Buy a Macbook Pro online or in store?

[MXM]

Hello,

I'm thinking to buy a Macbook pro, but was wondering whether it's better to buy from Apple online store or from their retail store. I heard some machines can be faulty and I won't be able to find out in advance if I order online. On the other hand, it's too troublesome for me to go into their store. Thanks.

 

[ziggyonice]

Not quite sure where you've heard that some machines can be faulty... but regardless of where you get it, it's still the same computer. If you'd like to get it online, then do it. If it has a problem (very unlikely), then give Apple a call and they'll send you a new one. Going to the Apple Store is just fun to do -- but if it's more convenient for you to order it, then just do that.

 

[Performa636CD]

I could be wrong, but I believe laptops purchased at the Apple Store (retail) have fewer customizable options, ie they aren't BTO.

 

[upinflames900]

I could be wrong, but I believe laptops purchased at the Apple Store (retail) have fewer customizable options, ie they aren't BTO.

That's true. If you want the base model then the Apple Store, but if you want to upgrade RAM, Hard Drive, Processor, etc. then use the Apple Store Online. They both cost the same (online is free shipping) so if you know what you want use the internet.

 

[DiamondMac]

I always buy online but that is just me.

I have a friend with a MBP so I got to play with it when I wanted

 

[Hayduke60]

The only drawback to buying online is the fact that you have to wait a couple of days for your new precious. I bought mine online with no tax, no shipping and couldn't be happier.

 

[adamvk]

I'd buy online. Check Apples refurbished section too, they often have great deals.

 

[statofmotion]

I just bought mine today, in store!!
I have a close Apple store by me so I would hate to wait for it knowing I could get it the same day in store. Couldn't be happier!!!

 

[Diseal3]

The only drawback to buying online is the fact that you have to wait a couple of days for your new precious. I bought mine online with no tax, no shipping and couldn't be happier.

And don't forget the otd (Obsessive Tracking Disorder) and the sleepless night the day before expected delivery!

 

[jck1634]

I have to say, if you're buying just the laptop and you don't want the upgraded processor or more RAM, then definitely get yourself down to an Apple Store and buy it.

Like some people have said, if something goes wrong, you have to send it back to Apple and wait a few days to get it back. Where as if you buy instore, they're able to diagnose, and in some cases fix, the problem right there and then.

In my case I bought my UMBP 2.53Ghz, a few days after they were released in October with no hardware upgrades, in store. it developed a fault in April for which I had to hand it back in to the store for a few days to have fixed. As soon as I got it back I realised it was worse than before. They put the DVD drive back in incorrectly, the lid wouldn't close properly, etc. Because I had taken it to the store that I had originally bought it from, the Mac genius just gave me a brand new one with the upgraded 2.66Ghz Processor.

Now imagine if I had bought it online and was obliged to send it back via post to get repaired. Factor in the time it takes to repair, postal times, if repair caused more problems then that meant more postal time, more waiting around, you get the picture right?

That whole process I went though would have taken ages had I bought the item online.

So I would definitely recommend buying in-store where possible. Its just so much easier to kick up a fuss and get your own way in person!

 

[Aboo]

I have to say, if you're buying just the laptop and you don't want the upgraded processor or more RAM, then definitely get yourself down to an Apple Store and buy it.

Like some people have said, if something goes wrong, you have to send it back to Apple and wait a few days to get it back. Where as if you buy instore, they're able to diagnose, and in some cases fix, the problem right there and then.

In my case I bought my UMBP 2.53Ghz, a few days after they were released in October with no hardware upgrades, in store. it developed a fault in April for which I had to hand it back in to the store for a few days to have fixed. As soon as I got it back I realised it was worse than before. They put the DVD drive back in incorrectly, the lid wouldn't close properly, etc. Because I had taken it to the store that I had originally bought it from, the Mac genius just gave me a brand new one with the upgraded 2.66Ghz Processor.

Now imagine if I had bought it online and was obliged to send it back via post to get repaired. Factor in the time it takes to repair, postal times, if repair caused more problems then that meant more postal time, more waiting around, you get the picture right?

That whole process I went though would have taken ages had I bought the item online.

So I would definitely recommend buying in-store where possible. Its just so much easier to kick up a fuss and get your own way in person!

If you buy it online, you can still take it into an Apple Store Genius Bar if you have a problem with it. Its all the same company - Apple. Its just the online store and the retail store are two separate divisions. Thus you can buy a product at an Apple Store and if you have a problem, you can either take it to the store or mail it off to get it repaired. Remember when you mail it off, Apple uses next day shipping, so the total transit time will only be 2 days plus the repair time (usually a day). If you take it into an Apple Store, you will probably have to wait the same amount of time, because many of them don't stock all the spare parts. Also note that if you use the mail-in-service, you don't have to pay for shipping. They email you a prepaid label and ship you a box to put your computer in. Its really quite convenient actually, especially if you dont have an Apple store nearby.

 

[Disavowed]

That's true. If you want the base model then the Apple Store, but if you want to upgrade RAM, Hard Drive, Processor, etc. then use the Apple Store.

The Apple Store CAN upgrade RAM, but nothing else.

 

[MXM]

If you buy it online, you can still take it into an Apple Store Genius Bar if you have a problem with it. Its all the same company - Apple. Its just the online store and the retail store are two separate divisions. Thus you can buy a product at an Apple Store and if you have a problem, you can either take it to the store or mail it off to get it repaired. Remember when you mail it off, Apple uses next day shipping, so the total transit time will only be 2 days plus the repair time (usually a day). If you take it into an Apple Store, you will probably have to wait the same amount of time, because many of them don't stock all the spare parts. Also note that if you use the mail-in-service, you don't have to pay for shipping. They email you a prepaid label and ship you a box to put your computer in. Its really quite convenient actually, especially if you dont have an Apple store nearby.

Thanks, does it depend on which online store I use? I'm living in the UK and I wonder whether I get the same quality service here.

 

[fokket]

It's my understanding that you CAN upgrade RAM at retail stores.

 

[jck1634]

If you buy it online, you can still take it into an Apple Store Genius Bar if you have a problem with it. Its all the same company - Apple. Its just the online store and the retail store are two separate divisions. Thus you can buy a product at an Apple Store and if you have a problem, you can either take it to the store or mail it off to get it repaired. Remember when you mail it off, Apple uses next day shipping, so the total transit time will only be 2 days plus the repair time (usually a day). If you take it into an Apple Store, you will probably have to wait the same amount of time, because many of them don't stock all the spare parts. Also note that if you use the mail-in-service, you don't have to pay for shipping. They email you a prepaid label and ship you a box to put your computer in. Its really quite convenient actually, especially if you dont have an Apple store nearby.

Cool Man. I was under a different impression. in fact I did ask the Mac genius how he was able to replace my laptop with a new one. his answer was simply because I had bought the computer from that very store so it's easier for them to write it off or something.

Anyway, I still stand by my statement. If you're not looking to upgrade anything on your purchase, buy in-store where you can. it always helps to get to know your local Mac Geniuses. I had my iPhone replaced a couple of weeks ago by the same Genius. I botched up a jailbreak process and it just wouldn't work as normal. Im sure the Mac genius knew this, but I think because we were on a first name basis, and I had done a full phone restore he just replaced it for me without asking any questions.