Where should I buy my MBA?

[mrvisitor]

Hello,

I'm ready to buy an MBA (rev b) and need to decide where to get it. I'm nowhere near an Apple retail store, so my only real options are the Apple on-line store vs. Future Shop.

My concern is that MANY people in this forum (and others) have had problems with their 1st or 2nd rev b MBAs: horizontal lines, batteries that won't charge to 100%, play in the hinge, stuck pixels, etc.

I want to be able to buy & return as many units as necessary until I get one I like, and not sure if I can do that via the Apple on-line store. Or, if I can, they probably charge a re-stocking fee and I'd have to pay the postage.

Future Shop is usually pretty good for returns but they don't sell the high end MBA, which I prefer. But, I'll buy the low end one if necessary.

What a dilemma! Any opinions out there? Thanks!

 

[GoCubsGo]

If you are anticipating a return, or many in your case, and Futureshop doesn't carry what you want then Apple it is. Honestly, I am not sure either retailer will put up with multiple returns unless there is good reason. I would say Futureshop will be less prone to put up with you.

I would also think that if a store does not carry stock of what you want then downgrading for purposes of shopping there is probably a bad idea. You need to get what you want, why settle for anything less?

Now, on the note of these anticipated numerous returns. You need to understand that people around here will bitch more than they will praise. You are seeing a small demographic that have had problems. All things considering, you cannot judge based on these forums or other forums just how wide spread the issues are and to think that you need to make your purchase from a place that will put up with multiple returns is absurd. Mind you, you never want to shop some place where the return policy sucks donkey ears, but your concerns appear to be overkill to me.

My sixteen cents.

 

[jmann]

I say get it from the apple store. If there are any legitimate problems with the computer then they will gladly replace it for you.

 

[GoCubsGo]

I say get it from the apple store. If there are any legitimate problems with the computer then they will gladly replace it for you.

Pretty sure he isn't near one. My powers of deduction suggest it is Apple.com or Futureshop for brick and mortar.

 

[jmann]

Oops, I didn't see that on my first reading.

 

[mrvisitor]

Thanks for your thoughts. Of course, if I get a good unit then I won't be taking it back even once, but I'd like to keep open that possibility (as would everyone else, I think) just in case something's wrong. But, your point is well taken that a small percentage of units are flawed.

Can anyone pitch in with answers to these questions:

1) If I return a unit to Apple.com (for one of the reasons stated in the OP) do I have to pay a restocking fee?

2) How about the return shipping to Apple...who pays that?

Returning a MBA to Future Shop doesn't involve a paying restocking fee or postage or return shipping, so that's why buying there is appealing, even though they don't sell the MBA with the SSD.

Thanks again, I appreciate your comments.

 

[Molopo]

I'm pretty sure that if you send it back to Apple, whether you bought it online or in-store, they all go back to the same repairing facility(s). If you're returning it and it has no obvious defects, then yes you will have to pay about 15% (I think) restocking fee. If it is defective, you could probably return it for a full refund or exchange.

 

[McGilli]

Future Shop if you can.

You have 14 day SATISFACTION GUARANTEE. you can return as many as you want - if you feel they are defective or low quality. No restocking fee.

you don't even have to say this is broken etc - just say you are not satisfied.

But of course - if there is a qulaity problem then they will be extra fine with taking it back.

Just letting you know that they are very good with product returns. I am sure if you return a high end item more than once - then the manager will want you to show him the defect... but - again - you can let him know you are not satisfied.

Be courteous to them and there won't be a problem if you don't abuse the policy.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Future Shop if you can.

You have 14 day SATISFACTION GUARANTEE. you can return as many as you want - if you feel they are defective or low quality. No restocking fee.

you don't even have to say this is broken etc - just say you are not satisfied.

But of course - if there is a qulaity problem then they will be extra fine with taking it back.

Just letting you know that they are very good with product returns. I am sure if you return a high end item more than once - then the manager will want you to show him the defect... but - again - you can let him know you are not satisfied.

Be courteous to them and there won't be a problem if you don't abuse the policy.

Now knowing this, I say Futureshop all the way.