Poll: Do You Usually Custom Order Your Mac Directly From Apple Online Or Purchase It From A Store?

[PROFESS0R]

Good Morning All,

I have always custom ordered my computers directly from Apple, but in reviewing the current threads on the new 16” MacBook Pro, it seems that more people than I expected will pick up preconfigured computers from a store, sometimes getting a suboptimal machine that is not ideal for them. This made me wonder.... how do you purchase your MacBook Pro? If not custom ordered, do you get more features, less features, or the exact computer you need?

Joe

 

[Stephen.R]

My last purchase (2018 Mac mini) was a custom order from Apple online (i7/500/64), because there was no config even close to what I ordered, and even if I wanted to spend the time upgrading the RAM myself, 32GB DIMMs weren't available here (Thailand) at the time. I did, as it happens ask a reseller (same one mentioned below) about a custom-order Mini - their ETA was something like 11-14 weeks. Apple had it to me in I think 6 or 7 days.

The one just before that (2018 MBP15) was a 'pick up what they have in stock' from a reseller, because at the time I didn't realise Apple accepted payments our business could make (effectively, bank transfers). I needed the machine relatively urgently (old machine had hardware issues) so it was a "what can I get quickly" situation. It works fine for light duties, as a 'get some work done, but nothing too heavy duty' portable/spare but it's definitely 'less' than I would've got if I'd known I could custom order from Apple and pay from the company.

 

[terraphantm]

I generally custom order, but this time I decided to buy an in stock model. I picked an in stock model that was probably a bit more than I needed (2.4/32GB/55008GB/2TB). I would have gone with the 2.3 and 55004GB if that was something they stocked in stores.

 

[drober30]

My last couple of computers I have custom ordered through Apple mostly to get the 16GB of memory. I also purchase through Apple because I received the Barclay Apple Rewards card and I get 0% financing and Apple gift cards with points.

I most likely will buy my 16" Macbook Pro from the Apple Store because it comes with 16GB of RAM and 32GB pushes the price of the laptop to high and I probably don't need it, though I do want it...lol.

 

[fhamadeh]

I always tend to order directly from Apple because of the customization options. I did but a stock model from a non-Apple Store once, and I wasn't satisfied with the computer. It was fine, but I wish it had more memory and storage.

 

[alphaod]

For a custom model, I will buy through the business team at a local Apple Store.

Otherwise, I usually go to a store like Best Buy with a more generous return policy in case I have problems and where I can collect some points.

 

[PROFESS0R]

This is my issue as well... I would like my computer faster, b I do not want to settle for anything less than exactly what I want... the expense is simply too great to settle.

I always tend to order directly from Apple because of the customization options. I did but a stock model from a non-Apple Store once, and I wasn't satisfied with the computer. It was fine, but I wish it had more memory and storage.