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Moving to USA in 2 weeks. Need advice buying a mac.

A

alyshehata

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 13, 2012
63
0
Hey guys. I'll be moving to lexington, KY in about 2 weeks from now. I'm going to university and buying a mac is the least of my worries. However, since I'm going to be new to the whole country, would anyone care to help me out understand the system a little more.


I want to buy the retina macbook pro since I plan to keep this laptop for a while. I was thinking either Apple Stores/Amazon/or BestBuy.

I was going to pay for it in cash (with the student discount) since that's pretty much what I'm used to when buying from my area (I live in the middle east). but then I heard about reward systems and discounts using credit cards and stuff.

I researched online but I'm still convinced that you as actual consumers would help me out more and at least lead me to the best options I have.

I know it might sound stupid, but it's really difficult moving from a place to another, especially when you've lived all your life in a totally different life style. Thanks for the help :)
 
alyshehata said:
Hey guys. I'll be moving to lexington, KY in about 2 weeks from now. I'm going to university and buying a mac is the least of my worries. However, since I'm going to be new to the whole country, would anyone care to help me out understand the system a little more.


I want to buy the retina macbook pro since I plan to keep this laptop for a while. I was thinking either Apple Stores/Amazon/or BestBuy.

I was going to pay for it in cash (with the student discount) since that's pretty much what I'm used to when buying from my area (I live in the middle east). but then I heard about reward systems and discounts using credit cards and stuff.

I researched online but I'm still convinced that you as actual consumers would help me out more and at least lead me to the best options I have.

I know it might sound stupid, but it's really difficult moving from a place to another, especially when you've lived all your life in a totally different life style. Thanks for the help :)
Click to expand...

Just use cash. Don't fall into that liberal debt hole with credit cards just to get a few rewards.

Pay cash, have ID, and enjoy your laptop and the South
 
gentlefury said:
I agree, if I can't pay cash, I don't want it!
Click to expand...

Macman756 said:
Just use cash. Don't fall into that liberal debt hole with credit cards just to get a few rewards.

Pay cash, have ID, and enjoy your laptop and the South
Click to expand...


Haha.. well that was straight to the point. Do i take it as a general rule? Since I will have quite a bit of cash with me for a car, rent, and utilities need to settle in. Or should I use some sort of credit/debit card when needed?
 
alyshehata said:
Hey guys. I'll be moving to lexington, KY in about 2 weeks from now. I'm going to university and buying a mac is the least of my worries. However, since I'm going to be new to the whole country, would anyone care to help me out understand the system a little more.


I want to buy the retina macbook pro since I plan to keep this laptop for a while. I was thinking either Apple Stores/Amazon/or BestBuy.

I was going to pay for it in cash (with the student discount) since that's pretty much what I'm used to when buying from my area (I live in the middle east). but then I heard about reward systems and discounts using credit cards and stuff.

I researched online but I'm still convinced that you as actual consumers would help me out more and at least lead me to the best options I have.

I know it might sound stupid, but it's really difficult moving from a place to another, especially when you've lived all your life in a totally different life style. Thanks for the help :)
Click to expand...

It isn't stupid at all. I have experience moving to different nations as well so things always seem daunting.

The online or offline Apple Stores are definitely a safe way to purchase, what with speedy transactions and refund and return policy. I got my PowerBook at an offline store when I was in the States myself..and people did look at me a bit funny when I took out hundred dollar bills, but that was about it. Just remember to bring your student ID with you if you buy offline.

Also, you could check your university's book store and see if they sell the Retina. However, chances are that you may have to go online if you want to customize your order (more RAM, more SSD, etc.)
 
Can't comment for the US, but in the UK don't fall for the whole buying on credit or finance. They entice you to get a Credit card with 0% interest rates for the first 12 months and then it goes up to ridiculous rates. Just pay in cash assuming don't have a debit card yet.

I would never recommend anybody to buy on credit or finance, never mind a student having a credit card. I don't know if this is the norm in the US, but in the UK not a lot of students have a credit card (we have a interest £1k arranged overdraft instead pretty much. It's not worth getting yourself a negative credit score which will stick with you for a long time while you're a student and have consequences at a later date. I've seen students who have credit cards end up in a load of trouble with it by the end of the year when they realise they simply can't afford to pay off the bills and are then crippled by the ridiculous APR.

