What's the better deal?

[roland.g]

Looking at a 15" MacBook Pro 2.2 16GB 1TB 555X.

Apple EDU Back to School:

MacBook Pro $2,789.00
AppleCare+ $303.00
Free Beats...
Tax $240.00
Total $3,332.00

Online Retailer:

MacBook Pro $2,849.00 ($150 Savings)
AppleCare+ $379.00
No Beats
No Tax
Total $3,228.00

Through Apple is $104 more but includes Beats.

Apple has 14 day return / full refund policy.
Online retailer has 30 day return only on unopened items.

 

[vtgeek]

$104 or beats is really the question right?

 

[roland.g]

$104 or beats is really the question right?

Pretty much. The return policy does factor in a little bit. I’m coming from a 2012 13” Air but want the larger screen. Not sure how I feel about the extra weight so I do like that Apple allows for more of a trial.

 

[sosumi99]

Is Beats worth $104 to you? Personally, I'd save the money, but only you can decide if you'll use it.

 

[oVerboost]

Depends if your going to use the headphones... If you are, or can sell them on for more than $104, then thats the better deal but if not and the money is more useful in the long run, then go for the other.

Make sure the small print of the online retailer allows a full refund (if that bothers you) rather than an exchange as Apple is a straight refund procedure that is often worth having in case you do change your mind etc.

 

[jerryk]

For $104 I would buy from Apple. Maybe you can sell the Beats for enough to cover the difference.

 

[LogicalApex]

Apple refund policy is worth the differential since you're not 110% on board with the purchase (you noted that you might not like the extra weight). The savings will quickly evaporate if you find that you're needing to sell it used to swap to a machine you like more later.

I am lucky enough to live within easy driving distance of a state without sales tax so it make Apple the cheaper deal. But you can see if your state offers a tax holiday on electronics some do and that might help you narrow the gap some if you haven't missed the window.