Cheap Mac

[easygoing123]

Does anyone know where I can find a cheap mac laptop? I don't know much about them, but my fiance wants one for Christmas so I am starting the looking now. From what I have seen they are all $900 and above, and personally I wouldn't spend that much on a laptop, but it's what she has been wanting for a while now. Basically she would just be using it for internet, and some online gaming like pogo, also webcam. Any suggestion on where to look other than ebay?

[PhoenixFP]

Sorry, that's about as low as you will get for a new one.

BB will have one for $999 and give you a $150 GC on BF.... Other than that, you're screwed.

[solchitlins]

I have been looking at mac too,
In my case in looks like the apple store with my student discount is about the best I can find, for a "new basic mini".
They also sell refurbished computers.

Laptops might be a different story.
Check out Mac rumors forums for advice.

[dstppy]

Refurbs and student discounts are the best way to get current generation macs; it's never worth it to get "new" previous gen mac discounts since they aren't spec based, they're msrp based.

These guys are the place to watch:
http://www.macrumors.com/2009/11/13/buyers-guide-mac-sales-begin-ahead-of-black-friday/

Apple also does a "guaranteed to not be cheaper before christmas" (through them) black friday sale, which is nice to know about the price.

Generally, if an apple is cheaper, it's for a reason. Macrumors' comparisons/rebates were the best way I found to shave a bit of change off the price.

-Ernie

[solchitlins]

anyone know if Mac mall does the education discount for college students like the apple store does?

I'm also confused about the $100 off printer offer at the Mac store. I add a $99 printer to my shopping cart and I don't see it coming off my bill. Are those after discount prices or something?

[dstppy]

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=education+site:macmall.com&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

From the hits, looks like nothing in the FAQ, so I'm guessing no.

Discounts generally don't stack with Apple . . . guess they have tight market control.

RE: Printer
I couldn't find the one you were talking about, but check the main product page, it will say (example):

> Buy ANY manufacturer’s PC AND HP wireless printer (listed below) on the same day and receive a $60 mail-in rebate (Bluetooth SKUs are not eligible). Offer good through Jan 02 2010 11:59PM PST.<

Mail In rebate in that case.

[Deadlykeyboard]

Microcenter is also offering a $200 Visa Prepaid Card MIR when you buy the Macbook. That extra $50 may be worth the extra wait, and it's running from now until 12/06/09.

http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0321997

The only problem is that it is B&M only.

[dstppy]

A bit of a thread-resurrect:
There's a buzz that the black friday sales are going to be uncharacteristically generous . . .

I personally think this is either wishful thinking or a trick just to mess with people. Personally, I can't take the chance buying a $600 laptop if a $750 macbook will be available black friday.

There is no way to verify this until black friday, however.

Good luck --- let us know if you get a good deal either way.

[heavylee]

dstppy, which BF sales (are going to be generous)? Best Buy?

[ChristianM19]

Buy a cheap refurb white macbook.
Go on ebay and buy the boxing.
Package it gently and pretend it's new when you give it to her.
You would have saved 200

[perperp]

I think the key words in the (supposed) Apple BF ad floating around the 'net are "up to...% off". I see no reason for them to do deep discounting the year. Let history be your guide. No one ever talks about the smokin' hot deal they got on the new Apple releases.

Pick a store that does the maximum allowed discount, has free shipping, no sales tax and is linked through Bing and you should have no regrets.

A bit of a thread-resurrect:
There's a buzz that the black friday sales are going to be uncharacteristically generous . . .

I personally think this is either wishful thinking or a trick just to mess with people. Personally, I can't take the chance buying a $600 laptop if a $750 macbook will be available black friday.

There is no way to verify this until black friday, however.

Good luck --- let us know if you get a good deal either way.

[jamesah2008]

Buy a cheap refurb white macbook.
Go on ebay and buy the boxing.
Package it gently and pretend it's new when you give it to her.
You would have saved 200

I wouldn't pretend it's new but I like the idea of buying a box for a refurb to go in.

I think it could be a great idea to get apple care if possible.

[ChristianM19]

I think the key words in the (supposed) Apple BF ad floating around the 'net are "up to...% off". I see no reason for them to do deep discounting the year. Let history be your guide. No one ever talks about the smokin' hot deal they got on the new Apple releases.

Pick a store that does the maximum allowed discount, has free shipping, no sales tax and is linked through Bing and you should have no regrets.
$50 off their cheapest notebooks is such a black friday slick deal :confused:
Keep dreaming about their deep discounts. I'm sure someday in 2020 will happen.

[heavylee]

I wouldn't pretend it's new but I like the idea of buying a box for a refurb to go in.

I think it could be a great idea to get apple care if possible.

All refurbs purchased from Apple come in full retail packaging and are eligible for Apple Care.

[ChristianM19]

All refurbs purchased from Apple come in full retail packaging and are eligible for Apple Care.

No
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy6jRYiefE4