Does it matter where I purchase a new 27" iMac? I don't know a lot about computers. . .I assume they are identical?
iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.7)
I would use the Apple Store. They offer good advice and support. Beat Buy is a zero on both counts.
I would use the Apple Store. They offer good advice and support. Beat Buy is a zero on both counts.
But are they the same computer? I know....I know....it's a dumb question, but, something I have to ask. The problem is that Best Buy is cheaper. . .that's why I ask.
Without a doubt the Apple Store, yes it's the same product and you will get the same price or close but the experience and service are worlds apart. Best Buy has to discount, that's the only card they have to truly compete. Remember you get what you pay for.
Hi.
It matters if you care about customer service at the point of sale. The folks at the Apple Store will certainly be more able to answer any questions you might have prior to your purchase. And they are more likely to take the time to assist you than the clerks at BB, or any other retailer for that matter.
It won't matter to Apple should you ever need their support in response to a problem. They will stand behind their product whether you bought it at the Apple Store or an online distributor.
If I were you and had the choice, I would go to the Apple Store.
Quick question: If you buy a new Mac at a different retailer than the Apple Store, can you still buy the Apple Protection Plan for the new computer, or, do you have to purchase the computer at the Apple Store?
I think if you look closely, you'll see that Mac computers don't get discounted much. If they do, it's because the retailer is closing out the previous year, discontinued models, sometimes in anticipation of new releases.
You can buy AppleCare any time prior to the expiration of the first year warranty, regardless of where you bought the machine.
Advice to anyone reading this thread: If you purchase at Best Buy, don't go near their warranty. Their Geek Squad is notoriously bad with Macs.
Thanks for the heads up.
Another issue: ther are several reports here of somone buying a Mac at Best Buy and when the owner has a problem later, the Apple records show the date of sale--and thus the start of warranty coverage--as when BB got the computer, not the date the owner bought it from BB. That may be why they push tech Geek Squad service package so hard.
Go with Apple and save yourself potential grief.
Thanks for the advice.🙂 I've already made up my mind to go with the Apple Store. I just need to find my student ID.
To Allan - it's not a problem as long as you have the receipt and can prove that you bought it on a certain date. Another advantage is that you can only get the One-To-One classes if you buy the computer from an Apple store. Also, a student at some university in Oregon told me this. She bought her laptop at the campus store before coming home on Christmas break. It was giving her trouble so she took it to the local Apple store. If the computer is defective within the first two weeks, they would have replaced it immediately. But because she bought it from the campus store, they actually had to repair it instead of replacing it.
Best Buy store vs. Apple Store???
