[PSU guy]

I am planning to purchase a PB when it comes out next month (if it every come out..) Being a cash strapped college student, buying a $2K+ laptop is a big thing. I'm debating where I could get the best deal AND the best services if something happens to the machine. So here's the run down, pros and cons:

Apple Store(physical):
Pros: Educatioal discount, Services (can anyone confirm this?)
Cons: No free stuff (RAM, airport, etc.), Sales Tax

MacMall:
Pros: Free Stuff, Tax free
Cons: Customer service arn't the greatest, no educational discount, won't accept return product.

If anyone else could offer any other places or ideas, that would be greatly appreciated!

p.s. Anyone know where I could get "insurance" for the PBs? Say if I were to drop it or it fails on me and Apple won't replace it.

[rjt1000]

Hi PSU,

If you are eligible for apple's educational discount (wish I were), you'd be foolish not to take it: You will save a couple of hundred or more off of the CPU and then there are attractive bundles with iPods and printers (which if you dont want you could always sell at a profit). Of course, those bundle deals may evaporate when the (long awaited) PB revisions are released.

For service, nothing beats applecare, and it is nearly an essential for a laptop.

As for laptop insurance, safeware, has gotten good reviews (scroll down on the following link):
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/archives/aug03/080503.html

I've bought computers and gear from maczone, macmall, macwarehouse and macconnection and they really vary very little. Powerbook central has a nice price tracker to tell you who has what deals:
http://www.macprices.com/g4tracker.shtml

But, the bundles they offer are not really that attractive compared to apples edu discount. And once the resellers have your $$$, the service is not very good. (quite a run-around if you want to return it--or they will just point you to apple)

The main advantage of the macresellers is not paying tax if you are out of state, but of course, shipping eats into that.

Best wishes,

Rich

[LfGrdMike]

I just ordered my 12 maxed out with special offers yesterday. Dont wait its not goign to be worht it. Read the latest thinksecret report. If what that says is true I dont think the next update is going to be that big. You wont be dissappointed with the current line up. You would be foolish not to take those deals right now. I know 2thou is a lot o fmoney but between the buy a bundle deal, and the 200 dollars off its a steal. You may end up paying more money if you wait.

[TheIceMan]

PSU guy:
Not sure if this will help, but I bought my 15" PowerBook last year at CompUSA. True there is really no service/support for Apple at CompUSA. I also got the AppleCare.

But after about 1 month, I cancelled the AppleCare. I live close enough (40 minutes) to 2 Apple stores and I visit those guys so often they know me by now. If anything ever happens, I usually just drop by, chat with the Mac heads, and they usually walk me through the process.

But, just in case, I also got SafeWare Insurance and so I'm covered if I ever lose my PowerBook, spill coffee and mess it up, or if my little nephew and niece accidentally break the screen, any type of accidental damage. I think it costs $83/yr. But it may be slightly more or less depending on where you live. Oh and there is no deductible.

My advice is to get the BEST deal possible. Chances are in your favor that your PowerBook will be just fine. Yes, reading "all the horror stories" might help. But the truth is, these types of forums are for people who need help, the posts about other things are extras. Coming here and not expect to find lots of computer problems is like going to the hospital and NOT finding anyone there who is not sick. Anyways, good luck and have fun shopping.

[PowerTower Fan]

Since you mention you're in college, I suggest also to check out your college bookstore. I've seen some of them now still offer the TiSD with APP for $2038. Also if you order through them, or also directly through Apple, you can get the $300 mail-in rebate on the iPod and HP Printer.