Black Friday Discounts on Macs

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/11/26/black-friday-discounts-on-macs/)

MacMall (http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-462641-10373210 ) has announced their Black Friday sale (http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-462641-10426965 ) which will runs from now until midnight PST on Friday, November 28th. Last year's MacMall sale (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/11/21/apple-and-others-black-friday-2007-sales-prices-and-links/) delivered some of the largest online discounts available. This year, however, MacMall faces stiff competition from BestBuy (http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-462641-10483609 ) who is offering a number of $100-$150 instant discounts. This compares favorably to MacMall which tends to combine both instant discounts and rebates.

Click to see Chart (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/11/26/black-friday-discounts-on-macs/)

As usual, it can be difficult to sort through the full list of discounts (http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-462641-10426965) which confusingly intermix both old and current inventory.

This summary chart, however, lists the discounts on current Macs from both retailers with the "best" deal is highlighted in bold.


When comparing prices, instant discounts were considered better than rebate discounts even if the rebate offered up to $10 greater savings. In general, we tended to favor BestBuy's instant discounts over MacMall's combined (instant + rebate) but in the case of the MacBook Pro, MacMall offered equivalent instant discounts to BestBuy as well as sizable rebates.

For those willing to buy previous-generation Macs, discounts (http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-462641-10426965) can be significant compared to their original retail prices (example, $1149 (http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-462641-10485172 ) for original MacBook Air), but requires a bit more research to balance the cost saving vs. buying older technology.

Apple may offer some slight discounts on products for their own Black Friday sale, though historically these have only been up to $100 on a few select models.

* Combines instant + mail-in rebates.

Article Link: Black Friday Discounts on Macs (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/11/26/black-friday-discounts-on-macs/)

[eidrunner247]

Good deals, but obviously not something worth waiting all night for. If you plan on getting something though, this is the time.

[Unspeaked]

Good deals, but obviously not something worth waiting all night for. If you plan on getting something though, this is the time.

With all the doom and gloom coming from retailers this year, I wouldn't be surprised if they break with habit and actually do another significant discount on Apple products between Black Friday and Christmas...

[ltldrummerboy]

Thanks for the fantastic chart. Will you be expanding it as other retailers come up with better deals?

[cschulz]

If you don't need a top of the line Mac, getting a refurbished unit is a much better idea! You can seriously save hundreds of dollars. I got a 24" iMac for $1300 instead of $1800. Awesome deal. Highly recommended. This is also an awesome way to get a cheap iPod Touch or previous gen Nano.
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac

[illidian]

If you don't need a top of the line Mac, getting a refurbished unit is a much better idea! You can seriously save hundreds of dollars. I got a 24" iMac for $1300 instead of $1800. Awesome deal. Highly recommended. This is also an awesome way to get a cheap iPod Touch or previous gen Nano.
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac

Especially as there is an abnormally large selection of notebook computers available at this time.

[schubes]

so can we expect the apple stores and the website to have similar discounts?

I figured so since all the talk about Apple pricematching retailers

[bobbleheadbob]

I could be totally off, but my perception is that MacMall's customer service is pretty poor. So if you have a problem with your purchase from there, good luck getting it resolved. I'd much rather buy direct from Apple, or from Amazon, or even BB.

I agree that refurb is a great option. Got a 20" iMac refurb from Apple a couple years ago and it worked out fine. :D

[billystlyes]

Meh, Amazon runs comparable discounts and rebates everyday of the year on Macs. Plus, you don't pay sales tax in most cases.

[QCassidy352]

the 3.06 ghz imac is not on that list. Do these retailers not carry it?

[fhall1]

edit: NM

[dal20402]

If anything at all goes wrong with your MacMall purchase, you're going to be twisting in the wind.

Be aware that your discount is actually a risk premium.

[fendol]

I usually just look up on Amazon to see if they have some nice deals going on :apple:

Or even ebay :cool: http://seoagora.com/img/308/s08e1024rvou/champagne.gifhttp://seoagora.com/img/589/d08l1104oulu/smiley2.gif

[coledog]

Any discounts on the Mini? My dad is looking...

[137489]

I could be totally off, but my perception is that MacMall's customer service is pretty poor. So if you have a problem with your purchase from there, good luck getting it resolved. I'd much rather buy direct from Apple, or from Amazon, or even BB.

I agree that refurb is a great option. Got a 20" iMac refurb from Apple a couple years ago and it worked out fine. :D

I don't know. I bought my macbook (iWork, Quickverse, Aperature, Final Cut Express, modem, mini DVI->VGA, mini DVI->DVI, AppleCare, Memory upgrade, [think that is it]), from MacMall. they are an authorized reseller. I did not have any problems. The only thing is some of the stuff came in a separate shipment (was not charged extra - they automatically credited back the extra chipping price) - probably because one item they ran out of stock on. It came 2 days later.

I never had a problem with my system and Love it. the only bad thing is (and this is with most companies) - I heard getting your rebate can be 50/50 - but they were always there to ensure I followed the process correctly.

