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jclardy

macrumors 601
Original poster
Oct 6, 2008
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Does anyone know of any better way to check nearby Apple store inventory? I’m trying to pick up an M1 iMac, not in any particular rush, but the Apple Store app/website makes it a nightmare for finding what is in stock in a physical apple store. The main problem is I don’t have a strong color preference, which means I need to select one of 7 colors, select either the 1499 or 1699 model, then check the ram upgrade and every memory configuration + trackpad/mouse which takes forever. Then there are two apple stores nearby, and it only shows the one selected, so you have to tap into that as well just to find they have no stock.

Is there any way I can create a 8 CPU/8 GPU/16GB/1TB/Mouse+Trackpad “search” in any color just to track whether the apple store gets that model in? Or does anyone know if stores even sell this specific config?

I can always order online, but any 16GB memory configuration is already pushed to mid-July, so I’d rather just wait till after WWDC to order, unless I can find one in stock.
 
They only carry blue and silver in store in that combo. It’s the only one beside the base model that they have in store. Hope that helps.
 
If you're "not in any rush", why not just order one from Apple's online page...?

These can be shipped to Apple Stores for pickup, if you wish.
 
Given the variety of configurations now possible, I doubt there is an 'easy' way to check store stock using the Apple order page, but you can certainly work through the combinations without too much trouble, recognizing that it is a snapshot in time and they probably get new inventory on a regular basis (and are selling from their inventory as well), so what is in the store today is not going to be the same as what they have tomorrow (usually).

If I was in your situation, and 'not in any rush', I would give it a couple of weeks so that the supply chain could begin to get the store stocks better filled, and then check online again or simply just go to my closest Apple store and talk to them. They could probably check the other local stores quicker than you can, too, if they didn't happen to have your exact preference.

Taking some time also gives you the ability to see what is announced at WWDC, just in case that has an influence on what you finally decide to purchase.
 
Both the mouse and trackpad are excellent depending on what you are doing. I regularly use both. Fine editing in graphics or music software is way easier for me with a mouse, web browsing is better with a trackpad.
 
Have you used the magic track pad with an iMac? its absolutely amazing and I have completely stopped using my Magic Mouse.

I absolutely can't make that transition. After so many years of using a mouse, I can't get anything like the fine control of objects that I need in the work that I do with a trackpad. It has taken me a long time to not need a mouse on my MacBook... and I don't use that for serious work!

As mcdreamer just said, they are suited to different uses.
 
Both the mouse and trackpad are excellent depending on what you are doing. I regularly use both.

I use both, often simultaneously. For this post use trackpad to quickly scroll though comments, which mouse doesn't as well. Use mouse to quote from comments, paste, etc. Right click with mouse is also more convenient than using trackpad.
 
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They only carry blue and silver in store in that combo. It’s the only one beside the base model that they have in store. Hope that helps.
Yup, can't find the mid to high tier iMac in stock at my local (6 Apple) stores.

If you are looking for a base model, they are available.

Just wait some weeks until inventory builds up and check in the Apple Store locator...
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Screen Shot 2021-05-30 at 9.45.19 AM.png
 
Correct. Does anyone actually prefer trackpad over mouse for a desktop?
I use both. Trackpad to the left side of the keyboard. You get mouse precision for clicking + gestures + way easier scrolling/zooming/navigating in apps like sketch/figma.

If you're "not in any rush", why not just order one from Apple's online page...?

These can be shipped to Apple Stores for pickup, if you wish.
Mainly because I don't want to order with a mid-July delivery date, if the model I want is going to end up popping up in my local Apple store next week. They don't make it obvious what models actually show up for sale in the stores unless they are actually in stock at that very moment. That plus WWDC is next week with likely a few other hardware announcements.

They only carry blue and silver in store in that combo. It’s the only one beside the base model that they have in store. Hope that helps.
Great, thanks - now I can know what to actually look for 😁 It would be nice to know what SKUs are actually going to be available for pickup locally without a custom order.
 
I would be surprised if any more Apple Silicon iMacs were announced at WWDC. If the 27" replacement was close it would seem odd that they didn't hold back the M1 iMac to release both at the same time. Probably if there is new hardware it'll be the new 16" MBP and perhaps a high-end Mini. Once they have decent supply for the new MBP then they'll probably release the new larger iMac. At least that's my guess.
 
I wound up snagging this 16gb/1TB M1 MBP near Christmas by checking the stock at the local store early in the morning. I am currently checking for the same config of the M1 iMac in several colors, but probably waiting awhile for anything to show up at the local store (and be available for courier delivery.)

Am also waiting to see what the larger iMac and more powerful Mac mini have as far as specs.
 
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