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buying from B&H Photo/Video?

F

FortWorthMac

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 29, 2008
708
36
the parched earth of North Texas
Hey all,

Probably about to pull the trigger on a new MBP to replace my 3 year old MBA (it'll be for sale soon). Leaning towards picking it up from B&H Photo out of NYC, but buying online. The item is not only less than Apple, but saving on sales tax as I live in Texas. So all in all, saving about $200.00.

Any opinions on that place? I know they have a huge store in NYC but otherwise don't know much about them. I did see that once bought and opened I'm stuck with the item. No returns.

I assume that with any issues I can still take it to the Apple Store for warranty work, no?

Thanks
 
FortWorthMac said:
Hey all,

Probably about to pull the trigger on a new MBP to replace my 3 year old MBA (it'll be for sale soon). Leaning towards picking it up from B&H Photo out of NYC, but buying online. The item is not only less than Apple, but saving on sales tax as I live in Texas. So all in all, saving about $200.00.

Any opinions on that place? I know they have a huge store in NYC but otherwise don't know much about them. I did see that once bought and opened I'm stuck with the item. No returns.

I assume that with any issues I can still take it to the Apple Store for warranty work, no?

Thanks
Click to expand...

They have always been excellent. Quick shipping, responsive customer service, and good return policy if necessary. There is another, similar internet electronics seller out of NYC, on the other hand, that is horrible and the name of which I will not mention. But B&H is rock solid.
 
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I've purchased multiple times from B&H, but smaller stuff like external drives, etc.

I've read a concern or two in the past about their return policy on computers, so I would read their policy good before ordering:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/HelpCenter/ReturnExchange.jsp

No Return/Exchange on the following:
  • Computers and Computer Software, once any of the manufacturer's packaging has been opened.

m
 
marc55 said:
I've purchased multiple times from B&H, but smaller stuff like external drives, etc.

I've read a concern or two in the past about their return policy on computers, so I would read their policy good before ordering:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/HelpCenter/ReturnExchange.jsp

No Return/Exchange on the following:
  • Computers and Computer Software, once any of the manufacturer's packaging has been opened.

m
Click to expand...
Yeah that's my main concern. But as long as Apple still will warranty it, I can live with that.
 
They'e solid and they take their work seriously.

I always check them first before anywhere else for electronics. Also no tax outside of NY :D
 
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FortWorthMac said:
Yeah that's my main concern. But as long as Apple still will warranty it, I can live with that.
Click to expand...
You get a full Apple warranty, and can get Applecare at a discount from them as well if you want it. They usually have deals with bundles; and their used/clearence prices are pretty good but I rarely see the latest MacBooks there.
 
Their customer service has been outstanding for me in the 10 years I've been buying from them. I've spent a ton of money with them in cameras and computers with no issues at all.
 
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FortWorthMac said:
Hey all,

Probably about to pull the trigger on a new MBP to replace my 3 year old MBA (it'll be for sale soon). Leaning towards picking it up from B&H Photo out of NYC, but buying online. The item is not only less than Apple, but saving on sales tax as I live in Texas. So all in all, saving about $200.00.

Any opinions on that place? I know they have a huge store in NYC but otherwise don't know much about them. I did see that once bought and opened I'm stuck with the item. No returns.

I assume that with any issues I can still take it to the Apple Store for warranty work, no?

Thanks
Click to expand...
They have been 100% reliable in dozens of transactions in computer and camera equipment that I have conducted with them over the years. They are totally legit and, as you know, an Apple authorized reseller. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
When I am ready to buy something in electronics, I always turn to them first. They are truly the mensch of the business.
 
FortWorthMac said:
Geez, the decisions.......B&H is having a sell on the 15inch and I can get a 2.2GHz i7 16GB ram, 256SSD for just a few dollars more than the 13inch 2.9GHz, 16GB ram and 256SSD
Click to expand...
Are you looking at this 13"?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1128946-REG/apple_z0qn_mf8403_13_3_macbook_pro_notebook.html

You can get also get last year's 15" 2.5 w/512GB SSD and dedicated video for $1900
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1072689-REG/apple_mgxc2ll_a_15_4_macbook_pro_notebook.html
(note that one is also $100 cheaper at that "other" NYC retailer...)
 
austinpike said:
Are you looking at this 13"?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1128946-REG/apple_z0qn_mf8403_13_3_macbook_pro_notebook.html

You can get also get last year's 15" 2.5 w/512GB SSD and dedicated video for $1900
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1072689-REG/apple_mgxc2ll_a_15_4_macbook_pro_notebook.html
(note that one is also $100 cheaper at that "other" NYC retailer...)
Click to expand...