In all I spent a little over $2500 with them and while the price is a shock -was very happy and still am.

*Edit - my only complaint? Should've probably went with 4gb ram instead of 2, rendering videos in iMovie 6 HD (yes, using an oder version so as to have more control over the effects) takes a while - but then again I add a lot of effects, splice parts from other videos, etc.

Check out my youtube channel, and you will see what I mean.

[Detlev_73]

You'd be crazy NOT to buy from MacMall:

1. No sales tax (unless in California)
2. Free shipping on orders over $99.

Best Buy:
1. Ooh, $1 more off the price MacMall carries, but...
2. you have to pay sales tax

MacMall is the place to do business with. And, please don't start with how it's your duty to pay sales tax. The government gets enough of my money as it is. Screw them.

[stockcerts]

I'm hoping that the 2nd generations are included in Apple's Black Friday sale this week. I'll be traveling, but I'll check from my IPhone! ;)

[jmcguckin]

if I didn't already have all the Apple stuff I need for the next couple years, I'd still avoid buying anything Apple from anywhere other than an Apple Store (online/in-person)...

especially Best Buy- when I was still browsing around before I bought my iMac, the associate there told me that they couldn't honor my student discount and would instead be given a $100 Best Buy card- first issue. then I was told that they don't offer Apple Care and was instead referred to Best Buy's "it's much better than Apple Care" warranty (i.e. "we'll ship your device out, hopefully have an update on it within 2wks, then get it serviced, and have it back to you within 1mo" as opposed to Apple's "we fix it right in the store and have it back to you within 2days")- second issue. so I just walked out... I'll never buy anything else from that place.

[Mindflux]

You'd be crazy NOT to buy from MacMall:

1. No sales tax (unless in California)
2. Free shipping on orders over $99.

Best Buy:
1. Ooh, $1 more off the price MacMall carries, but...
2. you have to pay sales tax

MacMall is the place to do business with. And, please don't start with how it's your duty to pay sales tax. The government gets enough of my money as it is. Screw them.

For arguments sake, even when you buy online you are supposed to file a "USE TAX" around tax time. It's close to (if not the same in some states) as Sales Tax.

At any rate, yes, MacMall is great. I bought mine at Best Buy over a week ago and then got the other $150 (for the new promotion) refunded back to me since I was in their pricing guarantee period. I'm happy with it.

[lexi73]

so depending on the apple BF deals and if the price match rumor holds true we should be able to price match at apple to get these same prices in store correct?

[Tallest Skil]

so depending on the apple BF deals and if the price match rumor holds true we should be able to price match at apple to get these same prices in store correct?

That's... the idea, yes.

[emt1]

Wow, thanks for giving me my education discount back... for a week.

[Duke2]

You'd be crazy NOT to buy from MacMall:

1. No sales tax (unless in California)
2. Free shipping on orders over $99.

Best Buy:
1. Ooh, $1 more off the price MacMall carries, but...
2. you have to pay sales tax

MacMall is the place to do business with. And, please don't start with how it's your duty to pay sales tax. The government gets enough of my money as it is. Screw them.

OK, what did I do wrong, I don't live in CA and went to put in a order @ MacMall and it showed charging me tax. I backed out of it but can anyone explain? TIA

[Mindflux]

OK, what did I do wrong, I don't live in CA and went to put in a order @ MacMall and it showed charging me tax. I backed out of it but can anyone explain? TIA

MacMall Charges tax in a few states, not just CA.

Wow, thanks for giving me my education discount back... for a week.

A day.

[jonnylink]

good luck (http://www.google.com/search?q=macmall+rebate+complaint) getting those mail-in rebates from mac mall

[miamialley]

Wow, thanks for giving me my education discount back... for a week.

Yeah, big whoop about the prices. Not much diff than my student discount. Oh well.

[Duke2]

MacMall Charges tax in a few states, not just CA.

Crud... NY must be one of them I guess. But thanks for clearing that up for me.

[Mindflux]

good luck (http://www.google.com/search?q=macmall+rebate+complaint) getting those mail-in rebates from mac mall

I've done it 3 times and every time, every single rebate from MacMall was completed (properly) within 4 weeks.

[Duke2]

Besides the suggestion from another poster to add other resellers (as well as Apple's BF discounts) to the price comparison grid as they come up, I'd also appreciate some kind of notation quickly distinguishing between the current aluminum body models and the older models. Thanks.

[miamialley]

I've done it 3 times and every time, every single rebate from MacMall was completed (properly) within 4 weeks.

...and so it begins. "I had no problems." "Well, I have many problems."

[pcconvert]

You'd be crazy NOT to buy from MacMall:

1. No sales tax (unless in California)
2. Free shipping on orders over $99.

Best Buy:
1. Ooh, $1 more off the price MacMall carries, but...
2. you have to pay sales tax

MacMall is the place to do business with. And, please don't start with how it's your duty to pay sales tax. The government gets enough of my money as it is. Screw them.

You'd be CRAZY TO BUY from MacMall. I ordered MBP17, it came with loose hinges (display closing itself in certain position) and they wanted me to go through Apple to repair it instead of returning this defective product to them.

