Can I safely ship 20" imac in original box?

Do not ship your iMac using only the thin outer box. That's OK for Apple Computer, who can afford the risk. You cannot take that loss in the event your iMac becomes damaged.

I have shipped a couple iMacs through a UPS Store. If they don't have a larger box, then they will make one. But you must ship the item through them to get the box.

When you ship an item that was packed by the store you can recover the complete amount for which it is ensured. This isn't necessarily the case when you pack the item yourself. Nor will you be able to collect if you use only the thin box and ship the iMac via UPS.

Another idea is to visit other stores. If you live near The Container Store, you can find a good selection of boxes on their shelves. Or you could order one online.

http://www.containerstore.com/browse/index.jhtml?CATID=62516

Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Mac OS X (10.4.8)

i sent my iBook off the other day, i rapped some bubble wrap around the box so there was a thick layer, then i sent it off using UPS recorded delivery (i trust UPS to be careful with it). They then received it fine.

hope this helps

iMac intel core duo Mac OS X (10.4.8) iPod Video 30GB - White

Robert Meushaw,
I have shipped iMac G5's both ways (original box and using a bigger box) and have had no problem either way. The iMac Intel is not so heavy for the size, so I think there's less chance it will get dropped than a heavier iMac G5.

I prefer the original box with the built-in handle that provides the carrier with a proper orientation, but the original styrofoam and proper placement of the iMac into it is probably the key to the design of the packaging.

I'm sure it must have happened to someone at some point and they probably didn't make it here to Discussions, but I can't really recall reading of anyone receiving one with a cracked display, and that's with many of them coming all the way from China. Good luck.

Mine arrived in just a brown box fitted tightly around the original box. No padding whatsoever. I would just use brown wrapping paper to conceal the identity.