[R0CK3TM4NN]

Apologies for such a dumb question for a first post.

This probably doesn't make sense, but here goes. I'm getting a black macbook within the week. How can I get the latest build? Order online or go to an apple store? I guess what I'm saying is, who keeps the newest ones in stock? An apple store is minutes from my house so I'd like to get it there and not have to wait.

Seriously, a dumb question but its been on my mind for a few days now. This will be my first Mac (and my first laptop) ever. I've built my own desktop PC's for years but now I have no time to build and maintain them, play games, or do anything real technical. Hence the switch to Macs...I want a computer thats less "computer." That and the black macbook is dead sexy.

[kaido]

The online store would have the latest stock. Anything in the physical stores would be older because they have to be shipped and stored before selling them in person.

[Railroader]

If you online order a special setup you are more likely to get the latest and greatest as they will have to custom build it at the factory.

It's also the bess way to get a long wait for your computer.

[brokenjago]

What railroader said.

[R0CK3TM4NN]

Yes, waiting is a problem. So yeah...heading to the store today!

If you are a student and are wondering what options are available in terms of discounts and price comparisons I did a good deal of research before deciding on Apple. The short of it is the Macbook with the student discount is around $100 more than a comperable Lenovo with their student discount. Keep in mind, Apples discount is $100 and Lenovo's is 36% (assuming your school has a hardware contract/procurement gateway with them). The Lenovo (an X60 with ram and hd upgrades, 8x dvd burner, as well as 3 year warranty to compare with AppleCare) runs at 1.83 Ghz, doesn't have a built in webcam, and is 12" standard aspect-ratio. I suppose if you compared a base model macbook to this with similar components the Mac would be cheaper.

I was pretty surprised by this because I was almost certain that a Lenovo with 36% off would be way cheaper than any Macbook.