Switch to MacBook Air - Where to buy?

[NCGolfGuy]

My wife and I have decided to give up our Dell Laptops and switch to the MacBook Air and a MacBook. I've been reading the post here for the past month and I've been to the Apple store a few times. We've made the decision to move forward with getting new laptops. I'm trying to decide whether to buy them at the Apple store or a place online called Macmall. I don't believe we need the services that the Apple store offers because both of us have strong computer science backgrounds. I have a few questions:

1) Does anyone have an opinion on buying from the Apple store vs MacMall (http://www.Macmall.com)?

2) Will the Apple store get the Rev 2 of the MBA sooner that their distributors?

3) I currently have the small Dell Latitude x300 which weighs about 3 lbs. I've had it for about 5 years. Has any moved from x300 to MBA and if so how do you like it compared to the x300?

Thx,

 

[GoCubsGo]

Let's see here. I believe the Apple store will get the Rev B MB Airs (the HDD models) in before macmall.com.

Macmall.com is a very reputable (though not very customer service friendly imho company) company. I would not hesitate to buy from them.

One thing to consider when making any purchase is the return policy. If you order from Apple.com then you typically have a hard time returning in store from what I understand. If you go to your local Apple store you can walk back in and return or get help.

While you and your wife clearly have the smarts to handle a computer, you may find yourself with questions. I think buying in-store would be beneficial to both you and your wife. You are getting a Rev B product. Sounds like your wife will get a Rev A product (MacBook). Had I ordered online my MacBook return would have been too much of a headache to bother with. I am not saying you'll have to return it, but I am just saying.

Ordering online or in-store doesn't give you additional benefits in my opinion. You can still call Apple and get help, you can still walk in and get help. It's really about the return policy.

Likewise, macmall.com will have their own return policy.

I have no experience in moving from an x300 to a MB Air. I will be moving from a PowerBook Rev D to a MB Air myself. I think for you the Air is the best choice due to weight. Also, check the sticky at the top of this page and see how a user took apart both revisions of the Air and did some testing. This should help you in your decision making and hopefully clear up any questions.

Finally, the other perk from ordering two machines and dropping that cash in store is you may get a little something tossed in. Such as, you may want to pick up a USB ethernet adaptor. Or maybe a mini-display port adaptor. The store may toss this in or they may give you a discount. Another thing to consider.

As for stock. I am hoping one of the two Apple stores I know of around Raleigh have the HDD model first week of December. I'm taking a chance and not traveling with a computer in hopes that I return home with an Air. We'll see I guess, but I'd bet Apple gets them before macmall ever will.

 

[KNN]

You can also try CDW.com thats where I ordered my MBA 128 SSD unit and recieved it within a week.

By the way I am switching from a Lenovo X301 with SSD. Will never look back!!!!!

 

[sparkie7]

The fastet way, at least here in the UK is to order online on Apple's site or call Apple sales on the 0800 number. MBA 2.0s have arrived here way in advance of those in retail shops, even Apples flagship stores