Update on Revolutionizing Retail

Leave it to Apple to even revolutionize the retail industry. They seem like one of the only companies that is willing to try new approaches to convention and they also seem to benefit from it more often than not.
So, in five years, when many major retailers have clerks wandering around their stores that can check you out at any point in the store, we'll have Apple to thank for re-inventing retail customer service relations! They have truly been blessed with a Midas like touch.

I've pretty much decided I'm going to get a new Powerbook in 2006, after Macworld Expo and seeing what the new Intel Macs will hold. My question is, is it better to buy a whole new computer via their online store or in a retail store? Thanks!

I just wish the Apple Store in Canada would get them!

Reply to OT comment: In the retail store! The prices are the same, so why wait for shipping?

OK, so the wireless aspect is a new twist, but Circuit City has been doing parts of this concept for years. If you go in there to buy something, the floor person can check you out at any one of several stations around the store, and cash transactions are even acceptable.

The email receipt is a new wrinkle, but the concept is not so revolutionary, if you ask me.

Potential Switcher - In the store is usually better if there is one near you and you aren't ordering a "Build to Order" type system. You probably will save on shipping, and I don't know if Apple's online store taxes per state since I live in the same state they are based in (CA).

Buying your PowerBook directly from the online apple store ( http://store.apple.com ) allows you to customize it. You get to pick and choose the options you want. For example, you can skip the DVD writer (Superdrive) and take off $50. You could add more RAM. The best option (and main reason I would do it) is to change out the hard drive. The bottleneck on any laptop is the hard drive. Go for the 7200RPM option. It will make a huge difference.

It's a trade-off: "Stop by a store and take it home now" vs. having to "wait for a few weeks to get it customized from Apple". As far as price goes, it doesn't matter. No one is going to give you a discount. The only way to save $ on a new Apple is get a refurbished unit. Amazon sometimes bundles goodies, has a liberal return policy, and offers a 30 day price guarantee (not sure if they cover laptops though).

I bought my PowerBook refurbished from the Apple store online (click on the Store tab and look for the red tag labeled "SAVE" on the right side) . It came with the same warranty as a new one. No problems and no regrets 18 months later.

Be sure and buy only Apple certified memory if you upgrade RAM. PowerBooks will run on other brands, but can be tempermental (crashing if your cheaper RAM has an imperfection). At an Apple store they will normally even install it for you. Also, if they are running a free printer rebate, be sure the printer is purchased at the same time and place (both on the same receipt!). I scored a $129 printer for $29 recently.

One last note. Don't feel pressured into buying AppleCare right off the bat. You have a full 12 months to decide if you want it (to extend your phone support and warranty to 36 months). Apple pressures retailers and gives bonuses based on how many people go out the door with a new computer AND AppleCare..

Good luck.

If Apple has a physical presence (i.e. an Apple Retail Store) in your state you probably have to pay sales tax.

But the most intriguing question -- what operating system are those little Symbol devices running on? The interface was very crisp and clearly an apple application, but what was it running on? PocketPC? Palm? There was something under that EasyPay screen, and that should be the question.

Anand

Actually you have to pay sales tax on online sales with Apple no matter if they have a store in your state or not. I live in West Virginia with the only Apple Stores being in border states and we still have to pay the sales tax.

Many (if not most) online retailers give at least a modest price break on Mac hardware and software. And many of them offer freebies and free shipping (usually for purchases > $XX). I never buy directly from Apple because of the taxes I'd have to pay. In fact, I usually get express delivery and still save.