Well, I finally did it........almost

[rotlex]

After MUCH deliberation, and reading about iMac issues, doing some complaining myself, and just generally getting irritated, I walked into my local Apple store, read, within 5 minutes of my doorstep, and bought a new iMac!

Well, kind of, LOL. I finally decided upon the 24" 2.8 model, and uh, low and behold, they were out of stock! This was actually a good thing though, as I DID order it while in the store. I say a good thing, as it made me realize it was better to order the 2.4, upgrade to 2.8, upgrade to the 500GB drive, keep the 1GB ram, and pay $150 less than I would have at the store itself. (Basically, by the thing being out of stock, it saved me money, and yes, I already have 4GB of ram sitting here on the desk waiting to be installed)

I also picked up a 1TB WD external drive to go along with it, which is also now sitting here.

Oh, one last thing. I hate the fact that I can't remember the sale guys name. He was great - and even, for the first time, drum roll please, acknowledged the possible freezing issues, although he did state he has seen very few direct reports in store of it. Here's hoping. Apple site says it COULD ship as early as tomorrow which would be AWESOME!!!!!!!!

Oh yeah, and the same great guy scored me a Leopard release day T-shirt.

Let's here it for the Lehigh Valley Apple Store!!!!!!!!

 

[l33r0y]

Not surprising the 2.8 was 'out of stock' as they are not a stock item for Apple Stores. They are CTO only (customise to order - i.e. can only be ordered through Apple.com)

 

[rotlex]

Not surprising the 2.8 was 'out of stock' as they are not a stock item for Apple Stores. They are CTO only (customise to order - i.e. can only be ordered through Apple.com)

Hehe, cool, didn't know that - and eh, wonder why no on in store mentioned? Ah well, either way, I'm glad it turned out the way it did. Money saved, and hopefully, Leopard pre-installed when it arrives.

 

[rotlex]

Just an update as now I'm really happy. I received a "your order has shipped" e-mail this morning! Man, I was figuring with a "custom" order, it would take at least until next week to arrive. Scheduled delivery is this Thursday, the 1st! Whoohoo!!!!

Now, let's just hope it's freeze and display issue free, LOL. Mmm, also wondering if it actually will ship with Leopard pre-installed. Not that it matters, but I'm anxious to know.

 

[ucfgrad93]

Now, let's just hope it's freeze and display issue free, LOL. Mmm, also wondering if it actually will ship with Leopard pre-installed. Not that it matters, but I'm anxious to know.

I thought the freeze issue was just in 20 inch models. Still I think it is affecting only a small number of users so you shouldn't have to worry.

Enjoy your new iMac when it arrives.

 

[Cyclotrode]

Not surprising the 2.8 was 'out of stock' as they are not a stock item for Apple Stores. They are CTO only (customise to order - i.e. can only be ordered through Apple.com)

Actually, the retail Apple Stores are offering the 2.8 models for sale. When I was at a local store a couple of weeks ago (and again this past Friday purchasing Leopard), they had them advertised on the place cards next to the 24" models. Both the $1799 and $2299 prices were specified with descriptions of each 24" unit.

Now, if it is indeed an order option only, it did not mention it on the card. I guess I will find out myself when I go back to the store this week and get my iMac. If it is in fact order only, then that's cool.

 

[rotlex]

Actually, the retail Apple Stores are offering the 2.8 models for sale. When I was at a local store a couple of weeks ago (and again this past Friday purchasing Leopard), they had them advertised on the place cards next to the 24" models. Both the $1799 and $2299 prices were specified with descriptions of each 24" unit.

Now, if it is indeed an order option only, it did not mention it on the card. I guess I will find out myself when I go back to the store this week and get my iMac. If it is in fact order only, then that's cool.

I wondered about that too as my local store had both machines and prices on a little card by them as well. The guy even went to "look in the back" before telling me they didn't have any.

Eh, either way, still turned out cheaper to order on line.

 

[Cyclotrode]

Just to bump this up with an update: I walked into the Apple Store in my area yesterday and asked for a 2.8GHz C2E iMac...10 minutes later, I was on my way home with my new baby.

So, they were apparently out of stock at rotlex's location, but they are available in the retail Apple Stores. But like he said, he got a better deal by ordering, so it's all good.