Hi,

Am going to get an iMac C2D 20', thanks to all your advice, but just want to know if better to get from a reseller like Apple Centre or Nextbyte etc or online?

getmac.com.au is a fair bit cheaper then all resellers in Adelaide, as can get one with 2GB RAM, 256MB VRAM, wireless mouse & keyboard and 3 year apple care for - AU $2881.12 - inc postage and ships in 2-4 days.

Whereas the resellers seem to sell at the Apple reg price and would cost A$ 3,055.99 so about $175 more expensive.

Just your thoughts, and could a reseller match the price?

Apple's online store might match the price! Give them a call on 133 MAC (622)

Shipping times are usually how long before it ships from where it is built. Add about a week to get it to you in Australia (customs etc.)

Most resellers 'could' match the price, whether they could stay in business if they consistantly did it is debatable.

You'll find some resellers will match the price, and then you'll get the satisfaction of going to pick up your new purchase personally.

Having a computer delivered to your door...where's the fun in that?

personally i always use a reseller - i use Frequency Communications in Sydney, even tho' i live in the NT. the sort of service you get from a great reseller like Frequency can never be matched by an online store.

i'd go with reseller - a bit more - but eh, it's nice to have someone to hand the cash to and get your goods - ah, driving through the rain knowing that the iBook is waiting for you - too easy!

And nothing is worse than dealing with online retailers and warranty issues. granted, Apple are a global company but I think anyone who is dedicated enough to have a physical shop to sell Apples is dedicated enough to look after you.

I can whole heartedely recommend Macmate (on these forums) AKA Ric. You might get slightly cheaper prices, but I have not had better service anywhere.

Thus, my vote goes to RESELLER: better to deal with a face.

I'd always go a reseller. Apple still get some money and you're helping a small business - that's better for everyone. Also, you get better service and get to interact with real people.

Cheers

I always buy online direct from Apple now. There's a better change they have what you want in stock than a reseller, can get it to you very fast and is so simple you don't even need to leave home.

That said, I know *exactly* what I want and don't need any after sales support. If the thing goes bust, chances are I know why and I've got plenty of friends to help me or I just take it to the closest service center to get it looked at, just like I would if I got it from a reseller.

It helps not having to talk to any people too - I just want the damn computer, the easier it is for me the better. When I go in and splash the cash around some shops make a big deal out of it (ho ho ho, that's a tasty iMac - shut up and put the order through, I hate small talk), try to upsell me (trust me, if I can afford it and need it, I'll buy it, I've better product knowledge than you), or take ages to enter in my details or stuff it up or something (is that AGGIOOS, "no, it's AGIUS", ahh "AGUIS" *sigh* - whoops, I entered an extra zero on your credit card and it rejected it, let me do that again - "I'm new, bear with me"). Apple already have my credit card and details so I use their 1-click service and it's mine the next day. If I want something CTO, it's faster than a reseller as they get it from Apple anyways, I'm just cutting out the middle man.

RAM upgrades are surprisingly competitive now, and now that resellers don't do EDU (hooray for a student card with no expiry date ), I've no reason to step foot in a computer store.

But um, yeah, if you want someone to guide you through what you need and what's appropriate for you, a retail shop is your destination. Even then, MacTalk seems to be where people trust more these days, as we're a bit more honest than a salesperson (by nature they want to sell, they're salespeople).

So, yeah, shop online, it's awesome dudes!

My thoughts exactly. Also, having worked in various Apple Resellers for 5 years (no longer though), I've seen how badly Apple treat resellers, and therefore prefer not to give my business directly to Apple.

Apple Australia - .

Cheers,
- Febs.

I bought mine machine with the same specs as you describe above from a reseller on ebay.
The machine was refurbished so i bought it with the normal specs but i got a whole lot more.
I paid less than 2k for mine with a lot of luck i have to say.
support a reseller and you will get better service as well

Rik

Generally I prefer a reseller. If you find a good one, they're a valuable resource. I've had some good advice, which is difficult to put an economic value on, but seems to me to be worthwhile. Plus occasionally I get a very good price on a piece of hardware/software. And let's face it, you can't wander into the Apple online store and shoot the breeze with a fellow Mac head, can you?

I would say reseller as well....... There's nothing worse than opening the box only to find out the product doesn't work, and that you have to send it back........ and wait for another few weeks....

Yes, i have had that...... so now i always buy from resellers...... i want to see the product i'll be taking home.

For education is is awesome.

I agree 100% with decryption. I know what I want, that's the bottom line. I put the order in, Apple ship it to me. If I have any problems with it, they fix it, I don't have to deal with a reseller that has to deal with apple and wait for them to reply etc etc.

Since there isn't a reseller closer than Melbourne (and that's over an hour)... well I shop online now.

Bit hard to 'support your local reseller' when there _isn't_ one.

Well, I'll add my piece: decryption and hawker may not be the typical buyers (but I understand their perspective). In fact, more than a few of us might not be. Personally I'd like to see resellers supported. Try to think about a time when there are none and returning or dealing with something under warranty becomes a nightmare because direct shipping is the only option. I say, consider using the middlemen. They are facilitators not just profit takers. If you bought it from them they might just be that little bit extra helpful. It's no guarantee but it is definitely something to consider.

kim