Any Downsides to Ordering from Autorized Apple Dealer instead of Directly from Apple?

[MacPerforma]

Hi all.

I'm planning on buying a MacBook Pro sometime in the near future, and in an attempt to save a few bucks, I'm thinking about ordering it online from a third-party authorized Apple dealer (like B&H, MacConnection, etc.) as opposed to buying directly from Apple. Before doing this, though, I thought I'd check and see if there are any downsides to ordering a new MacBook Pro from a third-party dealer as opposed to directly from Apple. As I would be ordering from an authorized Apple dealer, I don't think I'd be sacrificing anything in terms of warranty or service, but I thought I'd ask before making a final decision.

Along the same lines, is in-store / Genius Bar tech support reserved only for in-warranty computers purchased directly through Apple, or is it open to any Mac owner, regardless of where the computer was purchased? Can you tell it's been a while since I last bought a Mac?

Thanks!

 

[alphaod]

The only difference is, with Apple it's easier to get an exchange for defects and such (usually in the lines of scratches, etc.); with a dealer, with the except of a DOA, you'll need to contact repair and support to get the defect fixed.

And Genius bar support is for all Mac owners, even those out of warranty.