New member needs help: Where to buy Macbook in GTA?
Hi, there. As a brand new member of ehMac, I'd very much appreciate your recommendations regarding a reputable place in the Toronto area to buy a Macbook or Macbook Pro.
I need to replace my ancient desktop iMac (circa 2001!), and am looking to save a few dollars by possibly getting a used/refurbished laptop rather than buying new from the Apple store. I'm a bit wary of buying via Craigslist and the like, hence my preference for finding a store that might offer a warranty and some support.
My Dad used to be my computer consultant, but unfortunately he passed away, so I need to rely on the kindness of strangers!
Many thanks for your input, and I hope you'll forgive my newbieness!
The Apple Store has a "refurbished" section with complete one-year warranties, which you can extend by 2 years by buying AppleCare before the one year is up.
These are generally amazing quality laptops with new top and bottom cases and new batteries.
MacDoc is good if you want a bundled external drive and/or monitor. He has in the past refused to sell without this bundling; maybe that's just me, but that's my experience.
If you need an external hard drive for backups (everybody should have backup), there are less expensive options--not from Apple, though.
Craigslist can be okay, but there really, seriously are many scammers there, both locally and internationally (pretending to be local), and in this case I think it should be avoided. You want something reliable and returnable if you don't like it or change your mind about what you need.
Keep in mind too that if you were a student, or staff or teacher, you might qualify for an education discount and Apple's annual educational promotion (last year a $100 gift card), which hasn't started yet.
ALSO, Apple is overdue to upgrade some of its product line, especially MacBook Pros. A refurb model bought now (or something an authorized or unauthorized seller sticks another hard drive in, which to me counts as "used") could be 2 generations old in a week or two.
You can also look at some local retail shops. Like Carbon Computing, ClickOn Macs, etc. I even saw a few older used units at the Factory Direct on Hwy 27 and Finch a few months back. i was seriously tempted to get the black MB they had...
personally i would stay away from factory direct on anything electronic.
but i agree with the other replies - apple refurb store and mac doc are great.
i bought my mac pro from midtown digital and was happy with their service (they kept the store open late so i could pick up that night - wow!) I should also note that mac doc is also very flexible with his hours.
Never, ever buy expensive electronics from Factory Direct, or anything.
There is no return policy. Money exchanged, you've bought it. Done.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chimpur
You can also look at some local retail shops. Like Carbon Computing, ClickOn Macs, etc. I even saw a few older used units at the Factory Direct on Hwy 27 and Finch a few months back. i was seriously tempted to get the black MB they had...
__________________ Apple Certified Macintosh Technician (ACMT) / Support Professional (ACSP) MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2012) 8GB RAM, 256GB Flash Storage Mac mini (Late 2012) 16GB RAM, Fusion Drive (128GB SSD/750GB 7200RPM) iPad mini 16GB, iPhone 4S 16GB
MacDoc is good if you want a bundled external drive and/or monitor. He has in the past refused to sell without this bundling; maybe that's just me, but that's my experience.
Might just be you. Picked up my MacBook Pro from MacDoc a couple of months go, no bundling even suggested much less required.
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