Saving Over $300...What Do You Think?

[mikeyangelo58]

Very close to making a purchase from Apple's Online Education Store.

Overview:

- iMac 21.5 inch 2.7 GHz Price: $1,499.00

(4 GB Memory, 1 TB Hard Drive, Magic Trackpad, Keyboard non-wireless)


- Espon Workforce 630 Price: $149.95

(Print, Copy, Scan, Fax, Wireless)


- Back To School Card Price: $100.00

(App Store, iTunes Store, iBookstore)



Total (Tax Included): $1,864.87

- $100.00 Education Discount
- $100.00 Back To School Promotion
- $100.00 Printer Mail-in Rebate
- FREE SHIPPING

Total (Discounts Included): $1,564.87

Total Savings: $300+

Background:

I'm eager to buy now in order to take advantage of current promotional offers.

Came close to making this purchase in May - July of 2011.
Waited because I wanted OS X Lion to come pre-installed.
Fortunately, I also avoided the 1 TB Seagate Hard Drive Recall.

The last time I purchased an iMac was in late 2005.
I bought the last PowerPC model from December 2005.
Apple transitioned to Intel processer in January 2006.
Nightmare.

I want to avoid something like this from happening again.

Which is why one rumor has me worried, although I understand it just a rumor.
Possibly an entirely new Apple computer product line coming early 2012.
My fear is a completely redesigned iMac.

A few more things:

Is there a benefit to ordering Online rather than at an Apple Store?

- such as the ability to swap out the Magic Mouse for the Magic Trackpad.
- I don't believe you can do this when buying in-person.

Is there a benefit to waiting until after the Back To School Promotion Ends?

- perhaps an upcoming sale or promotion to follow the BTS deal.
- November's black friday seems to be the only realistic approaching sale.

Is there a benefit to waiting until Apple releases new products?

- several products are due for updates (iPhone, iPods, MacPros, etc).
- could lower prices of existing products or become promotional incentives.

---------

Thanks so much for your time.
I look forward to hearing back your thoughts and feelings.
Any feedback is welcomed.

Thanks Again.

 

[Old Muley]

Do It, Do It, Do It

Online vs. In Store: I have only ever purchased my Macs on line. The reason for this is that the nearest Apple store is several hours away. So far I've had nothing but good luck purchasing on-line.

BTS Promo: Why wait? They are giving you a good deal now. The BTS promo is probably one of the best promo's Apple will run all year.

Now or Wait: You can play the "wait for the next release" game forever and keep using what you've got, or you can jump in an enjoy a new Mac now. Does your current setup meet your needs? If so, then wait... on the other hand your system is getting long in the tooth and is starting to limp along, then get a new one. I pulled the trigger on a early 2009 iMac just months before the 27" i3/i5/i7 ones were introduced. Would it have been nice to have the newer one? Sure! But my 24" dual-core iMac is more than sufficient for what I do.

 

[Hellhammer]

Just buy now. iMac won't be updated until early 2012 and BTS is the best promo that Apple has. Waiting game is endless and often disappointing.

 

[csjcsj]

If you have a valid educational ID card, showing it in the Apple store will get you the educational pricing.

 

[Young Spade]

If you have a valid educational ID card, showing it in the Apple store will get you the educational pricing.

This. I just walked in, flashed my school ID, and got the discount and he gave me the gift card and knocked 100 off the price.

But just get it now; the next "big" upgrade to think about (with desktops anyway) would by Ivy Bridge and that won't be ready until next year.

Get it now if you want it now.

 

[mikeyangelo58]

Thanks

Just wanted to thank those for their feedback.
Much appreciated.

I'll likely be making my purchase within the next 10 days.
Before the BTS promotion ends.

Thanks again.