Why is this mac so much cheaper than the one on Apple?

Question

Why is this mac so much cheaper than the one on Apple?

So I'm gonna buy one of these but I can't figure out why the prices are so different on this website. I was looking at the website PCandPlasma.com and they have the same computers on there for like 1800. The only difference is it comes with iLife05 compared to 06. That purchased alone is 80 bucks right. I can get a 3 year warranty with this website as well for an extra $500 which still puts me below this price on the apple store. So why would it be cheaper, I don't see any type of like live chat with any service on here so I can't ask them. So is there anything you guys can think of that would make this cheaper compared to buying it from Apple.com? Please respond that'd be great. Thanks.

Here's the website http://pcandplasma.com/shop/Product.asp?ProdTypeList=1000&Sku=Apm9970

Powerbook G4 17", Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on Apr 22, 2006 11:14 AM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

85,314 points

Apr 22, 2006 2:55 PM in response to ChristoChang31

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
The fact that they only iLife '05 should be hint enough that this is a Mac that hasn't shipped since before January 2006. In addition, you don't have the hours of the Apple Store to order it at. They don't have a Mac dedicated section of their website. Most have one that are authorized resellers. I'm a little queazy about this one. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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Answer 2

MikeK5117

Level 2

183 points

Apr 22, 2006 4:28 PM in response to ChristoChang31

Well, likely the same reason MBP's sell on Amazon and others for $150 or more under (after rebate, etc) the official price on the Apple web store. Different stores use different tactics to get you to buy.

15" 1.67ghz G4 DL Powerbook, 12" 1.33ghz G4 Powerbook, 20" 1.8ghz G5 iMac Mac OS X (10.4.6)

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Answer 3

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

Apr 22, 2006 6:04 PM in response to ChristoChang31

Welcome to the Apple discussions.

Here's why I would proceed cautiously on that deal.

First, the memory they offer, Kingston Valueram, typically does not work in Powerbooks. It's in a class of memory that meets the printed PC2700 or PC4200 specification, however, doesn't work well with Apple's architecture. Kingston offers a standard line of RAM which works just fine, and would be recommended.

Second, the 3 year warranty is with one of their retail affiliates, which could mean anyone, which puts it into the class of any exteneded warranty...it's only as good as the company fulfilling it. With Apple's extended warranty, not only do you get the additional 2 years of hardware coverage, you also get 2 years and 9 months of telephone coverage. This can be especially helpful if you're new to macs and mac software.

If you're really hungry for this deal, the first question I'd ask is whether they are an Apple Authorized seller, and I might ask Apple that question. If they are not, then Apple may not stand behind their standard warranty.

You might consider an Apple refurbished unit, for a lower price (on the Apple store site, click on 'save' in the bottom right hand corner. Currently 20%-40% off list on 17" PB's). Also, Apple has some good educational discounts, and your employer might have a discount program with Apple too.

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Answer 4

tribe

Level 4

1,255 points

Apr 24, 2006 7:39 PM in response to ChristoChang31

That place is the typical scam store. Read the rating and reviews of the "victims"

http://www.resellerratings.com/sellerinfo.pl?sellerid=7212

Best Regards

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