Is Buying a Mac from Amazon a good idea?

[i-Want-Apples]

Bought a 30GB 5th generation iPod from them three years ago, and the wheel stopped working after 8 days. Apple told me it would be a while due ton it being just released (Nov 05). Called Amazon, and they told me it would replaced with a new unit w/ next day shipping. Moreover, since I had the unit for a few days, I regretted getting the smaller size, because it offered less RAM and a lower battery life. Anyhow, Amazon let me bump it up to the 60 GB model for the price difference.

Just make sure you get if from Amazon.com, not one of their 'partners'

Wow, that was a lucky break, kind of. When my iPod Touch broke the store I had it from didn't have anymore in stock and couldn't find them in any of their stores that they could take inventory from, so I was able to return it. It was nice to kind of take it on a "test drive" first to make sure I really wanted it before spending the money on it.

I only buy from Amazon directly, I don't quite trust going through the partners, especially on something like a computer.

 

[rupnok]

I bought my Macbook 2.4 white from Amazon - at a $150 discount last spring. The original power adapter was running really hot - I went to the Boston Apple Store, and got it immediately replaced - no question asked.

Unless you are going refurb or build-to-order, my thought is to buy through Amazon (not one of their partners - who are not authorized Apple resellers - make sure the order is fulfilled through Amazon.com!), and save tax.

Hope this helps!

 

[DesignerOnMac]

The way it looks they are the same, and Amazon is an authorized reseller, but that is a good point. The more I think about it, the more I think I should just stick with Apple. Less than $90 isn't really worth the headache it may cause.

Thanks!

The warranty is with Apple and not Amazon or any other reseller. It is 1 year regardless. Apple will honor any sale from Amazon or any authorized reseller.

 

[Nermal]

Amazon's service is excellent. I once got a brand-new DVD and it was scratched. I let Amazon know and they sent me a new copy, reimbursed my costs to send the scratched one back, and gave me a $50 gift certificate for my trouble. That's the best service I've ever seen so I would definitely recommend them

 

[jpk32092]

Do you think someone that has only upgraded memory once, on a PC, could do it?

Yes, just google for some guides and/or search youtube for a few video instructions.

 

[Crazoski]

Amazon is the way to go.
I bought my iMac 24" through Amazon in July 2008. I also bought Applecare and iWork 08. They were also running a $100 rebate at the time and I did not want a printer. By saving on the mac, applecare, and iwork, plus the rebate and tax, I was able to buy the 24" 2.8 C2D for only $50 more than purchasing the 20" iMac with the same extras from the Apple store.
I had no problems with registering for the Applecare purchased through Amazon, which was about $50 cheaper than from Apple at the time.
IWork loaded without a problem. Rebate check came in the mail.
Another trick is to register for the trial of Amazon "Prime" 90 days free. This got me free 2 day shipping. Just remember to cancel it before the 90 days is up.
The wired keyboard is a plus since it has 2 usb 2.0 outlets on it which makes hooking up the iPhone, iPod, etc. easy. I am looking to get a bluetooth mouse though, since the mouse cord takes up one of those spots and the cord gets in the way.
Since I was new to Macs, and my wife had very little computer experience, one of my concernes was the Apple One to One program. I asked at the Apple store if I had to buy the computer from Apple to qualify for the program. ($100 dollars gets you a year of one on one training with a store genius. You can bring your own mac or use one of theirs.) They said it was completely seperate and I could even by someone's used mac and purchase the classes.
I plan to order a new Mac Mini for an HTPC as soon as Amazon offers a rebate on it.
Also, check Other World Computing for memory upgrade. Do it yourself, its just 2 screws under the display of the iMac to take the memory panel off. They even show how to do it on the Apple website under support.

 

[i-Want-Apples]

I bought my Macbook 2.4 white from Amazon - at a $150 discount last spring. The original power adapter was running really hot - I went to the Boston Apple Store, and got it immediately replaced - no question asked.

Unless you are going refurb or build-to-order, my thought is to buy through Amazon (not one of their partners - who are not authorized Apple resellers - make sure the order is fulfilled through Amazon.com!), and save tax.

