"Apple itself is a major online retailer. They ship via FedEx. In any event, it is not a very big chance to order one from a major 3rd party retailer other than the typical scam-fronts of eBay, Craigslist, etc."
I someone who has used Apple computers for years I haven't had a problem ordering them from major Apple resellers.
On the other hand we have most of computer market dominated by Windows. Your average Windows users IS TAKING a big chance on ordering a Macintosh because many have not had a chance to actually use one. If they don't like it they may out a lot of money, thus they will stick what they already know and just buy another Windows computer as before.
"Most Best Buy's these days have an in-store Apple Store. In any event, you can use any PC hard drive in a Mac. There has never been any difference in internal drives. You should never by components like that in-store. Always buy those mail order or else you will always spend more and have fewer options to choose from."
Yes, the Best Buy does have a Apple booth, but no actual Macintosh computers for potential Windows users to use so once again they will just buy another Windows machine because they can afford to take the chance.
Yes, I know. I buy my hard drives online. I still have a few sealed Caviar Black drives from the last batch of drives I bought before the prices doubled due to flooding in Thailand.
Actually, not every drive will work. The G4 uses PATA drives, not modern SATA unless you convert it to SATA using a expansion card. Yes, I could have saved sales tax and a few dollars buying it online, but then I'd miss getting a project done for several days. The old G4 PPC come in handy for running legacy equipment that has no modern replacement.
"Because they don't need to. All Macs sell out with current distribution channels. The Mac itself is one of the smallest of Apple's business lines now. It is the same size as iTunes. From Apple's financial perspective, the entire Mac line is almost in the "Other products" category."
The company is in the business of selling hardware - moving toward a integrated family of hardware whereas the computer is an important part. It really does not matter if the hardware is an iphone or a computer - they key is getting someone Apple into a customer's hands so they look at your other products. Many potential Apple computer users never get a chance to use a Mac thus they don't buy regardless of how many commercials they see because to ost people its a major investment.
Apple would get a lot more bang for its buck. As an example, look at a local small library I visited who was raising money by trying to sell some computers items. I bought the items and then said if I visited the library I could have a bunch of other stuff for free if I hauled it away. Among the truck load of items was a complete professional software package including a Pro Windows operating system given to the library by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. I've yet to see a single Mac in any library I've visited. Apple already spends tens of millions on advertising to drive their sales as is - adding a library program is a no brainer as its cheaper and provides long term advertising.
Yes, as Macs are replaced with newer models they are put on sale at often huge discounts to make room for newer models. I usually wait until this time to buy a new Mac. So yes, Macs do eventually sell out, but its not like the major online retailers are forcing you to pay full retail because the demand is so high. The last Mac I bought I got a $400 printer included for free, which I then sold to pay for part of the Mac.
