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nagromme · 10:53 AM

For $2594, a little less than Apple's price (after $100 rebate), they throw in a decent sleeve case, a lock kit, and an upgrade to 1 GB RAM. 512x2. No installation charge!

So... they pocket both of the Apple 256 modules? Fair enough--I hated the idea of wasting one or both--but is that a potential warranty issue?

And did MacC treat your PowerBook nicely? No scratches from being opened up and flipped on its top on a gritty table? My eMac came back scratched from AppleCare... but having a reseller scratch my next Mac BEFORE I get it would not be pleasant

Any opinions on buying from MacC? This looks like the best deal to be found, and my credit card is getting antsy...

http://shop.macconnection.com/web/Sh...24%25PM_269400

PS... Is it verified that Apple has (temporarily) stopped shipping the 15", or just a rumor? I'd hate to have to wait, but if it means that my 'Book is less likely to arrive with defects, then I hope it's true that they've stopped!

(MacConnection.com says "usually ships in 5-10 days" aka 1-2 weeks... which means to me either a big backorder due to demand, or else a holdup from Apple.)

all2ofme · Nov 12, 2003, 02:26 PM

I got a 1GHz TiSD (upgraded to a gig of RAM) from Macconnection in February and it came with the two 256MB DIMMs in an anti-static bag. I sold them when the machine arrived.

Nope, no signs of abuse - the machine worked well enough and no scratches. If anything would have shown scratches it would have been the Ti...

nagromme · Nov 12, 2003, 04:01 PM

Interesting, I wonder if that's what they are still doing.

If so, should I wait and not sell the original RAM until after the warranty, or is it OK to send the thing back to Apple with 3rd-party RAM in it?

MKJ · Nov 12, 2003, 11:06 PM

I got 2 - 15.2" 1.25GHz Al Powerbooks from MacConnection. I ordered on October 8th and finally received them on November 3rd. No problems with shipping. Delivered in the official Apple box inside another box. The box was still sealed as I opted for the Airport base station and Applecare option over the additional memory.

No problems with white spots, keyboard, or latch. But that's why I got the extended warranty. Just in case!

I would order from them again.

Hope this helps.

nagromme · Nov 12, 2003, 11:16 PM

Thanks. I usually wait until almost a year before getting AppleCare, but I probably WILL get it in the end--so that AirPort deal is good. But I'm waiting for AirPort to use a V.92 modem that works with call waiting. So I'll take the RAM [smile]

Anyone know if MacConnection gives you the 2x256 they removed? It really IS a great deal that they give you 2x512 for free. That's over $200 savings AND they install for free and throw in the case and lock??

iDaver · Nov 12, 2003, 11:34 PM

Got my Rev B 17" from MacConnection. No problems with the RAM upgrade or anything. Note that the Body Glove case you get is not a sleeve, but more like a briefcase with a handle. It's not as useful to me as a sleeve would have been but what the heck, it was free. Installing RAM does not void your warranty.

nagromme · Nov 12, 2003, 11:53 PM

Actually if it's fitted to the size of the 'Book, a handle WOULD be good for me. What model bag was it, exactly? I assumed it was the cheapest Body Glove but maybe not.

(The 17" wouldn't have leftover Apple RAM anyway... the 15" 1.25 would. Anyone try that deal?)

I'm calling them for more info too--will post back with any new info to share.

iDaver · Nov 13, 2003, 12:04 AM

Originally posted by nagromme:
Actually if it's fitted to the size of the 'Book, a handle WOULD be good for me. What model bag was it, exactly? I assumed it was the cheapest Body Glove but maybe not.

All I know is that it is called Body Glove, made by Fellows. It is approximately five times the thickness of the PowerBook. It could hold the computer, a couple of books, lunch and probably a change of clothes.

When I heard the term Body Glove, I was expecting a thin sleeve case that would simply protect the computer from scratches. This thing is a briefcase. It's pretty nice, but not what I wanted or was expecting. Oh well.

nagromme · Nov 13, 2003, 12:22 AM

I called and you're right--it's the $40 "Messenger Bag Computer Case - High Performance," not the cheap sleeve. Size: 17.8 in x 4 in x 16 in. I already have a big multi-pocket case like that, so I'll probably still get a Boot sleeve from spireusa.com. Oh well, no harm done. I can give the Body Glove away to someone if I don't like it. The bundle's still a great deal.