Hope this helps!

That's good to hear. I obviously don't want to have to use Apple Support, but it sounds like they are good to deal with when you do, aside from some instances.

I'm not doing refurb and I'm not sure about build-to-order, I just need to see what is included, if they have the keyboard with keypad that is my biggest thing, I was planning to get the family edition of iWorks, but that isn't a huge deal as I'm thinking the Mac won't work for my other family member and what they need, unless we install Windows. Unless the Mac is loads better, I probably will stick with PC for them, but I pretty much plan to go Mac for all the others.

The warranty is with Apple and not Amazon or any other reseller. It is 1 year regardless. Apple will honor any sale from Amazon or any authorized reseller.

Great, I figured being an authorized seller should mean something, but it is definitely something to not take a risk on.

Amazon's service is excellent. I once got a brand-new DVD and it was scratched. I let Amazon know and they sent me a new copy, reimbursed my costs to send the scratched one back, and gave me a $50 gift certificate for my trouble. That's the best service I've ever seen so I would definitely recommend them

I've not had any real problems with them yet, fortunately, so I don't have much experience, but the one minor problem I was handled very well and quickly. Great service is always a plus, and the fact that they gave you a gift certificate for your trouble cannot be beat.

Yes, just google for some guides and/or search youtube for a few video instructions.

Thanks, didn't even think of that. I looked at Apple's site for a 'how to' and it looked easy, so I figured I could handle it. I don't use YouTube much, so I never think to check there, but I will definitely check it out.

Amazon is the way to go.
I bought my iMac 24" through Amazon in July 2008. I also bought Applecare and iWork 08. They were also running a $100 rebate at the time and I did not want a printer. By saving on the mac, applecare, and iwork, plus the rebate and tax, I was able to buy the 24" 2.8 C2D for only $50 more than purchasing the 20" iMac with the same extras from the Apple store.
I had no problems with registering for the Applecare purchased through Amazon, which was about $50 cheaper than from Apple at the time.
IWork loaded without a problem. Rebate check came in the mail.
Another trick is to register for the trial of Amazon "Prime" 90 days free. This got me free 2 day shipping. Just remember to cancel it before the 90 days is up.
The wired keyboard is a plus since it has 2 usb 2.0 outlets on it which makes hooking up the iPhone, iPod, etc. easy. I am looking to get a bluetooth mouse though, since the mouse cord takes up one of those spots and the cord gets in the way.
Since I was new to Macs, and my wife had very little computer experience, one of my concernes was the Apple One to One program. I asked at the Apple store if I had to buy the computer from Apple to qualify for the program. ($100 dollars gets you a year of one on one training with a store genius. You can bring your own mac or use one of theirs.) They said it was completely seperate and I could even by someone's used mac and purchase the classes.
I plan to order a new Mac Mini for an HTPC as soon as Amazon offers a rebate on it.
Also, check Other World Computing for memory upgrade. Do it yourself, its just 2 screws under the display of the iMac to take the memory panel off. They even show how to do it on the Apple website under support.

Thanks for all the info. I would like to get Applecare from Amazon as well, but I think it is only $20 less now, plus tax, unfortunately it says you have to buy directly from Apple if you are located in Florida, so looks like I'm stuck with buying at full price.

It has been a few years since I used an Apple, so I'm still trying to decide on One to One. I'm thinking I may not really need it because I've used them in the past and don't really plan to go into anything advanced on it anyway, but it is good to know it is still available.

I will check out the other site as well for memory. I was planning to upgrade to 4gb before they upgraded the Mac line because it only came with 1gb, to upgrade to 4gb on my own was really inexpensive. With 2gb I won't need to do it as soon, so I'm going to see if it is something I need to do first.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Winni]

It doesn't matter when the reseller bought the computer. Your invoice with the date of the sale is the legal document for your warranty. Any authorized service center will want to see it in case you need to claim your warranty. You will also need it when you have purchased AppleCare; the AppleCare contract number does not replace the original invoice.

