Originally posted by mmatlock
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There are many places to purchase your Mac. I'd try one of the on-line sites or, better yet, get their 800 number from the site and call them. You can check MacMall MacWarehouse, MacZone, etc. They are all reliable and have good prices if you don't want to shop around. By using them you do not have to pay sales tax. They normally have the computer in stock ready to ship -- another reason for calling, you can check availability.
You can have next day delivery if you want to pay for it. It's not that expensive -- maybe $35.
As an enrolled student you can buy a Mac from your school's bookstore or you can use the educational protion of the Apple Store -- part of Apple Web site. You normally get a couple hundred off but you may have to pay tax. You'll have to document you are an enrolled student.
All Apple computers are built at plants and shipped to distributors and stores. They are not build special unless you order them speical -- something you will not have to do.
I hope this info help.