I don't blame them for sending me defective product, no one knows what's in the box, but their return policies of no return on apple products even though defective are just crazy.

BEWARE!!!

Oh - and I ordered over the phone and they did not bother to tell me their non-return policy...

[Mindflux]

You'd be CRAZY TO BUY from MacMall. I ordered MBP17, it came with loose hinges (display closing itself in certain position) and they wanted me to go through Apple to repair it instead of returning this defective product to them.

I don't blame them for sending me defective product, no one knows what's in the box, but their return policies of no return on apple products even though defective are just crazy.

BEWARE!!!

Oh - and I ordered over the phone and they did not bother to tell me their non-return policy...

Their policy is like that because they have an agreement with Apple that Apple is to treat it as if it was bought from them, IE an immediate exchange on defective items (through Apple). Unfortunately a lot of Apple reps are miss informed on this.

...and so it begins. "I had no problems." "Well, I have many problems."

I have first hand experience where the person above who posted the link to rebate problems does not.

[The Tall One]

What about discounts on ipods?

[JG271]

Any discounts on the Mini? My dad is looking...

Probably, although even with a discount the mini isn't really worth buying at this point in time.

Looks like some good deals though, it seems that price doesn't correspond to the amount of discount strangely.

[rdowns]

You'd be CRAZY TO BUY from MacMall. I ordered MBP17, it came with loose hinges (display closing itself in certain position) and they wanted me to go through Apple to repair it instead of returning this defective product to them.

I don't blame them for sending me defective product, no one knows what's in the box, but their return policies of no return on apple products even though defective are just crazy.

BEWARE!!!

Oh - and I ordered over the phone and they did not bother to tell me their non-return policy...


Their policy is clearly defined on their web site.


APPLE COMPUTER PRODUCTS:

Apple products are non-returnable: Apple Computer offers a one year warranty on all new equipment. During the warranty period, you may call 1-800-275-2273 to receive warranty service. Apple will attempt to solve your problem via phone. If they are unable to solve the problem, they will either dispatch a replacement via Airborne Express or will direct you to the closest Apple service center. In most cases, contacting the 800 number is the most expedient manner to obtain warranty service on Apple equipment. If a situation extends beyond Apple or an Apple service center's ability to resolve, please contact your MacMall representative for further guidance.

[econoline06]

I'm not impressed. $100 off? That is what I get with my student discount.

[Tallest Skil]

I'm not impressed. $100 off? That is what I get with my student discount.

Not everyone is a student. This is the only discount Apple gives every year. People enjoy it.

[santiv]

What a let down and waste of time. I thought they were going to mark down more like last year.

[jon08]

MacMall Charges tax in a few states, not just CA.

From what I was told by one of the clerks in MacMall, they charge tax in the following states: Minnesota, CA, IL, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

[kajitox]

I don't get it. Why are the new 24" Cinema displays cheaper than the discontinued ones?

[Duke2]

From what I was told by one of the clerks in MacMall, they charge tax in the following states: Minnesota, CA, IL, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

Add NY to the list cuz I got charged tax.

Been going through the specs on the various models. One point of clarification: do all MB's and MBP's come with the LED backlit displays? It's not clearly stated and I'm thinking that due to this being a standard feature for all configurations??

[sangosimo]

Doesn't amazon offer discount of this scale everyday of the year?

[bornonbord]

Will Apple price-match the "before rebate" or "after rebate" price?

[PeterQVenkman]

Yes...I am right...if you read my sentence...I said START HURTING SOON.

They have $25 billion in their giant war chest. They'll be fine through this recession.

[funnyent]

the 3.06 ghz imac is not on that list. Do these retailers not carry it?

notg many of them... if you want that one, you should order it online :(

[parapup]

Has anyone got first/second hand experiences with Apple Store purchases for MacBook Air or MacBook Pro in the light of reseller discounts? Was anyone able to get the Air or Pro for the price matched with say what Amazon.com is offering?

I just feel comfortable buying from the Apple store as it is faster (store 5 miles from where I live) and any problems get dealt with quickly.

[Marx55]

WHAT PERCENTAGE of discount? That is the important information!!!

[jwtseng]

FWIW, I just checked out MacConnection and they have *very* decent prices on the new MacBooks and MacBook Pros. The top of the line MacBook ($1599 list) is advertised for $1399 after $100 rebate at the current sale price. Add on free shipping and no tax to CA and I think it's a smoking deal.

Edit: The sale at MacConnection is good until 12/1/08. I guess I'll see what Black Friday deals Apple has, but I don't think they can touch MacConnection's prices....especially after tacking on tax.

PS. If you sign up with BigCrumbs with the link in my sig below, I think you can get another 2.7% cash rebate with MacConnection.

[Tallest Skil]

WHAT PERCENTAGE of discount? That is the important information!!!

No better than 10%.

[iOrlando]

i would not buy anything from Macmall or Bestbuy just yet. Appleinsider reporting posible 15% discounts across the board on Friday at Apple Stores citing supply chain checks. The analyst basically is claiming Apple is beginning to build a huge inventory, possibly for black friday and a rush of sales.