 

[thelongmorrow]

I havent researched the prices, but, go with what is cheaper. Amazon is an Apple reseller and has really good customer service (from my experience). JUST make sure you are buying it from amazon. You can tell if it says "buy new and used from:" or other buying choices then it is not from amazon. It should say "add to cart". But I think all the new apple stuff on there Amazon has in stock... Also, NEVER buy ram or HD from Apple, you can get 3 1tb HD's for the price of 1 from Apple. (For Mac Pro). And don't be intimidated about adding ram and such, it is easy to do and alot of resources to do it on the web. (Just like you don't need a mechanic to pump your gas (YES ITS THAT EASY!)

There I go again with my analogies....

 

[pupsdaddy]

First things first: I added memory to my iMac without a problem at all. I was nervous about it, but it was easy. Bought the mem at Fry's and saved a ton over Apple's prices.

Secondly: buying from Amazon has two major advantages from buying from Apple online [1] you won't pay sales tax and [2] Amazon ships via UPS while the Apple store uses FedEx Ground.

UPS isn't perfect, but it's better than the mail and FedEx Ground just blows chunks. I had someone wait for FedEx at my house all day to sign for my iMac, which never arrived. Their excuse? "The driver forgot it was on his truck."

I've never had a drama-free delivery from FedEx Ground. Ever.
UPS or mail, no problems at all.

 

[i-Want-Apples]

It doesn't matter when the reseller bought the computer. Your invoice with the date of the sale is the legal document for your warranty. Any authorized service center will want to see it in case you need to claim your warranty. You will also need it when you have purchased AppleCare; the AppleCare contract number does not replace the original invoice.

Great, that is the way I understood the one response to someone that had the problems, but I wanted to be sure. If I have a problem with a product, it always seems to be week after the warranty is up, I certainly wouldn't want it to happen during the period between when Amazon bought it and I bought it.

I havent researched the prices, but, go with what is cheaper. Amazon is an Apple reseller and has really good customer service (from my experience). JUST make sure you are buying it from amazon. You can tell if it says "buy new and used from:" or other buying choices then it is not from amazon. It should say "add to cart". But I think all the new apple stuff on there Amazon has in stock... Also, NEVER buy ram or HD from Apple, you can get 3 1tb HD's for the price of 1 from Apple. (For Mac Pro). And don't be intimidated about adding ram and such, it is easy to do and alot of resources to do it on the web. (Just like you don't need a mechanic to pump your gas (YES ITS THAT EASY!)

I couldn't believe how high the prices were to upgrade with Apple. I was in a chat with one of the sales people the other day and she told me that I was better off upgrading the memory through Apple because otherwise you are paying for it twice. That was before the upgrades and to get two 2gb sticks was under $60, to upgrade to 4gb from 1gb from Apple, I believe, was over $200.... hmmm, I don't see where Apple comes out ahead in that one I watched a video and it seems really easy to do, easier than a PC, now it is just nerve wracking that nothing goes wrong.... and who says I don't use a mechanic to pump my gas
There I go again with my analogies....

First things first: I added memory to my iMac without a problem at all. I was nervous about it, but it was easy. Bought the mem at Fry's and saved a ton over Apple's prices.

Secondly: buying from Amazon has two major advantages from buying from Apple online [1] you won't pay sales tax and [2] Amazon ships via UPS while the Apple store uses FedEx Ground.

UPS isn't perfect, but it's better than the mail and FedEx Ground just blows chunks. I had someone wait for FedEx at my house all day to sign for my iMac, which never arrived. Their excuse? "The driver forgot it was on his truck."

I've never had a drama-free delivery from FedEx Ground. Ever.
UPS or mail, no problems at all.

Thanks, I will check Fry's, didn't even think about them.

The main reason I was going to go with Amazon was to save the sales tax. It isn't a huge savings, but anything helps, it buys my wireless keyboard basically. I haven't really paid attention to the shipping methods since I'm still a while away. I've had good experience with all the main shippers, I actually prefer Fedex where I am now. However, since I'm moving I don't know how that's going to work. I know they were having some problems with the mail, but it seems to be worked out now. I guess I will just have to just live outside until it would come!

