Ordering from Apple online

2064 Views 14 Replies 9 Participants Last post by jb22, Feb 16, 2003

jb22

Discussion Starter · Feb 14, 2003

It's finally going to happen. I am finally going to get my first Mac, a Power Mac G4 DP 1.25.

I'm going to be ordering from Apple directly. What I want to know is, is it okay to use the free ground shipping (I don't mind waiting 2 weeks for delivery) or should I pay $50 for FedEx? My main concern it that my Mac makes it in one piece and in working order. Any one have any experience ordering from Apple?

Thanks.

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Heart

· #2 · Feb 14, 2003

Why don't you just get it from a local Apple Authorized Reseller.

Save any headaches over shipping........

Even if you save a couple of buck from Apple it will get eaten by the $50 FedEx bill.

In Mississauga you have a number to choose from....

---
IMHO

Apple Online is sucking the resellers dry.........
Like eating their young....

IMHO

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gordguide

· #3 · Feb 14, 2003

I would pony up for FedEx, but if you don't mind waiting the ground shipment is fine.

I would echo Heart's sentiment; at a minimum you could check out a few retailers.

Don't know what it's like where you are, but a good reseller can often give you some deals on whatever you buy with a new Mac, something Apple generally doesn't do with the same selection of goods. In my case the local service was great (got good prices everytime I walked in, for whatever) but alas the lone "Mac expert" moved to greener pastures and the other staff aren't exactly on the same page.

jb22

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 14, 2003

I know of a couple of good retailers such as Carbon Computing. The only real reason I have from ordering from Apple is a) they'll knock off $75 off the price and b) they'll deliver it to my home. Since I don't have a car it's just much easier to have it delivered instead of trying to go pick it up.

Also, I want too adda superdrive, and get rid of the modem, so I take it that my rig will have to be ordered from Apple any way, I just though it would be faster to go straight to the source.

Maybe I'll give Carbon Computing a call. See what their price is and how long it will take to get the system.

But am I right in that if I order a custom built machine it will have to be ordered from Apple or will the store install the superdrive?

used to be jwoodget

· #5 · Feb 14, 2003

jb22, ground shipping is fine. They don't drag it along the ground

While I'm all for supporting local retail stores, I've had bad experiences when the item is not in stock (probably because Apple doesn't give the retailers particularly good information about the backlog times). By contrast, ordering from the AppleStore allows you to follow the progress of your order (and if you choose Fed Ex you can even track the puppy as it crosses the border....).

For sure, don't buy RAM from Apple as its expensive. If you want a superdrive, make sure its built-in as an OEM drive as Apple seems to go to great lengths to prevent non-OEMed superdrives from working with iDVD. Makes no sense to me - just seems belligerant.

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jb22

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 14, 2003

Well the main reason I'm ordering a superdrive from Apple is to make sure it works with iDVD. I would assume all superdrives orderedfrom Apple will work with iDVD.

I just emailed Carbon Computing regarding a price quote. The good thing from buying a PC from a local retailer is that you can always go back for support. But in the case of Macs, it seems that most problems result in shipping the Mac to Texus or where ever Apple does its thing.

Heart

· #7 · Feb 14, 2003

Let me know what Carbon does for you, I would be interested.

They should be able to ship it to you via local courier or something. Should not cost that much.

Here in K/W you can order BEER from B & D delivery and they only charge $4.00 on top of the case.

Mississauga

· #8 · Feb 14, 2003

Global Graphics - Mississauga - reportedly Canada's #2 reseller

Probably right around the corner from you! You won't see much advertising or web presence 'cause he works almost strictly on referral. Tell him Alec sent you... I share business space with him. We're near Burnhamthorpe & Winston Churchill.

Tomac

· #9 · Feb 15, 2003

Bloody fine choice -- I'm picking up a new 1.25 Dualy on Monday.

Ram -- get it from crucial.com. It'll cost you under $200 CDN (after conversion) to get a 512MB DDR 2700 (333MHz) chip, and that's after shipping, duties and everything. Pretty good.

xlr8yourmac.com is a great place to learn about adding a retail "SuperDrive" -- that's what I'm doing cuz I'm strapped for cash. From what I've read, it doesn't seem too complicated -- just need iLife for iDVD. There's been some problems with 10.2.4 when a "retail" SuperDrive has been installed, especially in the bottom bay. People seem to be having more success moving it to the top bay when 10.2.4 is installed.

