The Troubles of 'BTO'

[Fender]

I'm just salivating for a new 15" Powerbook, and considering a BTO* (mostly for the 128mb of video RAM). Yet, I keep talking myself out of it for fear that after waiting 1 week+, I'll get something defective and have to ship it off again.

What's the consensus on BTO through Apple.com (or .ca in my case)? What's the probability I'll get a dud? And... if there were a problem, could it be serviced @ my local Apple Store (Yorkdale Mall, Canada); though I heavily doubt it.

Any words of assurance and/or warning would be welcome.


*Build To Order

[tech4all]

Is there really any more or less of risk of getting a dud with a BTO option? The only thing a non-BTO order has over a BTO order is that you can return it. With a BTO order you can't.

Nonetheless, if there is a problem, it will be under warranty as it's brand new. But then again there's the whole trouble of actually sending it back and not having it

[neocell]

I got a BTO 12" 1.33GHz PB (80 GB HD) from apple.ca no problems at all. I also got my G4 iMac BTO with BT built in and yet again no problems. I would definitely go BTO again without hesitation.

[carpe diem]

People always have problems with bto even with dell.

[combatcolin]

Madness to buy a new PB now, you can take it as certain that the new (probably last PPC) version will come out just after you take delivery of yours.

[Bear]

Buying a BTO machine is fine. It's also the only way to get some of the upgrades, especially in laptops.

I've had no problems with my BTO PowerBooks.

[Fender]

Originally Posted by combatcolin

Madness to buy a new PB now, you can take it as certain that the new (probably last PPC) version will come out just after you take delivery of yours.

I've been waiting all damn year, though. My main computer is dead, and this Vaio is 3 years old and really sucking the bag right now. On top of that, I'm not very sure the upcoming revision (if there is one - TS said maybe not?) is going to be all that hot, or worth waiting for.

I think I'll just end up going for the build to order with the Edu. discount and ****. (said while biting a bullet)

[rosalindavenue]

I had the same concerns as you but the ibook hard drive was just too small; my built-to-order had no problems at all. I wouldn't worry about it. Message boards always give the incorrect impression that troubles are rampant-- they aren't.

[Fender]

Originally Posted by rosalindavenue

I had the same concerns as you but the ibook hard drive was just too small; my built-to-order had no problems at all. I wouldn't worry about it. Message boards always give the incorrect impression that troubles are rampant-- they aren't.

That's good to know. I'm just anxious about waiting so long for one, then waiting for delivery, and if there was a problem that I'd have to wait some more to get it fixed.

I'm very impatient

[Bear]

Originally Posted by Fender

That's good to know. I'm just anxious about waiting so long for one, then waiting for delivery, and if there was a problem that I'd have to wait some more to get it fixed.

I'm very impatient

If you're so impatient, why has it taken you so long to order? The longer you wait, the longer it is before you'll have one.

[Fender]

Originally Posted by Bear

If you're so impatient, why has it taken you so long to order? The longer you wait, the longer it is before you'll have one.

Sadly, on the planet I live on, there is this terrible thing called money. Disgusting, I know.

[Le Big Mac]

Originally Posted by rosalindavenue

I had the same concerns as you but the ibook hard drive was just too small; my built-to-order had no problems at all. I wouldn't worry about it. Message boards always give the incorrect impression that troubles are rampant-- they aren't.

Is there a difference in failure rates of BTO?

I suspect any appearance of higher complaint rates results from the fact that BTO buyers are more likely to be really interested in their computers and therefore more likely to be posting on the internet about their experiences.

[Studawg7]

i did a bto on my ibook. i didnt have any problems with the whole process. i upgraded the HD, added bluetooth, and the wireless card. Once ordered it wasnt that long of a wait either if i recall correctly. so go ahead and customize to your needs, you'll be fine, and of course happy with the purchase.

[combatcolin]

Originally Posted by Fender

I've been waiting all damn year, though. My main computer is dead, and this Vaio is 3 years old and really sucking the bag right now. On top of that, I'm not very sure the upcoming revision (if there is one - TS said maybe not?) is going to be all that hot, or worth waiting for.

I think I'll just end up going for the build to order with the Edu. discount and ****. (said while biting a bullet)

You do know that Apple WILL, (and thats 100%) release a new PB the DAY after you buy yours don't you

You will kick yourself, we've all been there!

[JasonGough]

I didn't realise there were such problems with not being able to return a BTO mac..

I'm gonna get a PowerMac when these long awaited upgrades finaly stumble along, and was going to get it with the BT keyboard & mouse. Would that realy mean i couldn't return the Mac if there were problems?

Also, how much longer would it take to get a Mac with a BT keyboard than a standard one?

[Palad1]

Get the extra VRAM,you won't regret it.

[Fender]

Originally Posted by combatcolin

You do know that Apple WILL, (and thats 100%) release a new PB the DAY after you buy yours don't you

Of course I know that. The thing is Apple won't update until I buy a powerbook. See? I'm just holding everyone back. I have to take one for the team.

[combatcolin]

Expensive team.

Releated to Glazer in any way?