What do you suggest?
There's not too many ways to get a great price on one.
I'd probably buy a refurbished one from Apple. The model that retails for $1,999 will meet my needs. It's on the refurb store every day at $1,699. (Sometimes they have the previous non-unibody models for $1,349 but I think I've settled on a unibody).
My wife is a school teacher and I could probably buy a system through the current back-to-school deals. However, by the time I pay the $1,899 plus the $229 for the iPod touch and tax on top of that, then sell the iPod touch and collect the rebate the system would cost $26 more (net $1,827 education deal vs net $1,801 for the refurb).
I asked Apple once in the past if there are any education discounts on refurbished products - no. They're discounted enough already I was told.
I bought my iMac on eBay last year and took advantage of the Live cashback program. Ended up with a four month old machine that was barely used for $800. Don't think I'm comfortable buying a machine that's almost twice the $ on eBay though. The cashback program is not what it was (I don't think).
The only other thought I have is Craig's List. If I could buy one face to face and actually get to test it out before hand maybe I could get a deal. My only concern would be that I don't want to buy a stolen system. I know I can easily check the warranty status if I have the serial number. Not sure there is an easy check to make sure I'm not receiving stolen goods.
What do you think?
There's not too many ways to get a great price on one.
I'd probably buy a refurbished one from Apple. The model that retails for $1,999 will meet my needs. It's on the refurb store every day at $1,699. (Sometimes they have the previous non-unibody models for $1,349 but I think I've settled on a unibody).
My wife is a school teacher and I could probably buy a system through the current back-to-school deals. However, by the time I pay the $1,899 plus the $229 for the iPod touch and tax on top of that, then sell the iPod touch and collect the rebate the system would cost $26 more (net $1,827 education deal vs net $1,801 for the refurb).
I asked Apple once in the past if there are any education discounts on refurbished products - no. They're discounted enough already I was told.
I bought my iMac on eBay last year and took advantage of the Live cashback program. Ended up with a four month old machine that was barely used for $800. Don't think I'm comfortable buying a machine that's almost twice the $ on eBay though. The cashback program is not what it was (I don't think).
The only other thought I have is Craig's List. If I could buy one face to face and actually get to test it out before hand maybe I could get a deal. My only concern would be that I don't want to buy a stolen system. I know I can easily check the warranty status if I have the serial number. Not sure there is an easy check to make sure I'm not receiving stolen goods.
What do you think?
