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Unable to buy a MacBook -- curse you Apple!

Abulia

Abulia

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jun 22, 2004
1,786
1
Kushiel's Scion
So I'm at the local Apple Store in my town today and browsing the new MacBooks. I don't really *need* a new laptop, but those machines are just soooooo damn sexy. Anyhow, after an hour or so I decide to take the plunge.

First try, a black one, at the recommendation of the wife.

"Nope, out of stock."

Okay, I'm cool with that. Didn't really need to pay $150 for the black paint job anyway. White 2.0Ghz then.

"Er, out of stock on those too."

"So of the three models of MacBooks made, my choices are 1.83 Ghz, 1.83, and 1.83?"

You know, it's a damn good thing I wasn't a potential switcher. In fact, now that I have some time to talk myself out of this, Apple may still lose a sale.

The real rub? The 10+ units they have on display! Apple can't keep enough stock on hand to sell but they have enough to populate three tables and demo four USB cameras...? :rolleyes:

Not mad at Apple, just...bewildered.
 
runninmac said:
Oh god I hope they're not out of the black ones when I go later this week! I may just cry if that happens! ;)
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No, just drool over any of the dozen out on the sales floor that you're unable to purchase. ;)
 
My answer: Wait until more come in, then see if you still really want/need/must have it. This probably worked in your favour; you said you did not really need a new laptop, so this extra time will give you a chance to further think about your decision. :)

Also, the amount of demo models they have is independant of the number of MacBooks available. It just so happen that when you went in they were out. It does not mean that those on display could have been yours, or that Apple is out. Stores go out of stock; It can be annoying, but it is no ones fault. It means they are selling. Which is good for Apple.
 
runninmac said:
Oh god I hope they're not out of the black ones when I go later this week! I may just cry if that happens! ;)
Click to expand...

Same! I'm going to buy a Black one, and I will not accept a White one.

Also I know why the OP was having trouble, because Apple doesn't sell a MabBook. :p

Edit: Seems a Mod came by and corrected the title, bah.
 
SuperSnake2012 said:
This was just God's way of telling you to buy online and avoid the $100 taxes. ;)
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Bought my MB online yesterday and still am being charged tax , I think since I live close to a store they charge tax, but thankfully no shipping and handling. $1364 after gift cards, edu discount, and tax. Got an 80GB HD and 1GB ram.
 
idkfa said:
Also, the amount of demo models they have is independant of the number of MacBooks available. It just so happen that when you went in they were out. It does not mean that those on display could have been yours, or that Apple is out. Stores go out of stock; It can be annoying, but it is no ones fault. It means they are selling. Which is good for Apple.
Click to expand...
I understand your point, but upon receiving a shipment of a new product, immediately setting aside nearly two dozen for demonstration purposes seems a bit extreme, don't you think?
 
SuperSnake2012 said:
This was just God's way of telling you to buy online and avoid the $100 taxes. ;)
Click to expand...
Can't. If you have an Apple Store in your area the Online Store legally has to charge you sales tax.
 
I guess they are hoping that seeing 10 MacBooks at once will make you more likely to buy one, even if you need to wait a little while longer. :p

Apple has just started something new to gain customers:

"iPsychological Warfare: The New Strategy to Sales"
 
So, what's the size of the area though?

The nearest Apple store is over three hours away in Salt Lake. The nearest third-party store with Macs are about two hours away. (Yes, I live in bumf*&^ Idaho).

But when I priced mine through the Apple site, they still charge me tax. However, the tax won't cost as much as the gas, so I guess it's a moot point.
 
Abulia said:
Can't. If you have an Apple Store in your area the Online Store legally has to charge you sales tax.
Click to expand...

True, but not Amazon, right?

I believe they offer free shipping, no sales tax, and a $100 rebate. Of course, this would mean no CTO options, but it seems RAM and hard drive are quite easy to upgrade yourself, and cheaper, too.

BTW, now that Apple is using Intel chips and motherboards, are their new computers less picky about 3rd party RAM?
 
lord patton said:
True, but not Amazon, right?
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Post tax, w/ EDU discount, its still a better deal at the Apple Store.

Still debating if I want to purchase one at this time. Ah, the power of window shopping and impulse purchases! :D
 
Mernak said:
Bought my MB online yesterday and still am being charged tax , I think since I live close to a store they charge tax, but thankfully no shipping and handling. $1364 after gift cards, edu discount, and tax. Got an 80GB HD and 1GB ram.
Click to expand...

Being near an Apple store doesn't really have anything to do with it. If Apple has a physical business presence in your state, they are obligated to charge sales tax. I bought my MBP through the Apple store and was assessed tax, both state and local, even though the nearest Apple store for me is in Atlanta, 3 hours and one state away.
 
I'm living in Canada, with no Apple store here. But Apple does sell their products at various stores here (Bestbuy, Futureshop, London Drugs). In this case, would there be tax if I purchase from Apple's online store?
 
MagicalHobo said:
I'm living in Canada, with no Apple store here. But Apple does sell their products at various stores here (Bestbuy, Futureshop, London Drugs). In this case, would there be tax if I purchase from Apple's online store?
Click to expand...


yes you get charged tax... im in BC and when i order my ipod they tacked on tax AFTER i ordered. SO when you order whatever, you get the price without tax but then they send you an email adding the pst/gst! it sucks!!!!
 
MagicalHobo said:
I'm living in Canada, with no Apple store here. But Apple does sell their products at various stores here (Bestbuy, Futureshop, London Drugs). In this case, would there be tax if I purchase from Apple's online store?
Click to expand...

A store called "London Drugs" sells Macs? Weird.


Anyway, the Yorkdale store is within 15 minutes of where I live(d), so it's accessible for me.
 
Abstract said:
A store called "London Drugs" sells Macs? Weird.


Anyway, the Yorkdale store is within 15 minutes of where I live(d), so it's accessible for me.
Click to expand...

It's kinda like Walgreens (is that the correct name?) in the States. It's like a miniature Wal-Mart or Target.
 
General info:
Apple charges the appropriate tax for your (the buyer's) address for all states of the Union and all Provinces in Canada.

A mailorder retailer like Amazon is only obligated to charge tax in the jurisdictions that they have physical plants, so for most states, it is taxfree. But IIRC you can't get EDU pricing through Amazon.

Also, depending on the tax code where you live, you may be obligated to report and remit to your state/province the tax payable on items you import from away.
 
If you are not mad at Apple, why curse Apple in the title?

I think it's kinda silly that you didn't need one in the first place, and are now upset that you couldn't buy one.

Look at this as a good thing, it's given you time to think on it.

Oh, and i'm glad the whole market is gonna be saturated with black MacBooks, it'll make a white MacBook seem rare.

Rich.
 
no offense but this thread is a touch pointless - have a rant because a store sold out of something? you are telling me this is the first time that this has happened to you with any product?
 
fatsoforgotso said:
If you are not mad at Apple, why curse Apple in the title?
Click to expand...
Mocking irony. Get it?

(Shakes fist in air..."Curse you, Apple!")

These forums...no sense of humor at all. :)
 
russed said:
no offense but this thread is a touch pointless - have a rant because a store sold out of something? you are telling me this is the first time that this has happened to you with any product?
Click to expand...
Yes, it's the first time EVAR!

No offense, but your post is a touch pointless as well. Thank's for contributing to the pointlessness.

Again, MacRumors, not the best place to have a light-hearted rant about one's inability to purchase an Apple product. :p
 
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