15% would be roughly $200 off New Macbook.


about apples cash:

1) all discounts offered at macmall and best buy dont affect apple. Most likely best buy and macmall are offering the discounts not apple.

2) Apple's input costs have come down ALOT. Alumnium is down BIG. They can certainly afford a 15% cut in prices for one day. (also explains apple accepting some of best buy's 10% discounts).

As for those who want a cheaper apple...why? Apple is selling a perfect amount already at the price points they currently have. Why cheapen the brand below 800..etc....jsut go to dell and buy one of those $500 front of best buy ad laptops. Bet you 1) it will break within the year 2) you will still have apple envy

[jmdeegan]

So just to be clear, the rumored 15% for Apple Stores would cover online as well?

Do they pass that discount on to the refurb, or no? Im thinking no...

[DoNoHarm]

Hello Everyone,

That's great that Best Buy and MacMall are offering deals, but is there a store outside CA that is offering deals + free shipping? I would like to avoid sales tax as I live in CA....

[iOrlando]

So just to be clear, the rumored 15% for Apple Stores would cover online as well?

Do they pass that discount on to the refurb, or no? Im thinking no...

I believe it would cover online. It was weird..a few days ago..people were saying just the online store..but that wouldnt make a whole lot of sense..so i would say all apple locations.

No sales on refurbs...and you cant apply education discount to anything and still get black friday sales.

[kornyboy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5G77 Safari/525.20)

It appears that MacMall is giving out some pretty good discounts. The ones from Best Buy aren't bad either.

[Tallest Skil]

They can certainly afford a 15% cut in prices for one day.

So just to be clear, the rumored 15% for Apple Stores would cover online as well?

Do they pass that discount on to the refurb, or no? Im thinking no...

I love this. Someone says it and then ONE POST LATER it's suddenly a rumor.

No. No discounts on refurb, no stacking of education discount.

[maestro55]

I don't know why there are people here complaining that the discount isn't enough. Anytime there is a discount and someone is going to buy the product for it you should be happy. I know that if I was in the market for a new Mac I would be happy since I no longer get a student discount.

[weckart]

When Apple starts subsidizing cost by including AOL discs and free AV trials preloaded, etc. You'll see lower cost machines. This is how Dell, HP, Gateway, Acer, Toshiba, Compaq, eMachines etc get their costs lower.

I was just rooting through my old Inspiron 8100 box and fond a Works trial disc and AOL trial disc. Farking subsidizing!

My Macbook Pro came with 3 trials from Apple owned software and one from Microsoft. Plenty of crapware in the Mac world if you look.

[Mindflux]

My Macbook Pro came with 3 trials from Apple owned software and one from Microsoft. Plenty of crapware in the Mac world if you look.

My brothers iMac and my Late 08 Macbook have no trialware whatsoever on it. My iMac and my fiancee's did have iWork and Office 2004 trialware though.

[Brother Michael]

if I didn't already have all the Apple stuff I need for the next couple years, I'd still avoid buying anything Apple from anywhere other than an Apple Store (online/in-person)...
Nothing wrong with that. I bought my computer through Apple Online because I wanted to customize it a bit. Most retailers, even the Apple Store won't let you do that.


especially Best Buy- when I was still browsing around before I bought my iMac, the associate there told me that they couldn't honor my student discount and would instead be given a $100 Best Buy card- first issue.

First off, the student discount is from Apple. All third party retailers I have been too when looking for apple products don't offer it. They generally offer something of similar value. For example, I thought about buying my iMac from MicroCenter instead of Apple. They did not offer the discount, but instead were offering to upgrade the RAM in the computer at no extra cost.

So, as far as the student discount vs. gift card, at this point you would be better off taking the gift card, because Apple has eliminated a lot of the savings from the Student Discount.


then I was told that they don't offer Apple Care and was instead referred to Best Buy's "it's much better than Apple Care" warranty (i.e. "we'll ship your device out, hopefully have an update on it within 2wks, then get it serviced, and have it back to you within 1mo" as opposed to Apple's "we fix it right in the store and have it back to you within 2days")- second issue. so I just walked out... I'll never buy anything else from that place.

Have you ever had your computer serviced by an Apple Store?

It takes longer than 2 days for them to fix anything. I needed a simple hdd swap on my iMac and it took almost a month before it was fixed.

Also you are not obligated to purchase a Best Buy warranty, you can always go online and purchase an AppleCare warranty or purchase it over the phone from AppleCare. They will even send you the boxed material that you would get in the box.

There is nothing wrong with Best Buy.

[jwtseng]

Here's my calculation for the final cost of the 2.4ghz MacBook from MacConnection...

$1499 MacBook 2.4ghz MB467LL/A
-$100 mailin rebate
- $40 BigCrumbs 2.7% cashback rebate (http://ebay.katiekate.com)
- $20 American Express 1% cashback rebate
No tax, no shipping
Total: ~ $1339

That's the price that the Apple store's gonna have to beat for me (after taxes).