Granted this will now sound hypocritical as I do have a credit card, but it is only ever used for big purchases (particularly online) as it offers greater security compared against fraud and company issues if anything goes wrong. It is then paid off instantly to avoid being charged the interest. Nonetheless really don't bother with them unless you are 100% sure you can financially disciplined and not use it as a blank (+x% interest) cheque. If you're going to get a credit card, use it as a debit card with the added security. It's really not worth the hassle.
 
alyshehata said:
Haha.. well that was straight to the point. Do i take it as a general rule? Since I will have quite a bit of cash with me for a car, rent, and utilities need to settle in. Or should I use some sort of credit/debit card when needed?
Click to expand...

Get a debit card. Open a US Checking account, deposit all your cash and use the debit card as cash. You can't loan or overdraft, and you always have all your funds. Plus you can bill pay from the checking account for utilities. No utility company will accept cash as payment in the mail anyways.
 
Everything I buy is with a debit card that comes from my bank accounts. I don't have any credit cards! It is a HUGE scam! I had a credit card for IKEA when I first moved and got furniture...a year later I still had the same balance having paid for 12 months!!! I paid it all off and told them to cancel it!
 
alyshehata said:
Haha.. well that was straight to the point. Do i take it as a general rule? Since I will have quite a bit of cash with me for a car, rent, and utilities need to settle in. Or should I use some sort of credit/debit card when needed?
Click to expand...

Depends if you literally mean paper cash or just money in an account. I'd certainly rather carry around a debit card than several thou in notes!
 
gentlefury said:
Everything I buy is with a debit card that comes from my bank accounts. I don't have any credit cards! It is a HUGE scam! I had a credit card for IKEA when I first moved and got furniture...a year later I still had the same balance having paid for 12 months!!! I paid it all off and told them to cancel it!
Click to expand...

You must have been paying the bare minimum, aka interest only
 
First of all I'd like to say welcome to the USA and hopefully you have a very enjoyable move. I myself moved from the Middle East about two years ago and had the same questions as you did.
Obviously, all three retailers are great but you'd rather off buy it from the Apple Store.
In terms of the card as a general rule, a Debit Card would be sufficient if you're here on temporary basis. If you like me are moving here to start a future with a PR card or with a passport, I don't see any harm in getting a credit card and start building some credit for the future. They're anal about these things nowadays and me as a two year student and resident still face tough times with no credit history..
 
A couple of different ways to get lower cost.

Get education discount at college bookstore, at Apple store..etc.

Purchase the computer on tax free weekend. Many states will suspend sales taxes on a weekend in August for purchases of clothing, computers, and other back-to-school supplies. If KY does not do it, look at neighboring states such as Virginia or Tennessee.

Ideally get both the education discount and tax free at an Apple store.
 
MCAsan said:
A couple of different ways to get lower cost.

Get education discount at college bookstore, at Apple store..etc.

Purchase the computer on tax free weekend. Many states will suspend sales taxes on a weekend in August for purchases of clothing, computers, and other back-to-school supplies. If KY does not do it, look at neighboring states such as Virginia or Tennessee.

Ideally get both the education discount and tax free at an Apple store.
Click to expand...

GA has tax-free every August 1st/July 31st. KY should be the same
 
We have not had tax free weekend in GA in several years. We used to have it. So for tax free weekend (the first full weekend in August), I have to drive to South Carolina to purchase our new rMBPs. Tennessee has tax free weekend; however, they limit computer items to $1500.
 
MCAsan said:
We have not had tax free weekend in GA in several years. We used to have it. So for tax free weekend (the first full weekend in August), I have to drive to South Carolina to purchase our new rMBPs. Tennessee has tax free weekend; however, they limit computer items to $1500.
Click to expand...

That's right. I was born in GA, and all growing up it was August 1st tax free. But SC for sure, again not sure on KY
 
alyshehata said:
Haha.. well that was straight to the point. Do i take it as a general rule? Since I will have quite a bit of cash with me for a car, rent, and utilities need to settle in. Or should I use some sort of credit/debit card when needed?
Click to expand...

Slivortal said:
They have to - cash is legal tender to pay all debts, public and private (at least in the USA).
Click to expand...

