Hi, I'm a pc user contemplating switching to a mac. Where is the best place to purchase one? Does it make a difference to buy at an apple store or at best buy? I agree that a good return policy as well as a good warranty are key in buying electronics, specially if one is going to invest over 1,000.00 in one.
Ok, I'm sticking my head in lion's mouth as I'm sure there are some differing opinions-- but this is my opinion as it is best for my situation. I am a Best Buy Silver Rewards member, which means I get 45 day returns with 0% restocking fee on just about everything at Best Buy (obvious exceptions being open software, etc.). If you don't have that status, then Best Buy is 14 day returns, with 15% restocking fee (I think). Apple Store I believe is 14 days, with a 10% restocking fee. Amazon is 30 days, 15% restocking fee I believe which might give you more of a cushion in terms of days. You can get extended warranties at any of these places, I use American Express and rely on their "doubling" of manufacturer's warranty in place of purchasing extended warranties.
But remember too, most of the time if you're returning within the alloted return time-frames, restocking fees are waived if the item is defective. It's usually pretty easy to find SOMETHING wrong with it (and sometimes they don't even check), so if you really put your mind to it-- you can dodge restocking fees. I'd avoid Microcenter, they are not returns-friendly in my experience (at least the one in Dallas).
I've heard people say that in the actual Apple stores they can be more lenient, and work with you more if you have a return, but I've never heard that from an actual person that had that experience.
As far as warranties go, I've heard good stories / bad stories about everyone's warranties. Since I don't buy them I can't offer any advice other than to say you need to really figure out how long you're going to keep it before you buy it, otherwise it's wasted money. Also, would look at how much you're spending... a 1k laptop vs 2k laptop, be much more inclined to get warranty on more expensive one assuming warranty costs aren't directly proportional. At any rate, hope this helps.