[Duke2]

i would not buy anything from Macmall or Bestbuy just yet. Appleinsider reporting posible 15% discounts across the board on Friday at Apple Stores citing supply chain checks. The analyst basically is claiming Apple is beginning to build a huge inventory, possibly for black friday and a rush of sales.

15% would be roughly $200 off New Macbook.


Nice job embellishing a rumor on top of what already was rumor / speculation-lol.

The analyst article posted on AppleInsider said there may be discounts up to 15% on some items. And where on earth did you find (or make up) the part of Apple building a "huge inventory for BF"??

[Mindflux]

Here's my calculation for the final cost of the 2.4ghz MacBook from MacConnection...

$1499 MacBook 2.4ghz MB467LL/A
-$100 mailin rebate
- $40 BigCrumbs 2.7% cashback rebate (http://ebay.katiekate.com)
- $20 American Express 1% cashback rebate
No tax, no shipping
Total: ~ $1339

That's the price that the Apple store's gonna have to beat for me (after taxes).


Your math is stinky.

1499 less 3.7% = $1443.54 less $100 MIR = $1343.54.

Something to keep in mind, none of the cashback 'rebates' are instant. P.S All these hotlinking to your bigcrumbs page, which is for profiteering is highly likely to be against forum policy.

[chocolate]

Check Amazon. Prices include free shipping and no sales tax in most states. Prices come within a few $ of MacMall.

[jwtseng]

Your math is stinky.

1499 less 3.7% = $1443.54 less $100 MIR = $1343.54.

Something to keep in mind, none of the cashback 'rebates' are instant.

Thanks for putting exact numbers on it for me:o

True, none of the rebates are instant by any means, but in the end they do fall to the bottom line. Of course, by then, I've already rationalized some other purchase using "all that money I saved on buying the MacBook!" Hehe.

BTW, Amazon has the AppleCare for MacBook for $200. Any lower prices out there?

[Mindflux]

BTW, Amazon has the AppleCare for MacBook for $200. Any lower prices out there?


eBay with live.com cashback. Can be had under $100. See my edit on the post above for another tidbit.

[chocolate]

Try LA Computer for AppleCare at discount:

http://www.lacomputercompany.com/cgi-bin/rpcart/featured.cgi?group=appcare

[cwkoller5]

MacBooks and Pros seem like a safe bet for Christmas, but I'd be careful about iMacs and Mac Pros, given MacWorld Expo is but 20 days after the holidays. Nothing sucks more than to see your shiny new Christmas Mac reduced to technorubble by the MacWorld unveiling of something infinitely better as your model slides down into the Mac Store bargain bin for much less than your $100-200 holiday discount.

[137489]

So, With all these stores getting a jump starting today - leaves me to think..

1. Deeper discounts on Friday?
2. What about cyber Monday (on-line black Friday event)? Most on-line retailers target that as most everyone will be back to work on Monday and surfing the internet at work. Any chance for deeper cuts?

my worship pastor really needs a macbook with parallels & Xp. every place I am pricing for him is coming up around $1,400. I know I am asking alot, but if I can get the following really close to $1,000 he may grab for it (right now all of his Windows laptops bit the dust - including a 3 yr old one he was borrowing from the church).

any leads where I can get the following in the $1,000 to $1,100 price range (not including tax and shipping - most places ship ground free, and he does not mind waiting a few days; has been without a laptop for 3-4 months now). He really really needs it for his seminary classes and ministry work.

Needed:
*Macbook white (can settle for combo drive) 120gb, 2gb, 2.0ghz or higher
*Parallels
*Windows XP - OEM is fine and that is what you will mostly find
*AppleCare.

Parallels and XP does not have to be installed and configured; I can do that for thim. I am not worried about native Apple software (other than iLife), as I understand he has his windows software disks - which should carry him over and we can make the switch to native apple apps slowly - which is the same route I took..

[Tallest Skil]

So, With all these stores getting a jump starting today - leaves me to think..

1. Deeper discounts on Friday?
2. What about cyber Monday (on-line black Friday event)? Most on-line retailers target that as most everyone will be back to work on Monday and surfing the internet at work. Any chance for deeper cuts?

Stop thinking.

1. No.
2. No.

This is the same as when stores extend their Labor Day sales for two weeks. No better deals than what they're doing right now.

[robby818]

Keep in mind that the return policy is very important, expecially with the new MBP and MB, lots of small defects are surfacing and you may need to do an exchange or return to get one with a good keyboard or a dust free screen.

I know from experience that Amazon has a no hassle return policy. If a MBP does not meet your expectations, then you can return it for a full refund (including return shipping). No worries about a BS restocking fee and generally very quick processing.

If the difference between Amazon and Macmall is small, go with Amazon.

[MXSkier62]

hey,

I haven't read through all the threads, but just so everyone knows, the apple retail stores will honor the best price you bring them. We just bought my sister a computer, and we brought in a printout of the bestbuy page showing the 1199 price tag, and they honored the price.

just so you all know.

happy thanksgiving.

