Buying a custom-configured macbook: bad idea?

I custom ordered a macbook with 1gb ram and 80 gb hard drive for college. My plan is if I dont like it I will sell it on ebay

Welcome to the Apple Discussions!

Bear in mind, the Apple Discussions is specifically for people who are having problems. You're not going to see hardly anyone here posting that they don't have any problems. That's the point of the Discussions. There certainly have been thousands of folks already who are NOT having problems.

You're free to read Apple's Sales Policies here:

http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/salespolicies.html

Note, it says:

Please note that Apple does not permit the return of or offer refunds for the following products:
1. Product that is custom configured to your specifications...

So, you cannot return a custom built MacBook (or any Mac) for a full refund. However, if there is something wrong with your MacBook (or any Mac), Apple will fix it.

Custom configurations are made at the factory as your MacBook goes down the assembly line. It truly is configured just for you. These custom-configured models go through some extra testing on their way out of the factory, so it will add a slight delay to your order. Since we have absolutely no idea where on Earth you are, we can't shop the online Apple store of your country and see what the estimated ship date is for you. You can do that yourself pretty easily. If you shop the US store, it says a black MacBook with 2GB RAM and a 100GB drive will ship in 1-3 business days.

Because Apple considers the part user-installable, you can install RAM or a new hard drive in a MacBook yourself without voiding the warranty:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25097

However, if you do break or damage something while doing the installation, the repair will not be covered by the warranty.

-Doug

Hey. Firstly, Apple does grant refunds for the return of BTO units. Yes, it says in the return policy that they will in no circumstances permit the return of blah, blah, blah but if you are persistent enough you will get a refund believe me, I know. Remember, you have the power of being the customer.

Second, it is easy to upgrade RAM and the HD yourself, and not to mention much, much cheaper. And YOU WILL NOT void your warranty unless you screw something up in the upgrade process. Look at this video and see for yourself how easy it is:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8c6ckjy-gdY

I'm very happy with my black, 1GB, 120GB MacBook. 🙂

-Doug

as douglas says the custom makes go through an extra check - you might as well but these ones

You don't want to buy a custom-configured macbook because if you get it and (for some reason) you have to return it to be replaced, you will end up waiting for almost a month like me for a replacement macbook.

I suggest you don't buy the memory from the Applestore - you can get it much cheaper somewhere else... if you use ramseeker.com you can find places where a 2gb ram kit for the macbook is sold at less than $180 today.

Also, if I were you I'd buy the standard black macbook and then
I'd put in a larger 7200rpm hard drive, which is faster than the 5400rpm offered by Apple.

just my $0.02, of course 🙂

Why can't you fully customize the macbooks?
Why can't I get a macbook pro and get a smaller hard drive but still keep the graphic card?