When/where/how to buy Macbook?

[beamerxl]

I think I've finally decided that a Macbook is right for me. Now, I'm just trying to figure out the cheapest way to get one.

I'm a student and a government employee. Therefore, through the Apple Store online I can get a Macbook for $1,049 and $1,033 respectively. I could also get a refurbished one for $950 I believe.

At Amazon I can get one for $999 after rebate, as well as an extra $30 off if I sign up for an Amazon credit card.

So now some questions:

1. I assume I can't apply both my student AND government discount, correct?

2. Am I still eligible for the iPod Nano rebate offer if I buy somewhere else, i.e. Amazon? Am I eligible if I use the government discount instead of the student discount? Am I eligible if I buy refurbished?

3. There was a refurbished Macbook on Apple's website yesterday, but not today. Typically how long will it be before another one pops up? How often does the site get updated?

4. I'm new to the Mac world, and I heard WWDC is coming up and can affect product lines and prices. I've also heard the Macbook is not expected to receive any updates. Do you think it's worth waiting till after WWDC?

5. I've read about two primary complaints about Macbooks: the "staining" issues and the high temperatures, both of which have been fixed or improved in recent production lines. If I buy a refurbished Mac, if it is older, will it have these problems resolved so they are up to par with a brand new model?

6. Any other tips or advice?

Thanks!

 

[REDSRT4]

I purchased a powerbook from Amazon with a rebate and it went perfect!

 

[extraextra]

Apple usually don't change their prices. Once they've set it, it's set, it's just the models get better every so often. The Macbook is new, so I doubt that it will get any updates at WWDC. It won't hurt to wait until after WWDC, but if you need it now, go for it.

High temperatures are part of the Macbook, it seems. The staining issue should be fixed, and a refurbished notebook should be better in theory, because it's been through QC twice, instead of once. Any problems with it should've been fixed.

I don't know about the Nano + Amazon, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. I don't think you can apply both student + gov't discount at the Apple store though.

 

[BAspecialCake]

I wouldn't honestly see any need for updates till sometime First Quater 07...

 

[applerocks]

1) Right

2) No. No. No. You have to buy a new one from the Apple Store (for edu) and you have to buy the iPod nano at the same time you buy your computer.

3) It depends. They usually update it frequently, so keep checking. You can't get an iPod nano with a refurb though.

4) The MacBooks came out recently and they are consumer products. I doubt anything new would be announced at WWDC (for MacBooks). You could wait, but I don't think it's worth it (In my opinion).

5) Yes, they should (hopefully) ;-)

6) Where and what to buy depends. If you want an iPod nano, get one from Apple. If you want the cheapest price, go through Amazon (more if you count an iPod). If you want or could use an iPod, get one.

applerocks