[iObama]

The white MacBook that they link to on Amazon is the wrong one. It is the last generation with the Combo Drive. Where's the one with the refresh?

[137489]

Stop thinking.

1. No.
2. No.

This is the same as when stores extend their Labor Day sales for two weeks. No better deals than what they're doing right now.

ok.

1. Just was hopeful
2. Just was hopeful

I just gave my woship pastor an offer. Amazon.com

White, 120gb 1 gb, combo
Parallels
Applecare
No Tax, free shipping

$1,152 (that is without the Windows disk. I think he may still have one).

That is the LOWEST I come up with so far....

[dornirit]

I know that apple is going to have a big sale on friday do you know what's going to be the prices over there? I heard that the new macbooks are going to be 1000$ at apple store.

[Tallest Skil]

I know that apple is going to have a big sale on friday do you know what's going to be the prices over there? I heard that the new macbooks are going to be 1000$ at apple store.

Please either search or read the thread. We. Know. Nothing.

[jwdawso]

I bought a BestBuy Macbook 2.4GHz - $150 off, no sales tax or shipping (picked it up at the Nashua store), and put it on the BestBuy credit card - 18 months 0% interest.

It's a Christmas present for my daughter.

[arn]

The white MacBook that they link to on Amazon is the wrong one. It is the last generation with the Combo Drive. Where's the one with the refresh?

sorry. here it is

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001I912NG/ref=nosim/linkcode-20

arn

[AstrosFan]

Let me state again that I feel the 4%-8% discount that Apple is giving on A)This one day event, B)This terrible economy, and C)It's Black Friday is a joke. Someone asked earlier if Amazon gives discounts all year on Apple machines and I believe the answer is yes...nothing big...but 1%-10%...I don't shop Amazon every day for Macs so don't ask me to prove my 10% discount at Amazon...I have seen such "steep" 10% discounts on Apple machines at Amazon.

Everyone has a right to his or her own opinion, and you've made yours very clear. Ultimately, time will tell if you are correct or not - if Apple doesn't change their marketing strategy, we will see if it leads them down a path towards financial ruin.

For now, however, it's their business strategy - certain manufacturers don't tend to discount their items very much. As you said earlier, it's the balance of # of sales vs. profit margin on each sale.

Bottom line - as long as Apple continues to sell computers reasonably well, they're unlikely to change. From their perspective, why change what isn't broken?

[rtdunham]

I just gave my woship pastor an offer. $1,152
That is the LOWEST I come up with so far....

why not buy a used one with still a year or so of apple care on it? you'd probably find a (yes, slightly slower) model for what, $300 less than that?

[nemaslov]

I did read all the comments but Amazon might be one of the only places to get free shipping AND no sales tax so you'll probably save more there than from Apple direct which will charge sales tax

[milo]

So really, no ipod deals from apple? I don't see much from bestbuy or anything from Amazon either, just $209 ipod touch at macmall.

Any other deals on touch anywhere or is macmall the only one with it on sale?

[Trajectory]

No way I am going to buy anything from Beast Buy. Even so, these "discounts" aren't enough to entice me to buy anything I don't really need. I already own 2 iMacs, a MacBook, an iPod and an iPhone. Don't need anything else.

[jet23jay]

I bought a BestBuy Macbook 2.4GHz - $150 off, no sales tax or shipping (picked it up at the Nashua store), and put it on the BestBuy credit card - 18 months 0% interest.

It's a Christmas present for my daughter.
No sale tax from bestbuy ??? how ??

[Duke2]

Anyone else out there from NY who is NOT getting charged tax from Amazon or MacMall? If so, how???

[Catiroth]

will apple also have black friday sales? if so, will they be better than the ones at best buy or others? sorry if this has already been addressed. thanks!

[arn]

Off-topic banter has been moved here: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=607128 (and closed due to personal insults)

arn

[Tallest Skil]

will apple also have black friday sales? if so, will they be better than the ones at best buy or others? sorry if this has already been addressed. thanks!

You know, you could actually search the forums.

And you could also just GO to the Apple online store.

[the vj]

Some numbers are wrong, some highlights are not showing the best price.

[puckhead193]

FYI boy genuis links to this. also i got an email from elgato to save $50 on the hybrid.
Anything on mobile me. I need to renew!

[utahmacman33]

I bought mine off ebay. They are offering 200 dollars off any purchase when using buy it now and Microsoft live.com (Microsoft is paying me 200 to buy an Apple). They also let you combine it with coupons. My friend got a 2.0ghz MacBook for 900 dollars. That is hard to beat. If anyone is interested here is the link for more on live.com cashback. I have gotten awesome deals through it.

http://search.live.com/cashback/howToUse

[stradders89]

Back on topic of black friday, are there any news on UK prices? I know several people waiting till friday, myself included!

[puckhead]

Has one checked ABT Electronics? I'm looking for a 24" iMac 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and found it at ABT for $2,199 no tax in TN, free shipping. MacMall had it for $2,040 + $210 tax, free shipping.

[ivinho]

Keep in mind that the return policy is very important, expecially with the new MBP and MB, lots of small defects are surfacing and you may need to do an exchange or return to get one with a good keyboard or a dust free screen.

