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Radio Code · May 29, 2005, 08:59 PM

I need to get a Mac for art graduate school, and I've decided on the 12" Powerbook with Superdrive. The school has a lot of labs full of suped-up Powermacs, but I want to be able to take my work home. I was initially a little worried about the small screen size, but I have a 17" flat screen monitor with a DVI input already, and I frankly can't afford a 15". And with the education discount and spring $100 rebate, this shouldn't be too bad. I've scoured all the forums here for a month for advice and opinions, and it helped a lot in making a decision.

One quick question though: I've read about people getting promo codes from Apple after making one purchase, like $30 back for their next $300 order, etc. I was planning on getting the Powerbook, Applecare, and a 20GB iPod all at once, but would it make more sense to just order the Powerbook now, and then get the iPod and Applecare when/if I get a rebate code? Can you get Applecare after the initial purchase of the laptop, or must it be simultaneous? Does Apple ALWAYS send out these deals after making a purchase, and, if so, does it usually happen within a timely manner (a few weeks?)? I just want to get the best deal I can on my meager budget. Thanks for your help.

kappa4life · May 29, 2005, 09:36 PM

First off. You will love the 12 inch. i just got mine a few days ago and am in love.

So far, I have not yet recieved a promotional code, but I am not discouraged. I have only had it for 5 days.

I did not purchase Applecare up front. You have a year to buy it. Essentially you have up until the original warranty expires. I purchased mine with an American Express card, and they will double the manufacures warranty. So I pretty much have a two year warranty the way it came. Just a lil' tip for a student like me.

Hope that helped a tad.

Josh

Wiskedjak · May 29, 2005, 09:46 PM

I would wait until the end of summer. For the last 2-3 years there's been a back to school promotion starting around July/August that gives you about $200 back when you purchase a laptop and ipod.

Radio Code · May 30, 2005, 09:45 AM

Thanks for the tips. I had heard somewhere that Apple might not do the July/Aug promo this year, since they were doing the $100 May/June one. I'd also really like the full summer to get acclimated and play with it. I might get the PB now and wait a month or two to get Applecare and an iPod. I know I want it all now, but it's just so hard to hit that final purchase button when the total is topping two grand.

ericssonboi · May 30, 2005, 10:08 AM

Try starting an Apple account and adding stuff to your cart. Leave items in your cart.. and usually they send out a coupon for $30 off over $300.. Of course.. add like a PB in your cart... try that out.. be prepared to buy though.. you only have 14 days to use the coupon.

AssassyN · May 30, 2005, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by Wiskedjak

I would wait until the end of summer. For the last 2-3 years there's been a back to school promotion starting around July/August that gives you about $200 back when you purchase a laptop and ipod.

This is right on. I've taken advantage of it, and it's happened the last 2-3 years.

misc · May 30, 2005, 11:35 AM

See if your Art school has a "special Apple store." My future college, North Carolina School of the Arts has a special Apple store. On the other hand, NCSA requires their film students to have a Powerbook, but I can still reap the benefits of the discount while not being a film student.

Anyhoo, it's worth a look.

Indohottie · May 30, 2005, 11:03 PM

pm sent

Radio Code · May 31, 2005, 09:19 AM

Thanks for everyone's help. One final question: are the "$30 off $300" promos valid with the May-June $100 student promo? I'd hate to use the $30 one now and then not be able to get $100 off too! Or would simply ordering the PB at one time and then Applecare and iPod the next day take care of that?