thanks!

Keep in mind also that for a laptop it's even easier to do...like the 24" iMac is enormous...it would certainly be way easier to test a laptop. At the same time you can check for other defects like wifi not working, or you can try popping in a CD (they have tons at the genius bar) to see if it works ok. That way when you leave you'll be quite sure you have a great machine. Mind you, the first iMac I got from the apple store I didn't test thoroughly enough (I just looked for dead pixels) and then when I took it home the superdrive was extremely loud (like a motor boat!). Those things are harder to notice in a busier store. My advice is probably to buy in the morning when it's quieter.

Best of luck! Keep in mind too that after you buy you have this great forum where someone will always be able to answer your question. Keep us updated on how everything turns out.