I know from experience that Amazon has a no hassle return policy. If a MBP does not meet your expectations, then you can return it for a full refund (including return shipping). No worries about a BS restocking fee and generally very quick processing.

If the difference between Amazon and Macmall is small, go with Amazon.


I'm thinking about getting a MBP from Amazon today...one of my concerns is having to return it. Have you an experience with returning things to Amazon? How long does it take for them to process everything and send you a replacement? I think that if a computer is defective you cannot return it to Amazon, you'll have t go through Apple.

[noodle654]

If anybody is wondering if MacMall has rebate problems, last year I bought a MacMini is early December. I filled out the forms when it came and then in early January, the rebates came in. No problems. However, MacMalls return policy is junk. Just my experience.

[jwdawso]

No sale tax from bestbuy ??? how ??

I bought it in Nashau, New Hampshire, where there is no sales tax.

[137489]

No sale tax from bestbuy ??? how ??

New Hampshire does not charge sales tax - that is probably where he is talking about.

Woops - should've check to see if it was answered already....

[DerFlo]

hej,
if i order it online at amazon (directly from amazon shop)and i am living in california, will i have to pay taxes? there you can get the macbook 2.4 for 1.469$ and if it's tax free it would be very cheap?
thanks for help,
flo

[networkr]

Anyone else out there from NY who is NOT getting charged tax from Amazon or MacMall? If so, how???

Haven't been taxed from amazon,haven' tried mac mall as yet ,might do that soon but I guess they might be having a tax break or something.

[Uffffda]

I guess it's time pulled the trigger on that new mbp...

[ninjapenguin]

What are the chances that Apple will allow students combine their student discount with Black Friday discounts? In an attempt to be more "competitive" in their Black Friday savings.

[shoopaman]

What are the chances that Apple will allow students combine their student discount with Black Friday discounts? In an attempt to be more "competitive" in their Black Friday savings.

I was thinking the same with my corporate discounts, will they honor both?

[shoopaman]

I bought a BestBuy Macbook 2.4GHz - $150 off, no sales tax or shipping (picked it up at the Nashua store), and put it on the BestBuy credit card - 18 months 0% interest.

It's a Christmas present for my daughter.

how did you get away from sales tax?

[shoopaman]

I did read all the comments but Amazon might be one of the only places to get free shipping AND no sales tax so you'll probably save more there than from Apple direct which will charge sales tax

macmall too

[shoopaman]

I'm thinking about getting a MBP from Amazon today...one of my concerns is having to return it. Have you an experience with returning things to Amazon? How long does it take for them to process everything and send you a replacement? I think that if a computer is defective you cannot return it to Amazon, you'll have t go through Apple.

if you're buying direct from Amazon, you shouldn't have too much problem returning/exchanging, but be aware that it isn't another seller using amazon as their store-front.

[The Monkey]

Apple would be wise to offer steeper discounts than the pittance it has offered in the past.

[dannyboxer]

What are the chances that Apple will allow students combine their student discount with Black Friday discounts? In an attempt to be more "competitive" in their Black Friday savings.

I was thinking the same with my corporate discounts, will they honor both?

Yes! You can combine educational discounts and the Black Friday discounts together, I asked an Apple Genius On-line, also, if you go on the Apple Store For Education, you will see the Black Friday Shopping ad. :)

[shoopaman]

Yes! You can combine educational discounts and the Black Friday discounts together, I asked an Apple Genius On-line, also, if you go on the Apple Store For Education, you will see the Black Friday Shopping ad. :)

I hope so. sales associate lied to me at the retail store. I asked the same question and the response was, "... it will be one or the other, not both..." we'll have to see. going in to retail store friday to dispute... i had just bought the MBP last Monday.

[vjl323]

FYI, ClubMac has some good discounts too:

White MacBook 2.1GHz 1GB RAM/120GB HD/SuperDrive $898.99 (http://tinyurl.com/6z7auk)

If you don't want a SuperDrive, the MacBook is just $868.99 (http://tinyurl.com/5w48oz)

They also have a black MacBook (http://tinyurl.com/632lk7), 2.4GHz with 2GB of memory and a big 250GB drive for $1099 [that is my favorite bargain!] Another 2.4GHz MacBook (http://tinyurl.com/58glqf), but in white and with a 160GB drive will cost you $996.98.

A current model MacBook (http://tinyurl.com/5pbdlg) with a 2GHz CPU, 2GB of memory and a 160GB drive will run you $1155 until midnight PST on 11/28/2008

They also match [i think?] MacMall's great deal on the first gen MacBook Air. $1149 will buy you the 1.6GHz model (http://tinyurl.com/64hhb4) with an 80GB drive, and $1649 will get you the 1.8GHz with a 64GB SSD model (http://tinyurl.com/6efpo7). Spend $50 more (http://tinyurl.com/68e3xs) for the current Air with a 1.6GHz CPU and a 120GB HD. *whew*!

