[ikeem]

I have decided to save my money and just buy the as is Apple ibook G4 14in 933Mhz, I am in Pennsylvania, but I will go to CompUSA in Delaware, because there is no sales tax, I am wondering is CompUSA a decent place for me to buy my laptop

[RadarBob2]

depends. CompUSA Mac-saviness varies from non-existant to excellent; but that's a store-by-store, sales-rep by sales-rep issue.

For example here in Austin, Tx one store (now closed) had no mac savy staff. Another local CompUSA was (still is) a joy.

This particular CompUSA is well stocked w/ goodies, knowlegable - smart! - staff, and in fact lots of folks just browse and hang around because one can learn tons from the customers themselves. For example I had an extended and lively discussion with an Apple (employee) tech support guy. But beware! Diving into essoteric issues can make your head swim!

IMPORTANT STUFF
Ask about return, service, and extended warranty. For example, Fry's Electronics has a decent return policy, even on Macintosh. Contrast that with 99.99% of Apple retailers where once purchased there is no return - even if the machine is defective right out of the box - and all problems must be thru Apple and mailing in your machine for repair.

Also Fry's has its own extended warranty program. I don't know if it's better or worse than Applecare.

[druber]

If you're sure which machine you want to buy, then a useful sales staff won't help much. Myself, I'd definitely buy through one of the mail order companies like Zones, MacMall, or MacWarehouse. You should be able to get some free RAM and some other goodies. Check out Mac Prices for a good list of current deals.

IMHO, there's no replacing AppleCare. I also had a logic board death in the family and had bought the iBook at a local reseller. Running questions and repairs through three different companies, Reseller>Warranty Provider>Repair Service, was an absolute mess. Never again, if I can help it.

[suthercd]

Just purchased one for my son. Sweet machine. Hope you get it. Look around for RAM- I got 512MB from smalldog for about $130 plus shipping.

Craig

[si_lance]

I was at the airport this week, and while waiting for a stupid delayed flight I saw a woman using a 12" Powerbook. I had no idea they were so much smaller and thinner than my iBook. I almost wish I'd a forked out the extra bit of credit to get it. I do love my iBook G4 though =).

[lurkalot]

iKeem,
I don't remember from your previous threads if you were interested in bluetooth but be advised that the internal module apparently can not be installed later and not all resellers stock iBooks with the internal bluetooth module installed since that is basically a BTO feature.
If it is something you want you may need to consider online order from Apple directly.

Not quite on topic but to paraphrase:
"I know nuuthin' about compusa, Mr Fawlty."
I think you'll enjoy you're choice of machine. Sounds like you certainly evaluated the options carefully.

[Rev-O]

Originally posted by druber:
Myself, I'd definitely buy through one of the mail order companies like Zones, MacMall, or MacWarehouse. You should be able to get some free RAM and some other goodies.

IMHO, there's no replacing AppleCare.

Have heard that some vendor's freebie ram is of questionable quality... G5 owners seem to have had the worst go of it.

Second the IMHO on Applecare.

Spend the cash and BTO the puppy. Bought my G4 iBook at pantherpalooza for the 10% off, but wish I had BTO'd it to get bluetooth.

[NYCFarmboy]

Another option:

Amazon.com

no sales tax and free shipping.