I was. But ended going with the 13 inch like above but upgraded to the 512gb ssd. I decided on the portability of the 13 as I'm not really a gamer and don't really do much video editing.
 
Just purchased a 15" rMBP from B&H and could not be more pleased with the experience. Shipping was free, lightning fast, and my brand new computer came in perfect condition. They had a $200 discount over the same product from the apple store and with no tax I ended up saving $400. Will likely be buying from them again when I need a new computer.
 
FortWorthMac said:
Hey all,

Probably about to pull the trigger on a new MBP to replace my 3 year old MBA (it'll be for sale soon). Leaning towards picking it up from B&H Photo out of NYC, but buying online. The item is not only less than Apple, but saving on sales tax as I live in Texas. So all in all, saving about $200.00.

Any opinions on that place? I know they have a huge store in NYC but otherwise don't know much about them. I did see that once bought and opened I'm stuck with the item. No returns.

I assume that with any issues I can still take it to the Apple Store for warranty work, no?

Thanks
Click to expand...


Been going to that store for a long time. Never had any issues, and they always seem on top of everything. Even when the place is crowded, there is still a short wait on line. They are very efficient in how the operate. Can't comment on there online service.
 
Yeah the store is very fun to visit if you're in NY. Lots of interesting conveyers with boxes shooting across the ceiling.

I buy hardware direct from Apple because I get an education discount, but I always get the AppleCare package through B&H.
 
It's a little late to chime in, I only have to say that B&H Photo has never had items arrive when they say they will, so be careful! Every item I've ordered online from them has arrived early, often the next day! The last hardware and software items I ordered were placed late in the business day, on the West Coast - and the FedEx guy was there around 8 a.m. - the next day! This coming from a Murray Hill NYC ex-pat - I couldn't have gotten there faster in traffic! :D

They're an Authorized Apple Dealer, so there's some security built-in to your purchase. I'm buying a Blackmagic 4k camera and lenses soon, and I'll be buying from B&H. QED.
 
Well it was a great experience. Bought Tuesday night late. And it arrived yesterday. Thanks for all the feedback. Coincidentally the wife and I just booked a family trip to NYC for next spring. So I'll be sure to stop in the store as well.
 
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FortWorthMac said:
Coincidentally the wife and I just booked a family trip to NYC for next spring. So I'll be sure to stop in the store as well.
Click to expand...
Grrr. Envy.

While you're near there, make sure you visit Best Bagel & Coffee (on W 35th St.) and NY Pizza Suprema (on 8th Ave.). Both are only a couple of blocks away from B&H and your tummies will be very, very happy you went.
 
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FortWorthMac said:
Well it was a great experience. Bought Tuesday night late. And it arrived yesterday. Thanks for all the feedback. Coincidentally the wife and I just booked a family trip to NYC for next spring. So I'll be sure to stop in the store as well.
Click to expand...

Just remember they are closed on Saturdays so you need to plan your visit around that. Definitely worth a stop, they are a great company.
 
Last edited:
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jlc1978 said:
Just remember they are closed on Saturdays so you need to plan your visit around that. Definitely worth a stop, there a great company.
Click to expand...

They also close during most Jewish holidays--Passover is at the end of April, and they'll likely be closed for some, if not all of it.
 
campyguy said:
Grrr. Envy.

While you're near there, make sure you visit Best Bagel & Coffee (on W 35th St.) and NY Pizza Suprema (on 8th Ave.). Both are only a couple of blocks away from B&H and your tummies will be very, very happy you went.
Click to expand...


Well, we're certainly one to never miss a meal so we'll check it out.

Thanks

BTW, this new MBP rocks. It's way faster than my 3 year old iMac. Whose 27inch screen I'm using BTW. :)
 
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Chiming in late, but just to echo everyone's comments, B&H Photo ROCKS! I have spent THOUSANDS$$$ with them, in fact I'm about to buy a 5d Mark iii from 'em in the next few weeks
 
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