They have lots of iMac models too, but my favorite is the $1098 priced one (http://tinyurl.com/5vd3bs) - 20" 2.4GHz, 250GB drive [but only 1GB of memory :( ]. But for under $1100 that seems like a great deal!

And it looks like they've got free shipping [no rebate required] on orders under 60lbs [that's 3-5 day shipping, not bad!]. And they've got iPods for sale too (http://tinyurl.com/6xgzro). And MacBook Pros.

I just wish there was an option for matte screens on the new laptops. It does seem like they have a few MBPs with the matte screen, but I am wary of the video card issues that some of them have had.

Anyway, it's pretty cool that these deals are good *now*, so y'all don't have to wait till Friday. Hopefully the retail sector won't be too hard hit this year. I know I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

/vjl/

[MacGohil]

Apple NZ store down for updates :eek::confused::o:rolleyes:

Common :apple: bring it on! And they better be very good discounts!:D

[jemonat]

PC Connection seems to have the best deal on the new 13" 2GHz MacBook: $1,149 after rebate for a total of $150 off list:

http://www.pcconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Detail.htm?sku=8252966&oext=1038A&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=8252966

I wonder why PC Connection wasn't listed in the chart...

Also, is it true that you can get a student discount at Best Buy on Apple products?

[mets1125]

I hope so. sales associate lied to me at the retail store. I asked the same question and the response was, "... it will be one or the other, not both..." we'll have to see. going in to retail store friday to dispute... i had just bought the MBP last Monday.

The sales associate did not lie to you! In the past you couldnt combine both bf and student discounts. Most likely will be the same this year.

[morespce54]

Does that mean Apple Retail employees are entitled to make up to $200 discount on a MBP? ;)

[vermonter16]

I'm dying to know what the deals are tomorrow! I sooooo want to buy my new imac. Do I really have to stay up til midnight to find out the deals? They won't post them even a little sooner? I have to get up at 3:40am for work and that doesn't leave much sleeping time....

[Tallest Skil]

I'm dying to know what the deals are tomorrow! I sooooo want to buy my new imac. Do I really have to stay up til midnight to find out the deals? They won't post them even a little sooner? I have to get up at 3:40am for work and that doesn't leave much sleeping time....

So... just go to bed at a human time and get up. It's APPLE; they can't run out of stock and the sale is all day.

[vermonter16]

I guess I'm just thinking of other places where they have certain amounts of items and then that's it. ...go to bed at human time is never early enough for me :) Tomorrow is definitely going to be a Starbucks day....and it's right next to the Apple store!

[Ivan P]

I'm dying to know what the deals are tomorrow! I sooooo want to buy my new imac. Do I really have to stay up til midnight to find out the deals? They won't post them even a little sooner? I have to get up at 3:40am for work and that doesn't leave much sleeping time....

The Australian store has already started their deals:

http://store.apple.com/au

That should give a rough estimate of what the prices elsewhere will be.

EDIT: The entire paragraph I had here makes absolutely no sense now that Apple appears to have amended the prices.

[mhnajjar]

The Australian store has already started their deals:

http://store.apple.com/au

That should give a rough estimate of what the prices elsewhere will be.

EDIT: The entire paragraph I had here makes absolutely no sense now that Apple appears to have amended the prices.

Sucks big time!

[mhnajjar]

BestBuy sale is dead now :confused:

[dannyboxer]

The Australian store has already started their deals:

http://store.apple.com/au

That should give a rough estimate of what the prices elsewhere will be.

EDIT: The entire paragraph I had here makes absolutely no sense now that Apple appears to have amended the prices.

Them discounts are crap. I hope it's not like that in the UK.

[Solemony]

The Australian store has already started their deals:

http://store.apple.com/au

That should give a rough estimate of what the prices elsewhere will be.

EDIT: The entire paragraph I had here makes absolutely no sense now that Apple appears to have amended the prices.

....What a disappointment, yet again. *Throws an apple at Steve Jobs*

[CHSE]

If you put some of the Parallels 4.0 offers with Window for the macbooc air 1.6 (previous) in the shopping card, it says there is a $400 mail in rebate. With Windows XP home + Parallels you get it cheaper (for $1085) than without the package ($1149). But than if you click on print rebate forms they only add up to $260- is this simple fraud or am i missing something?

[CashGap]

Apple would be wise to offer steeper discounts than the pittance it has offered in the past.

Why, exactly? They'll likely sell everything they've built. What's the motivation to lower revenue and GP while training the customer to expect the type of discount you get on day-old baked goods and Windows PCs?

[chris7777]

The Australian store has already started their deals:

http://store.apple.com/au

That should give a rough estimate of what the prices elsewhere will be.

EDIT: The entire paragraph I had here makes absolutely no sense now that Apple appears to have amended the prices.
Thanks for the link, It at least tells me that unless they end up doing something different here in the states, 8% is just not going to curt it with the competition, I will either buy elsewhere, or wait until someone offers another $200 off.

BTW
Does anyone know if the apple store B&M finances?

[chris7777]

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/campaigns/black_friday

http://store.apple.com/us

but pretty underwhelming