4GB pricing vs 8GB pricing

[lu0s3r322]

I'm buying a base model 13" MacBook Air within the next week or so but I'm having a hard time deciding between 4GB RAM and 8GB. The obvious choice is 8 to future-proof it, but right now, I can't seem to find a good/fair price for it.

On the Apple site, the RAM upgrade is $90 [EDU price].

However, B&H Photo charges no tax and their AppleCare warranties are 50% off. They also have a $50 cheaper base price model.

The kicker is BHPhoto sells the 8GB upgraded version at $200 more than their 4GB model.

I will go with B&H regardless, but it just feels like an unfair deal for the 8GB upgrade. Thoughts? Is my best bet eBay?

[coldjeanzzz]

Buy 8 GB from Apple with student discount it comes out to something like $1340

Buy 8GB from B&H it comes out to $1299 flat (it was actually 1269 when I got it a few weeks ago, looks like they increased the price)

I don't see how you can think the B&H deal is unfair.

[lu0s3r322]

It feels unfair in that B&H has overpriced the RAM upgrade. Theoretically, shouldn't they just price their 8GB model $90 more?

[coldjeanzzz]

Don't think that's how it works

I went through pretty much every reseller you can find for Mac computers and B&H has the best deal by far so you won't find anything better out there. Everyone else either charged shipping or tax or both

They also throw in Parallels but for us MBA users it's kind of useless unless you have a super drive

[Johnny Alien]

Originally Posted by lu0s3r322

It feels unfair in that B&H has overpriced the RAM upgrade. Theoretically, shouldn't they just price their 8GB model $90 more?

Not when the model is discounted. They can only discount off of the price that Apple sells it to them wholesale. So if the 8GB is not discounted in the same way then they can;t give the same savings. If Apple charges $100 for a RAM upgrade (which they do) and B&H offers a $50 discount off of the base model than the upcharge is going to look like $150 at B&H even though that is not the case. In the case of RAM with the MBA it's not a plug in upgrade they are made that way and Apple most likely give better wholesale pricing on the base models. With 50% off of Applecare, no tax and free software there is no question that the B&H will save you money in the end.

[jdechko]

Mac Mall has it for 1269, free Parallels and Free shipping available (or reasonable rates on faster shipping).

[coldjeanzzz]

They charge tax and even some recycling fee (at least for those of us in California)

[Daud]

Be happy with the cheapest 4GB you can find and resell it after 8-10 months for a rMBA.

[brentsg]

You buy the best deal you can find. Look at the big picture.

You don't get to choose the best deal and then nitpick the individual options.

[Mrbobb]

B&H is not Walmart.

[thekev]

Originally Posted by coldjeanzzz

Buy 8 GB from Apple with student discount it comes out to something like $1340

Buy 8GB from B&H it comes out to $1299 flat (it was actually 1269 when I got it a few weeks ago, looks like they increased the price)

I don't see how you can think the B&H deal is unfair.

B&H pricing fluctuates at times. I've noticed this on different products. Sometimes they're ridiculously cheap.

Originally Posted by lu0s3r322

It feels unfair in that B&H has overpriced the RAM upgrade. Theoretically, shouldn't they just price their 8GB model $90 more?

That's a false notion. Resellers can price things as they see fit. They incur the wholesale costs to stock these products, and they get to determine how they can be priced in order to turn a profit. Given that you're ordering online, you can check any number of resellers for the best deal. Just be aware of their individual policies on shipping, returns, and sales tax collection.

Originally Posted by coldjeanzzz

They charge tax and even some recycling fee (at least for those of us in California)

In California they do that on most if not all electronics. I think it goes to recycling costs.