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Iron Lung Ryan · Jul 22, 2003, 02:38 PM

Hi, I want a 12" powerbook so bad that it is literally the last thing I think about before I got to bed, and I dream about it. All day long at work, like right now, I just keep thinking about it and reading forums and rumors - I have bought software semi-legally and I have an ipod - I just want a powerbook. Anyway here is my dilema, I will have enough cash money to buy the machine this thursday - I can drive to cincinnatti (about 90 miles) and go to the apple store there - or if I wait until Saturday when my paycheck clears I can order from 1800MYAPPLE and if I do that then I can get the upgrade to a 60GB HD, and they will take off $75 just for ordering over the phone. Let me lay it out:

Thursday 2 days from now:
12" Powerbook
40GB HD
Airport Extreme
Total with taxes = $1577.28

Order Saturday (4 days) Receive it Friday(10 days)- maybe
12" Powerbook
60 GB HD
Airport Extreme
Total with taxes and shipping = $1558.20

So as you can see it is 20 dollars LESS to get MORE hard drive space - but I have to wait like more than a week later than the one that is more expensive and quicker to get.

So as a guy who really wants to get going on this whole laptop thing because he's sick of his HP PIII 500 desktop - Id just like some feed back.
Thanks!

macnnhelpme · Jul 22, 2003, 02:46 PM

You can never have too much drive space, it's just a matter of whether or not you can wait the extra time for it! 40GB is a lot of space in the Mac world though...

And just a little FYI, last week the Apple store at Easton in Columbus had a returned 12" PB. I didn't catch the price but they usually give pretty good discounts. You might want to call them, and if you want it, they might even ship it to Cincinnati for you.

macnnhelpme · Jul 22, 2003, 02:48 PM

Here's another tip, just order from Amazon. I think they are running a rebate right now, and you should have it in a couple of days (they ship from somewhere in KY)

Iron Lung Ryan · Jul 22, 2003, 03:02 PM

Originally posted by macnnhelpme:
Here's another tip, just order from Amazon. I think they are running a rebate right now, and you should have it in a couple of days (they ship from somewhere in KY)

The only problem is that I want to use the student discount to knock the base price to 1399 - and if I order from amazon.com I could only get the 40GB HD and I would have to wait for a rebate - but on the plus side They ship from Lexington, Ky which is where I live - but the bad part is that I would have to order it on Saturday - wheras I could drive to Cincinatti on thursday to buy in cash - but thanks!

urrl5201 · Jul 22, 2003, 03:50 PM

I say wait. Waiting is good for you. Patience is a virtue. Lusting after that smooth aluminum finish and that oh so exquisite keyboard is not good for you. Besides, drooling on your 12" can cause a short in the system. The new revision may pop uo at a reasonable price with more features. It is possible. Remember; good things come to those who wait. A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush. And now a word on nutrition...

Mastrap · Jul 22, 2003, 04:46 PM

Drive carefully

neutrino23 · Jul 22, 2003, 05:17 PM

I say wait. The bigger drive is worth it. Besides, once you firmly make up your mind you will find the peace of mind to make the waiting easier. The hardest part about waiting is the uncertainty. Start getting busy with other things to prepare for the arrival of the PB.

Axo1ot1 · Jul 22, 2003, 05:21 PM

I think the powerbooks are going to be refreshed very soon. It's about time as they have been out since january (and even earlier for the 15"). I bet if you wait a couple weeks there will be better machines to chose from.

bbales · Jul 23, 2003, 08:47 AM

Even if you don't want to wait for the revision, at least wait for the bigger HD!!! I say this as someone who did just that back in January/February. Could have walked into an Apple store and gotten a stock unit, but I wanted the bigger HD and the combo drive.

So wait!!!

Iron Lung Ryan · Jul 23, 2003, 12:10 PM

Originally posted by bbales:
Even if you don't want to wait for the revision, at least wait for the bigger HD!!! I say this as someone who did just that back in January/February. Could have walked into an Apple store and gotten a stock unit, but I wanted the bigger HD and the combo drive.

So wait!!!

Thanks so much for the advice. When I get manic about wanting a powerbook I sometimes want to rush thing s along. Somehow right now I am at a low and feel like I can wait 7 days for the 60GB as opposed to buying the 40GB tomorrow - But you know whats weird? after typing that sentence, I now feel the need to go buy one tomorrow - I need to just have someone place my order on saturday, and tranquilize me for until the middle of next week. Any doctors/pharmacists/vetenarians out there who can help me out?

macfreshman · Jul 23, 2003, 12:59 PM

I change computers every 3-4 months and I can definately say the waiting is the best part! The wild anticipation, lustful dreams...

Go for the decked out one: more time to wait!

Flash2000 · Jul 23, 2003, 01:02 PM

I just got the 12" combo with 60 HD. Well worth it, I am not even worried if a new machine comes out, I had been waiting weeks for "anyday now" but last week I said enough. I am at work right now with the laptop and its awesome, i cannot think of one bad thing about it. I will have a full review up later tonight if you are on the boards. Give in to the powerbook lol.

bbales · Jul 25, 2003, 10:36 AM

Iron Lung Ryan -- what did you decide?

LfGrdMike · Jul 25, 2003, 05:15 PM

Wait as long as you can so you likely could get panther for 20 bucks.

Iron Lung Ryan · Jul 25, 2003, 07:06 PM

Originally posted by bbales:
Iron Lung Ryan -- what did you decide?

Thanks for asking. I called apple yesterday (Thursday) and after speaking on the phone with an employee who was hopefully very inexperienced - 'hopefully' because if not she was rude and incompetent - I learned that the $75 price reduction ended last saturday, the day of the educational price drop.
I was still thinking of ordering from them, but they said their ship date was going to be in 5-7 business days. So I decided to just drive up to cincinatti and buy a standard 12" combo from the apple store there. Then I figured out that God just doesnt want me to buy this laptop.
On my way home from work and on to the apple store, my exhaust system fell apart out of the blue! I was livid with rage. I went to Midas and $250+ later, Ive got my car back. So I think I can take a couple of paths from here. Since it is almost Tuesday, I can wait just to make sure there is not an update - or I can go buy the darn thing tomorrow (saturday).
As of right now the plan is definetley to hit the road tomorrow morning at 7AM and be there as they open the doors. The only problem will be not getting a speeding ticket on the way back to my house to play with my first Mac. Of course I will take pictures and give a quick first impression probably around 1 or 2pm - if you have any last minute advice or anything please let me know.

ILR