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asodamiac · Mar 12, 2008, 07:52 PM

I'm planning on purchasing an iMac in June but am planning on buying it from Amazon. I could use a larger HD, so I was wondering if Apple's retail locations could install an aftermarket HD for me? I don't want to purchase the drive from the retail store, but would purchase my own and have them install it (if they do do this).

I have a feeling Apple WON'T do this, but does anyone know if they will?

Also, does anyone know if Amazon offers the free iPod + printer deal for students?

Thanks.

ghostdawg · Mar 12, 2008, 11:48 PM

I don't think Apple will install it. I asked about installing memory for my mini and the guy said he could do it but would have to buy Apple's ram.

I'm not sure but is it hard to open the iMac and install it yourself? I would guess it's easier on an iMac then a mini...

Don't know about the ipod offer.

asodamiac · Mar 13, 2008, 12:57 AM

Hmm, I think it would be fairly difficult to install the drive on an iMac. I'll be paying for the +2 years of Apple Care, so I don't want to void my warranty trying to install a disk.

I wish Apple didn't mark up their hardware upgrades so much. A 1TB hard drive would be nice, especially since people say that it runs so quickly. Oh well!

Thanks for your help ghostdawg!

Simon · Mar 13, 2008, 04:02 AM

Even if the Apple Store doesn't want to install third-party aftermarket hardware for you, you can still try any AASP. Their work won't void the warranty.

Big Mac · Mar 13, 2008, 05:06 AM

Yeah, just find an authorized retailer. They far more likely to give you excellent service, too. I can't even get Mac service from the Apple Store in Pasadena, CA if I try - they're so booked. But a mile over there are two great authorized service providers, Di-No and Unitek.

turtle777 · Mar 13, 2008, 10:25 AM

I don't think they offer cheaper HD upgrades, but have a look at MacMall.

I got my iMac from them. What was nice is that I got a Vista Basic on Bootcamp preinstalled for only $ 110 more.
Plus, you'd get Parallels for free. That's a nice bundle for cheap should you need Windows as well.

-t

k squared · Mar 13, 2008, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Big Mac

Yeah, just find an authorized retailer. They far more likely to give you excellent service, too. I can't even get Mac service from the Apple Store in Pasadena, CA if I try - they're so booked. But a mile over there are two great authorized service providers, Di-No and Unitek.

My local authorized retailer only charges $50 to install PowerBook drives. Pretty good deal too, considering I stripped a screw attempting it myself.

ghporter · Mar 13, 2008, 10:53 AM

Unless I'm mistaken, not all authorized RETAILERS are authorized service providers. Be careful; I would NOT, for example, take my iMac to BestBuy-which is an authorized reseller-to have them even breathe on it.

bearcatrp · Mar 13, 2008, 11:19 AM

You could buy an big external drive and boot from it.

Gankdawg · Mar 13, 2008, 02:37 PM

I don't think Apple stores will do it. When I had my iMac's HDD replaced under warranty, I asked them if I could upgrade it to the TB drive and they wouldn't do it. Seems silly. They had the iMac open already and could've gotten some sales $$$ from me.

MacosNerd · Mar 13, 2008, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by k squared

considering I stripped a screw attempting it myself.

I hear ya on that. I stripped one on my MB. Man, they use some mighty soft screws.

I've been aching to upgrade my HD on my MBP, but because of my experience with the MB, I'm leaning towards having an authorized repair center to do the work,

asodamiac · Mar 13, 2008, 05:16 PM

Thanks for the AASP tip. Does Apple have a list on their site that shows who is an AASP in my particular location?

I already have a few external drives, but really hate hearing the drive spin up and slow down. Still, I would prefer to have a 1TB drive inside the iMac.

Thanks guys!

asodamiac · Mar 13, 2008, 05:18 PM

Found the link on Apple's site if anyone else needs it:

Apple - Service Provider Locator