If by any chance you're going wireless RIGHT now, don't order from Apple online -- shipping will take awhile. Microage and Compusmart both have the Airport Extreme cards and base stations IN STOCK.

Hope your new Dual reaches you quick. I have 178 20s in my pocket -- screaming for Monday to arrive -- so I can get my Dual.

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Ohenri

· #10 · Feb 15, 2003

#2 in the whole country? And he doesn't advertise? whoa... Never heard of him. Not that I would know, although I do hang with several MacHeads. Might have to check him out. No website? in 2003? Don't tell me. He's on dial up with a rotary phone too??

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mississauga:
Global Graphics - Mississauga - reportedly Canada's #2 reseller

Probably right around the corner from you! You won't see much advertising or web presence 'cause he works almost strictly on referral. Tell him Alec sent you... I share business space with him. We're near Burnhamthorpe & Winston Churchill.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

jb22

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 15, 2003

Thanks for all the replies. I got Carbon Computing's quote and it's $100 more then Apple's price (taking into consideration Apple's $75 discount).

It turns out my mom phoned Apple today when I wasn't home just to get some info regarding payment options. She just told me that the the Apple rep will phone back on Monday to ask what system I want and will apparently give me a "good deal". I'd like to see what that is!

If his price is really good then my order will be placed on Monday. So I should have my Mac just in time for my 21st birthday!

Vorvis

· #12 · Feb 16, 2003

I ordered my G4 400 online a couple of years ago. I didn't really shop around figuring that the Manufacture would be offering the best price... Was I wrong... as it turned out I could have saved 50.00 of the box and 100 off the monitor, not to mention the upgrade in RAM I bought online.

There is more than one Apple dealer:
Creative Technology
CPUSED
MacWarehouse
Compusmart
Macdoc

My advice is check out Computer Magazines Ad, these places can offer you other incentives that you won't get strait from Apple.

I called Apple to ask about the pricing issues and got treated like crap. Not what I was expecting at all. Though the shipping and delivery was find, I would never order online again.

Heart

· #13 · Feb 16, 2003

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Vorvis:

There is more than one Apple dealer:
Creative Technology
CPUSED
MacWarehouse
Compusmart
Macdoc
.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

And...

First Avenue

Not to mention this list that tells all:
Greater Toronto Area Mac Dealers

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Johnny

· #14 · Feb 16, 2003

Contrary to what has been said above, I have had great results dealing with Carbon Computing over the last 6 years, even before they were in their current location - purchasing 2 computers and several extras. I rate them A+++, and have recommended them several times and had only positive feedback.

When I had a problem I could not solve, the advice I got from Carbon over the phone was enough to get me going again in minutes. When I needed to upgrade RAM and cache, they made me an offer I couldn't refuse and it extended the life of my Mac a few years. Worked out perfectly.

From my experience, getting a quote by mail or email is less then satisfactory. It is important to let the dealer know that you are getting competitive bids, and do it by phone or in person. All dealers are not equal, of course, but it is in their interest to have satisfied customers by giving good service throughout the life of the computer. Further, if it is at all possible, a dealer will meet just about any price that the manufacturer offers, and share their knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of Apple's and other products. They get a lot of experience from servicing real users, and can pass that information on to prospects and customers.

When I purchased both computers, I met in person with Carbon staff. We discussed the options to suit my needs, and configured with both Apple and other suppliers. Their quote was as good or better tnan others I obtained. I prefer dealing in person, getting independent advice and service. At least in my case, the price was right and the service superlative.

Just my honest opinion!

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jb22

Discussion Starter · #15 · Feb 16, 2003

Well, if the Apple rep who's going to phone me on Manday makes me a really good deal like knocks of some $$$ or adds extra ram or a bigger hard drive for free I'm going to take it. I've been comparing prices for two months now, and am glad I waited since I can now get a newer Power Mac with faster superdrive, fire wire 800, and has the noise issue resolved.

Either way, I'm spending $4000. I just hope it's a good investment.

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