I believe this is common practice in G20 countries were currency fraud isn't a huge issue.
 
Just buy it from an online retailer who does not charge tax. If the issue is you dont have a credit card, call them and see if you can wire the funds.

Otherwise, charge it and when the first bill comes, pay it off.
 
alyshehata said:
Hey guys. I'll be moving to lexington, KY in about 2 weeks from now. I'm going to university and buying a mac is the least of my worries. However, since I'm going to be new to the whole country, would anyone care to help me out understand the system a little more.

I want to buy the retina macbook pro since I plan to keep this laptop for a while. I was thinking either Apple Stores/Amazon/or BestBuy.

I was going to pay for it in cash (with the student discount) since that's pretty much what I'm used to when buying from my area (I live in the middle east). but then I heard about reward systems and discounts using credit cards and stuff.
Click to expand...

Welcome!

Getting credit in a new country can be difficult, particularly since you are a student with no income. I was in the UK for two years, and despite a healthy income and good credit rating, I had limited credit options (mostly what my employer was able to arrange). If you have an AMEX card where you are now, you might call them up and see if they will issue you a US version.

In any case once you do establish credit, be aware that most reward programs are based on a 1% return. In other words, you earn $.01 in rewards for every $1 you spend, so don't think you are missing out on too much. Some credit cards extend warranties for a year, and offer other benefits, but there are ways of getting similar benefits. Since you are new here and a student, I'd use debit cards and cash as much as possible. Given how much you pay for a college education here, why bother going into any more debt than required. On a side note, as advanced as we are here, we still use cash and checks quite a lot (though no retailer with any smarts will let you walk out of a store with a $2200 computer with a check). Europeans, Japanese, and Chinese are astonished at how much we still use checks and cash.

Apple Stores are great in terms of availability and service. However, they also charge full price. Amazon and some of the online retailers (e.g. MacMall) have slightly lower prices, but sometimes their service and return policies aren't as good. The Retina MBP is pretty hard to find, though, so don't expect big discounts. Best Buy is offering discounts of about $100 on the base model rMBP. That's probably about as good as it will get for a while.

Another thing to consider is insurance. You'll have a $2200 computer in your room that is relatively easy to steal. Consider getting a rental insurance policy (hopefully your university can help you find some reputable providers in your area - State Farm, Allstate, and Farmers are three reputable companies). It might cost you $200 or so for a $20,000 policy, but it will be well worth it. Also consider investing in a Time Capsule or other backup device. Computers can be replaced, but data is precious.
 
Japan is pretty much a pure cash country, so not sure why they'd be surprised that Americans still use it.

As everyone else has already mentioned, just pay cash. I went to my Apple Store and paid in cash...was a lot of money to pull out and carry with me, but I was to excited to run to the bank first to deposit it for my debit card. The employee was happy to take it lol.

Be sure to mention you're a student. When my brother bought his Mac with a student discount, they didn't even ask him for his student ID.
 
Macman756 said:
Just use cash. Don't fall into that liberal debt hole with credit cards just to get a few rewards.

Pay cash, have ID, and enjoy your laptop and the South
Click to expand...

x100000000

This is the best advice you will ever find on the internet... he's totally right!

----------
alyshehata said:
Haha.. well that was straight to the point. Do i take it as a general rule? Since I will have quite a bit of cash with me for a car, rent, and utilities need to settle in. Or should I use some sort of credit/debit card when needed?
Click to expand...

Definitely take it as a general rule. Pay cash when you can and if you must use a credit card then immediately pay it off as soon as you see it appear on your online bank statement and keep your balance at $0.
 
alyshehata said:
Hey guys. I'll be moving to lexington, KY in about 2 weeks from now. I'm going to university and buying a mac is the least of my worries. However, since I'm going to be new to the whole country, would anyone care to help me out understand the system a little more.
I want to buy the retina macbook pro since I plan to keep this laptop for a while. I was thinking either Apple Stores/Amazon/or BestBuy... :)
Click to expand...

You're probably far more disciplined at cash management than most of on the forum.

For buying a Mac, I'd suggest looking first at the computer store that's associated with the school you're attending. You will likely get the best discount there. If it's University of Kentucky Lexington, they have a web page here: http://www.uky.edu/Purchasing/ebuy/apple.php
 
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