Thanks again!

 

[skye12]

I got my last two Macs from Amazon. Unless you need a custom configuration,
you usually get a rebate, pay no sales tax and get the same factory warranty. And the sales tax is a big deal-
its a savings of around $100 for me on a Macbook.

And I also usually upgrade the ram myself much cheaper through OWC
(Other World Computing). You can also get larger 7200 drives there too
for you MB or MBP.

I love Amazon and have never had a problem with them.

 

[fishkorp]

I bought my latest MBP from Amazon. The price for a new one on Amazon worked out to be just a couple dollars more than the price of a refurb from Apple after you factor in tax. Plus the fact that I have Prime (I but TONS from Amazon) means free 2-day shipping or $3 next-day shipping. Amazon has probably the best customer service I've ever dealt with when it comes to problems or returns. I'd buy everything from Amazon if I could. Hell, I even order cereal from Amazon because they don't sell the kind I want at the local grocery stores here, lol.

 

[i-Want-Apples]

I got my last two Macs from Amazon. Unless you need a custom configuration,
you usually get a rebate, pay no sales tax and get the same factory warranty. And the sales tax is a big deal-
its a savings of around $100 for me on a Macbook.

And I also usually upgrade the ram myself much cheaper through OWC
(Other World Computing). You can also get larger 7200 drives there too
for you MB or MBP.

I love Amazon and have never had a problem with them.

I'm still trying to decide what I need on the Mac, once I decide that I will be able to decide if I want/have to go with Apple or if I can go with Amazon. I'm trying to decide if I want the wireless mightymouse and things like that, as well as the keyboard situation. They don't have any rebates on the new iMac yet, just $20 off and then no tax, but they don't offer the $30 savings on iWork, so the price is a little higher there. Once I get all of that figured out it should be smooth sailing from there!

I bought my latest MBP from Amazon. The price for a new one on Amazon worked out to be just a couple dollars more than the price of a refurb from Apple after you factor in tax. Plus the fact that I have Prime (I but TONS from Amazon) means free 2-day shipping or $3 next-day shipping. Amazon has probably the best customer service I've ever dealt with when it comes to problems or returns. I'd buy everything from Amazon if I could. Hell, I even order cereal from Amazon because they don't sell the kind I want at the local grocery stores here, lol.

I've been shopping with Amazon a little more lately. I'm finding where I'm located most of the things I want to buy are not available, so Amazon always seems to work out the best. I've not got Prime yet, but I'm thinking about getting it eventually if I start doing more shopping with them, you can't beat it!

 

[savanahrose]

I've not persoanlly used Apple's mouse yet. I'm hoping to find a Best Buy or something so I don't have to go all the way to the Apple store to try it. If I don't like the mouse I will just get a Logitech. I only use Logitech mouses now because I've not had good experience with Microsofts (2 $80 ones died within a year of buying them, both different models) I've been using Logitech for sometime and been very happy. The only reason I was planning to stay with the mighty mouse was because of the look, but I'm sure there are plenty of others out there that would look good.

Thanks for the headsup!

I don't know about you but to me the mighty mouse is made more ergodynamically for my hand. After a day at work on another kind of mouse my hand hurts. I can be on my computer at home all day without it hurting at all. Make up your mind AFTER you get your mac and use a mighty mouse, or go to the store when you buy your computer then test it out. for me it is lower so my hand is flatter than with other mice. I don't have the wireless mouse so I don't know how it is. I did however have one with a pc and it used too many batteries to make even worth my while.

 

[i-Want-Apples]

I don't know about you but to me the mighty mouse is made more ergodynamically for my hand. After a day at work on another kind of mouse my hand hurts. I can be on my computer at home all day without it hurting at all. Make up your mind AFTER you get your mac and use a mighty mouse, or go to the store when you buy your computer then test it out. for me it is lower so my hand is flatter than with other mice. I don't have the wireless mouse so I don't know how it is. I did however have one with a pc and it used too many batteries to make even worth my while.

