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Where is everyone buying their MBPs?

G

gtgrad95

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 15, 2007
335
83
Atlanta, GA.
I am so anxious to buy a new MBP, especially after waiting for over 6 months, first for Leopard to come out and then for the MBP line to be updated. My question is, where is the best place to buy as far as price (in the US)?

The Apple store or website is the most expensive (you pay the $1999 MSRP price). Plus you have to pay sales tax. Amazon usually has them for a $150 rebate with no sales tax, but they don't have them in stock yet, which is surprising!

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...30243?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

I've looked at MacMall and they have them for $1844 after rebate, but are they a reliable site? I trust Amazon and their customer service.
 
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You don't qualify for the edu discount? If not, then Amazon or Mac Connection might be your best bet. I went with the Apple Store because I got a free iPod and printer with my mbp. Plus, I like to buy things and have them right away, so the difference for me was worth it.
I've heard some bad things about Mac Mall, so you may not want to shop there.
 
No, unfortunately no education discount for me. I've heard similar bad things about Macmall. Should I just wait until Amazon gets it in stock and activates the rebate?
 
gtgrad95 said:
No, unfortunately no education discount for me. I've heard similar bad things about Macmall. Should I just wait until Amazon gets it in stock and activates the rebate?
Click to expand...

Ahh, well then I think that Mac Connection would be a better choice. They will have it in stock now, as opposed to a few more days with Amazon. Plus they have free printers, bags, etc. Good luck on your purchase.
 
I bought mine through Apple with ADC. Better then waiting for online stores to get them in stock.
 
CalBoy said:
The OP doesn't qualify for student pricing of any kind. That was one of the first questions I asked him.
Click to expand...

I didn't say student ADC, I just said ADC. I struck gold when I found out my fathers friend had a Premier membership. It never hurts to ask around to see if you can find someone with it. On the other hand you could try finding someone that wants a mac as much as you and pool for the Select ADC membership and still save $200 or so.
 
I bought my ipod via macmall I had no issues with them. I bought my MBP right from the apple site though (I get a discount from where I work) so the apple site was the best deal for me :cool:
 
isn't there a forum member who is selling their macbook pro (SR) with extended applecare for a VERY reasonable price?

macmall has had their problems (i think you can google macmall or search the forums)

macmall, pcmall, ecost are all the same companies, and they each have had their own detractors.
 
scott85213 said:
I didn't say student ADC, I just said ADC. I struck gold when I found out my fathers friend had a Premier membership. It never hurts to ask around to see if you can find someone with it. On the other hand you could try finding someone that wants a mac as much as you and pool for the Select ADC membership and still save $200 or so.
Click to expand...

I'm not familiar with the ADC membership. What is it and how do you get it?
 
Always had good luck with smalldog.com. No sales tax and will work
with you and answer questions. Also good prices on ram and will add at
no charge. Custom configs available, will just have to wait a week or so and I think put down a partial pymt.

But you have to be an existing customer to buy new stuff/just remembered. Good deals
on older models too.
 
@gtgrad95

do a search for "developer" and you'll see a few options.
once you pick one, in my case, student developer 99$. you click one of the links until it let's you in the ADC store. It's about 2/3 clicks away. ADC carries a 20% - one time discount on hardware. I've calculated that using ADC for the mbp + using an educational discount for the applecare = big savings. :apple:
 
I usually buy from amazon because of their great return policy. Given the very poor quality control of apple recently, it's nice to know that you can return it easily and get a full refund if it's defect in any way. The only thing that's a drag is getting replacements because it means shipping the old one off and waiting for another one to arrive - usually pretty fast, but it still involves the hassle of sending and waiting for UPS. If you buy in an apple store and there is an obvious defect, they'll swap it for another one immediately.

I'm returning my MBP to amazon because of non-functioning key and yellowish tint. I asked for a replacement but they're out of stock so I'm considering just paying extra to buy at the apple store on 5th Ave. The only issue I have with that is that sometimes they'll look at a problem and just say that it's normal and 'within spec' and then you're stuck! Like the grainy and unevenly illuminated screens of the old MBPs - they kept telling me that it's normal that they're not even and that they couldn't see any grain! Frustrating and infuriating!

With amazon a defect is a defect and I've never been question or hassled.

So: I'd recommend amazon more than any other online seller - they're the best, and usually cheapest, place to buy mac products. And they're incredibly easy to deal with.
 
john roolz a lo said:
@gtgrad95

do a search for "developer" and you'll see a few options.
once you pick one, in my case, student developer 99$. you click one of the links until it let's you in the ADC store. It's about 2/3 clicks away. ADC carries a 20% - one time discount on hardware. I've calculated that using ADC for the mbp + using an educational discount for the applecare = big savings. :apple:
Click to expand...

Thanks. I did check it out; however, it requires proof that you are currently enrolled as a student.
 
I'm buying mine in the future...probably Q2 2008 :)

Probably at the apple store near campus or online. I've had great experiences with buying things through the apple store and wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
 
I got mine from an Apple Retail Store. With my educational discount (due to my status as a current student) I got a 17" MBP (no Santa Rosa though) for around US$3000 (including tax).
 
Apple store. I've purchased three macs at the Apple store, and I find that way I can take it right back if there are any issues and I get less grief.
 
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