FYI, here's the bag:
http://shop.macconnection.com/web/Sh...;variant%5Fid=
Picture:
http://www.fellowes.com/FellowesAsse...e300/74721.jpg

And the $20 combination lock--looks like the cable's included:
http://shop.macconnection.com/web/Sh...;variant%5Fid=

I also asked about the 2x512 RAM. They do install (with this deal) for free, and then keep the original RAM. (They don't sell it--they don't even carry Apple's own RAM--but the guy didn't know what happens to it.) Keeping it makes sense--I just hope it's never a warranty issue. It shouldn't be, if RAM is user-upgradable.

Basically this deal has $240 of RAM (more at Apple prices), $30 (typical) installation, $40 bag ($63 MSRP), and $20 lock ($54 MSRP), all thrown in for free. That's $330. Can't beat that deal!

Now... how long to force myself to wait to reduce the chance of defects? [smile]

iDaver · Nov 13, 2003, 12:44 AM

Originally posted by nagromme:

I also asked about the 2x512 RAM. They do install (with this deal) for free, and then keep the original RAM. (They don't sell it--they don't even carry Apple's own RAM--but the guy didn't know what happens to it.) Keeping it makes sense--I just hope it's never a warranty issue. It shouldn't be, if RAM is user-upgradable.

Basically this deal has $240 of RAM (more at Apple prices), $30 (typical) installation, $40 bag ($63 MSRP), and $20 lock ($54 MSRP), all thrown in for free. That's $330. Can't beat that deal!

It is a good deal. So was the similar MacConnection deal on the Lapzilla. I jumped on it about five days after the Rev B intro.

My thought is that Apple probably provides MacConnection with special 15" units that have one 512MB chip installed. At the Apple Store, this costs $100 extra but I'd bet resellers can request this at little extra charge. They then (probably) just add an extra 512 in their shop. If this is the case, the sales rep. you talked to probably wouldn't know such details. Just guessing.

nagromme · Nov 13, 2003, 12:51 AM

You may be right. It does worry me a little. What if I take my AlBook in for service and I can't get a swap because I don't have what the machine shipped with? Or what if they do give me a swap and overlook the fact that they've kept my 2x512 and left me with 2x256? I'm sure it could be resolved, but it sounds like potential hassle.

The deal's good though. Gotta risk it!

Has anyone out there had to get their MacConnection 1GB 1.25 AlBook repaired/replaced? How did that work? (Or ANY self-upgrade to 2x512 for that matter.)

all2ofme · Nov 13, 2003, 09:41 AM

I think Apple's policy on this sort of thing is that if the problem is caused by something which was *obviously* done by the owner of the machine then they will say so and treat the case accordingly. If a RAM socket is found to be faulty, to give a pertinent example.

On another note - I bet you get the two 256MB DIMMs thrown in with the machine.

Originally posted by nagromme:
Has anyone out there had to get their MacConnection 1GB 1.25 AlBook repaired/replaced? How did that work? (Or ANY self-upgrade to 2x512 for that matter.)

nagromme · Nov 14, 2003, 05:20 AM

Thanks all--I just ordered the 1.25. My 3rd Mac!

And the deal is even better: in addition to the free 1 GB RAM, messenger bag, and lock, you can now get a free Epson printer/scanner/copier too!

Patcarla · Nov 14, 2003, 06:00 AM

Originally posted by all2ofme:
I got a 1GHz TiSD (upgraded to a gig of RAM) from Macconnection in February and it came with the two 256MB DIMMs in an anti-static bag. I sold them when the machine arrived.

Nope, no signs of abuse - the machine worked well enough and no scratches. If anything would have shown scratches it would have been the Ti...

Exactly the same for me. Pretty happy with my purchase from Macconnection. If I had to buy another PB now, that's where I would go.