How to Get the Best Deal for a Mac Computer Online
The Macintosh versus IBM PC debate is almost as old as home computers. What isn't up for debate is that Mac and PC owners alike, even Bill Gates, wants a good deal when shopping for a computer online.
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Instructions
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Join the Apple mailing list. Their offers are sent periodically to mailing list members.
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Sign up for other computer retailers' mailing lists to get special deals as well. Not sure where to find other Mac retailers? Head to your favorite search engine and type in "Mac retailer", in quotes. A couple are also in the "Resources" section, below.
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Understand the jargon. A Mac mini is essentially an external computer in a box that you connect to a separate mouse, keyboard and monitor. An iMac is the computer and monitor in one. Mac Pro is a powerful tower model that connects to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse. An iBook/MacBook is the notebook-style mobile Mac computer.
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Figure out which type of Mac you need to suit your uses.
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Keep afoot of when new releases are coming out and time your buying accordingly. Many people don't want last-year's model and retailers will often discount them as the new ones fill the sales floor. Additional information can be found under "Resources", below.
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Get to shopping. In addition to the few retailers listed under "Resources", there are dozens of other Mac dealers on the Web. Don't forget to check your email for special offers from those newsletter signups.
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Compare prices, shipping costs, peripherals offered and keep a log of what you find. Apple offers a much better warranty than other retailers and they have a price-matching policy. If you find a better price for a Mac at another online retailer, email the link to your salesperson and Apple will meet or beat the price.
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When dealing with an Apple salesperson, make sure you let them know if you or a child in your home is a student. A discount will apply.
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Tips & Warnings
UPromise members can save 1% or more of all purchases made at Apple's store for college.
Pick up some extra RAM, either from Apple (they price-match RAM in addition to computers) or a third party vendor. The out-of-the-box models are a little shy of what many users will need.
Don't be fooled by Apple salespeople that offer "free shipping for today only". New computers are always shipped for free from Apple.