I'm planning to go to Best Buy or something to check them out. I've not used the mouse or keyboard yet, so I definitely want to try them. I know I'm going to replace the keyboard because I want to go Wireless with the keyboard and since Apple doesn't have a wireless keyboard with keypad I will have to get another one. I used one of Apple's mice a while back and didn't have any problems with it, but I don't really have problems with regular ones either, yet. I need get a wireless mouse as well because of the desk I will be using, without the USB port on the keyboard the cord for the mouse won't reach.

Thanks for the info, I will definitely check that out. I am on the computer all day, so anything can help!

 

[monokakata]

I've bought six or seven Macs from Amazon, and one from Apple. There's no difference except, as other posters have noted, no shipping (I'm a "Prime" member) and no tax (depending on your state -- NY has forced Amazon to charge NY sales tax).

As several posters noted, sometimes Apple regards the purchase date as the date Amazon bought the machine. This has happened to me twice, but in both cases it was easily fixed.

Finally, consider Applecare from an eBay vendor. I was a little wary about this, but have bought two on eBay. Both registered with Apple instantly, and both were much, much less than buying through Apple or any other standard online vendor. There are many threads on this topic.

 

[surfer144]

Any idea how amazon treats dead pixels? I'm a little worried about ordering it online and getting stuck with them. I'm not even sure I can inspect the one I'd buy in an apple store so it might not be different.

Do they also do the 14 day satisfaction guarantee that apple stores do?

 

[i-Want-Apples]

I've bought six or seven Macs from Amazon, and one from Apple. There's no difference except, as other posters have noted, no shipping (I'm a "Prime" member) and no tax (depending on your state -- NY has forced Amazon to charge NY sales tax).

As several posters noted, sometimes Apple regards the purchase date as the date Amazon bought the machine. This has happened to me twice, but in both cases it was easily fixed.

Finally, consider Applecare from an eBay vendor. I was a little wary about this, but have bought two on eBay. Both registered with Apple instantly, and both were much, much less than buying through Apple or any other standard online vendor. There are many threads on this topic.

According to Amazon I cannot purchase Applecare even from them because you have to buy it directly from Apple when located in Florida. I'd like to save a little money on the Applecare, but it looks like I have to buy from Apple directly.

Any idea how amazon treats dead pixels? I'm a little worried about ordering it online and getting stuck with them. I'm not even sure I can inspect the one I'd buy in an apple store so it might not be different.

Do they also do the 14 day satisfaction guarantee that apple stores do?

I'm not really sure. I read some peoples comments on buying from Amazon and they said they prefer to use Amazon's return policy over Apple's as long as they can because they are easier to deal with or something. So I'm not really sure how they would handle this, but I assume they are okay because a lot of people have gone through them and been happy, but definitely something I will need to check into!

 

[mscriv]

I don't really want to buy a refurb. I prefer to get things new, especially something like a computer, but thanks for the idea.

I would really encourage you to reconsider a refurb or clearance from Apple, especially if saving money on your purchase is a primary goal. You said you wanted an iMac, but haven't mentioned your usage habits/purposes. I ask this because if you don't have to have the "latest and greatest" then it is a great time to buy an iMac since they were just updated. Often Apple will give refurb purchasers a new unit after an upgrade because they are trying to get rid of old stock. Refurbs come with the full warranty and lots of people here at Macrumors have had great experiences going that way. If you don't want to risk it then look at the clearance section of the Apple store, although these prices are pretty much the same as Amazon. Here's what's in the clearance section right now as I type this:


iMac 20-inch 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (previous generation)
20-inch glossy widescreen display
1GB memory
250GB hard drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128MB memory
Built-in iSight Camera
$999.00

iMac 24-inch 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (previous generation)
24-inch glossy widescreen display
2GB memory
320GB hard drive
8x Superdrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB memory
Built-in iSight camera
$1,399.00

The exact same 2.8 24" model is in the refurb section for $1199 or you could go all out and get the 3.06 24" model for $1599.

