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Source to buy new iMac

G

garycurtis

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 15, 2010
331
0
Los Angeles & Northern California
I'm pleased to see all the new Haswell-chipped iMacs available. I need to buy my new 27" iMac where I have credit. I don't have it with Apple. But is there any disadvantage if I buy from either BHPhoto or Amazon.com?

In the case of BHPhoto, they don't charge California sales tax on items shipped to that state.
 
B&H and Amazon both have good service & after-sales support, IMO, so I'd simply buy from whomever you prefer at this moment.
 
garycurtis said:
I'm pleased to see all the new Haswell-chipped iMacs available. I need to buy my new 27" iMac where I have credit. I don't have it with Apple. But is there any disadvantage if I buy from either BHPhoto or Amazon.com?

In the case of BHPhoto, they don't charge California sales tax on items shipped to that state.
Click to expand...

Apple and Amazon charge CA state tax.

BHPhoto is on the east coast, so they likely don't. In that case you'll have to declare the purchase and pay the use tax like everyone else does on their tax return at the end of the year.
 
garycurtis said:
I'm pleased to see all the new Haswell-chipped iMacs available. I need to buy my new 27" iMac where I have credit. I don't have it with Apple. But is there any disadvantage if I buy from either BHPhoto or Amazon.com?

In the case of BHPhoto, they don't charge California sales tax on items shipped to that state.
Click to expand...
The only disadvantage is that you can't do a custom configuration. If you want one of the stock configurations, then no there is no disadvantage.
 
rworne said:
Apple and Amazon charge CA state tax.

BHPhoto is on the east coast, so they likely don't. In that case you'll have to declare the purchase and pay the use tax like everyone else does on their tax return at the end of the year.
Click to expand...

HA! A comedian!
 
Weaselboy said:
Some vendors do allow custom configuration. I know MacMall does.
Click to expand...
Ah, but they were asking about 2 specific vendors. And the disadvantage of ordering a custom configuration from a vendor is they don't necessarily place the order the same day you order. Also, you have to wait for the vendor to get the unit shipped to them before they can ship it to you.

In short ordering an in stock configuration, it doesn't matter much where you order it from. For a custom config, ordering directly from Apple will get it to you the fastest.
 
Bear said:
Ah, but they were asking about 2 specific vendors. And the disadvantage of ordering a custom configuration from a vendor is they don't necessarily place the order the same day you order. Also, you have to wait for the vendor to get the unit shipped to them before they can ship it to you.

In short ordering an in stock configuration, it doesn't matter much where you order it from. For a custom config, ordering directly from Apple will get it to you the fastest.
Click to expand...

I was simply pointing out the option is there if the OP wishes to use it.
 
B&HPhoto often have upgraded models for sale so you don't have to do a custom order. I have bought several "maxed out" Macs from them over the past few years ... in stock and same day shipping.


-howard
 
Thanks for these insights. One or two further questions. I know that I want a 27". Whether it is an i5 or i7 is secondary to my primary use of digital photo -- which relies mainly on the GPU, not the CPU.

And I want Fusion Drive. What is the current 'better' GPU and video ram (if that's what it's called)? Not the best, but sort up there in terms of graphic speed?
 
One caveat with a vendor like ( with ) B&H ... No returns...period. Unless you are shipped a brick...you cannot return the machine if you decide it is not for you...or you plain'ol dislike it.
 
I like buying from macmall but it was a two week wait for a maxed iMac.

there are some painful penalties for returns though so be sure.
 
garycurtis said:
Thanks for these insights. One or two further questions. I know that I want a 27". Whether it is an i5 or i7 is secondary to my primary use of digital photo -- which relies mainly on the GPU, not the CPU.

And I want Fusion Drive. What is the current 'better' GPU and video ram (if that's what it's called)? Not the best, but sort up there in terms of graphic speed?
Click to expand...
The 27" iMacs have the choice of 3 graphics options - 755M, 775M and 780M.

I think your best choice would be the 3.4GHz i5 which has the 775M and add the fusion drive to that. Note you will have to order it at a store that allows custom configurations most likely.
 
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