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willed · Apr 11, 2005, 06:20 AM

It's my sister's birthday in just under a week, and my Mum''s been talking about getting her an iBook. I've just been looking at MacRumors' buyers guide and it claims updates are probably coming soon. Obviously the sensible thing to do is wait, but it won't be quite the same if my sister has nothing to open on her birthday, and I think my mum would probably get an iBook now regardless - she's not exactly a technology expert! My question is: if new iBooks are released soon after we buy one, does Apple have any sort of buyer protection, or are we just stuck with a newly-outdated piece of kit?

Mojo · Apr 11, 2005, 12:00 PM

I have never heard of Apple replacing recently-purchased Macs when new models come out; it wouldn't be logical to do so, would it?

The old models aren't "outdated," they just aren't the Latest and Greatest. If you must have the latest model, then you will have to wait. Or you can wait and pick up one of those "outdated" iBooks for less money... I purchased my 1GHZ 12" iBook for $650 after the 1.2GHZ models apeared, a savings of almost $600 if you take into account the purchase of an Airport Extreme Card (which comes pre-installed in the 1.2GHZ iBooks.)

TimothyJay · Apr 11, 2005, 12:46 PM

I believe their return policy is only 14 days after purchase, at least that's what I read in my receipt from when I bought my iBook from an Apple Store.

I would say that if the new iBooks come out within 14 days of your purchase, you would be able to return it and have it replaced, I don't know. It does say on it also that they will replace it with the same product if the product originally purchased is defective.

mitchell_pgh · Apr 11, 2005, 03:06 PM

Why not get her an Apple giftcard for $1100 (or whatever she was going to spend on the iBook)

It's just as good IMHO.

Mojo · Apr 11, 2005, 04:57 PM

I would triple-check that they will honor a return of a non-defective iBook within the 14 day period. And get it in writing too...

StonedRose · Apr 11, 2005, 09:14 PM

Apple maintains a strict policy on returns. You buy it and it is yours. If it has an out of box defect (ie bad pixel, scratch etc..) they will only fix the issue. If a new product comes out within 30 days of your purchase Apple will *possibly* provide a swap out on "pro products" only (ie PB, G5 Tower), not consumer items (iMac, eMac, iBook).

A good solution is to NOT buy from Apple directly, but goto a reseller and ask them to provide you "in writing" that they will swap you out if a new product is "delivered: to there location in the next 30 days...remember "delivered" not "announced". If it announced most likely you will go past the 30 day window (apple is always slow rolling out products (to resellers only) after an anouncement has been made.

I would wait to get a new iBook til right after the announcement that is coming really freaking soon...could even be tomorrow (Apple usually anounces new consumer products on Tuesdays based on past history.

Aloha.

spiff72 · Apr 12, 2005, 10:18 AM

Originally posted by StonedRose:
Apple maintains a strict policy on returns. You buy it and it is yours. If it has an out of box defect (ie bad pixel, scratch etc..) they will only fix the issue. If a new product comes out within 30 days of your purchase Apple will *possibly* provide a swap out on "pro products" only (ie PB, G5 Tower), not consumer items (iMac, eMac, iBook).

A good solution is to NOT buy from Apple directly, but goto a reseller and ask them to provide you "in writing" that they will swap you out if a new product is "delivered: to there location in the next 30 days...remember "delivered" not "announced". If it announced most likely you will go past the 30 day window (apple is always slow rolling out products (to resellers only) after an anouncement has been made.

I would wait to get a new iBook til right after the announcement that is coming really freaking soon...could even be tomorrow (Apple usually anounces new consumer products on Tuesdays based on past history.

Aloha.

Since the Tiger announcement was made today, I was hoping to see a refresh to the ibooks as well. My wife wants one (I just got a 17" PB), but I am telling her to wait for the imminent refresh...

An ibook announcement could be overlooked because of the Tiger hoopla today. Maybe next week for the ibook??

ChrisF · Apr 12, 2005, 10:29 AM

Originally posted by StonedRose:
A good solution is to NOT buy from Apple directly, but goto a reseller and ask them to provide you "in writing" that they will swap you out if a new product is "delivered: to there location in the next 30 days...remember "delivered" not "announced".

Apple is even more restrictive with returns from resellers than end users. Don't expect to get this sort of thing from a local reseller- perhaps from an online catalog type dealer, but small dealers don't even get price protection from Apple.

StonedRose · Apr 12, 2005, 02:33 PM

Originally posted by ChrisF:
Apple is even more restrictive with returns from resellers than end users. Don't expect to get this sort of thing from a local reseller- perhaps from an online catalog type dealer, but small dealers don't even get price protection from Apple.

I see your point. But, the reseller actually can control these issue directly with their internal sales rep. and thier own inventory. Basically, resellers have more control on decisions like these rather than Apple direct.

Aloha.

ChrisF · Apr 12, 2005, 02:57 PM

Originally posted by StonedRose:
Basically, resellers have more control on decisions like these rather than Apple direct.

No, we don't. Not small resellers at least. (I am one.)

StonedRose · Apr 12, 2005, 03:47 PM

Same here (mauimac.net) And our rep is awesome. He resolves a bunch of issues for us as well. I guess it just depends who you have playing on your court.

Aloha.

willed · Apr 14, 2005, 08:28 AM

Well we've decided to wait - espeically with Tiger coming out soon. How long does it usually take for the latest OS to come pre-installed on new machines?

Thanks for the advice,

Will

mitchell_pgh · Apr 14, 2005, 09:42 AM

It's just a bad idea. Just buy her an Apple gift card with a picture of the computer in it.

Don't be foolish. At a minimum, you will see a restocking fee at most stores of 10% or more.

mitchell_pgh · Apr 14, 2005, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by willed

Well we've decided to wait - espeically with Tiger coming out soon. How long does it usually take for the latest OS to come pre-installed on new machines?

Thanks for the advice,

Will

It usually takes very little time for Apple to start including the OS.

If nothing, you will get a copy of the OS in the box to upgrade the moment you open it.

You are making a good decision IMHO.

The Godfather · Apr 14, 2005, 02:18 PM

The return policy is:

If the box is still sealed, before the tenth day after purchase, they won't charge a restocking fee.
If the box was opened, before the tenth day after purchase, they will charge 10%.

So, buy your sister the iBook on the day of her birthday. Give it to her with a note "Do not open until April 28".