Just do your research and decide what's best for you. Best of luck.

 

[Big Boss Man]

I bought an MBP, LED ACD, and AppleCare protection from Amazon back in December. With the discounts, rebate, and no taxes I saved hundreds. I have been buying stuff from Amazon for like 10 years now and never have had any issues. I believe the AppleCare protection starts from when Amazon ships.

 

[i-Want-Apples]

I would really encourage you to reconsider a refurb or clearance from Apple, especially if saving money on your purchase is a primary goal. You said you wanted an iMac, but haven't mentioned your usage habits/purposes. I ask this because if you don't have to have the "latest and greatest" then it is a great time to buy an iMac since they were just updated. Often Apple will give refurb purchasers a new unit after an upgrade because they are trying to get rid of old stock. Refurbs come with the full warranty and lots of people here at Macrumors have had great experiences going that way. If you don't want to risk it then look at the clearance section of the Apple store, although these prices are pretty much the same as Amazon. Here's what's in the clearance section right now as I type this:


iMac 20-inch 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (previous generation)
20-inch glossy widescreen display
1GB memory
250GB hard drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128MB memory
Built-in iSight Camera
$999.00

iMac 24-inch 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (previous generation)
24-inch glossy widescreen display
2GB memory
320GB hard drive
8x Superdrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB memory
Built-in iSight camera
$1,399.00

The exact same 2.8 24" model is in the refurb section for $1199 or you could go all out and get the 3.06 24" model for $1599.

Just do your research and decide what's best for you. Best of luck.

Thanks for the suggestion. I may look into the older models, if there isn't a huge difference, I've not really paid attention to the updates, so I don't know what the differences are aside from the processor and memory. I'm not a power user or anything like that, so I don't need top of the line, but I also like to have the newer technology and things so that I don't have to update. The laptop I'm using now was bought two yeas ago and still have similar specs to what is currently available on most laptops, so that is kind of my goal when I buy things.

Refurbs really aren't worth it to me. I don't have to save the money, but when I can save a little money for the same thing, I will, if it is safe to do. With Amazon I feel like it would be kind of dumb on my part to get the same thing from Apple and pay more from it. If Amazon was missing something, then I would go with Apple. I would be really worried to go with a refurb, I would definitley not want one that is scratched or could possibly have problems down the road.

Thanks again for the suggestion, I will take a look at the clearance.

I bought an MBP, LED ACD, and AppleCare protection from Amazon back in December. With the discounts, rebate, and no taxes I saved hundreds. I have been buying stuff from Amazon for like 10 years now and never have had any issues. I believe the AppleCare protection starts from when Amazon ships.

Thanks for letting me know your experience, I love to hear it. I'm definitely going to buy my iPod from them soon and then once I move I will most likely get my Mac from them as well.

As far as Applecare, from what I've been reading, it does start from when you purchase it (or when Amazon ships it, I'm not positive) but some people had it starting from when Amazon purchased it, but they just had to update it or something like that.

 

[raclotz]

doesnt matter where you buy it from... just make sure its original and packed...

 

[Brujo]

Hi everybody, I'm a first time poster looking to buy my first Mac. I didn't want to start a whole new thread, so I'll just ask a question or two here. I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a Aluminum 2.4 Macbook from amazon so I could save a bit over a hundred dollars on sales tax .

So just to recap, If I buy the macbook from amazon and have any problems with it, can I take it to the apple store or do I have to go through amazon? I would be more convenient if i could take it to a apple store, since the nearest one is only about 20 minutes away.

One one hand I would probably have more peace of mind buying from the apple store but on the other hand i do wanna save some money, so i'm not sure exactly what to do. should i just stop worrying and order from amazon?

 

[brop52]

According to Amazon I cannot purchase Applecare even from them because you have to buy it directly from Apple when located in Florida. I'd like to save a little money on the Applecare, but it looks like I have to buy from Apple directly.

It is true for you unfortunately. You must buy it straight from Apple due to Florida law.