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Buying a computer with anything other than the base specifications
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Stroszek
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Join Date: May 2004
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2004-07-10, 13:51

If I want to buy an iBook or PowerBook with anything other than the base specifications, is Apple the only place I can do that?

For example, if I want to buy a 14" 1GHz iBook with:
a 60GB HD instead of the 40GB it comes with,
an Airport Extreme card
and a Bluetooth Module,

can a reseller like MacMall do this for me? or only Apple?

and if it's only Apple, can they do this in an Apple Store, or does it have to be mail ordered?

Thanks!
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Luca
ಠ_ರೃ
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Minnesota
 
2004-07-10, 13:54

If you go with Apple, you have to do it through the online store.

However, there are a few places that do BTO orders. SmallDog.com comes to mind. However, with SmallDog, you have to have at least one other purchase on record before you can buy a full computer system from them.
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Moogs
Hates the Infotainment
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: NSA Archives
 
2004-07-10, 13:55

I'm not sure but most catalog retailers will only sell the base models. I think CDW might be one of the few that will let you set up a custom order without charging you an arm and a leg. It's worth it to call and find out.

PS - I think Smalldog takes phone orders from first-time customers, don't they? Either way that rule Apple forced them to put into place is total BS. Why shouldn't anyone who wants to be able to buy first-time, online, from Small Dog? I don't get that at all.

...into the light of a dark black night.
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HOM
The Elder™
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: The Rostra
 
2004-07-10, 14:11

Actually, Apple opened up the BTO processes to third party resellers a while back. Most places where you can buy Macs allow you to buy BTO systems. However, it's just like you had placed an order from store.apple.com. The only difference is your reseller of preference gets a cut.

CARTHAGO DELENDA EST

¡Viva La Revolucion!
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Luca
ಠ_ರೃ
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Minnesota
 
2004-07-10, 14:40

The other difference is the presence (or lack thereof) of sales tax. Apple always charges sales tax, which can add a significant amount to the computer's price (probably $30-$100, depending on the price and your tax rate). Some vendors charge tax, but most don't.
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psmith2.0
Mr. Vieira
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Tennessee
 
2004-07-10, 17:09

On a semi-related note, when I win that 17" PowerBook later on this evening ( ), I wonder if I'll be able to have the option of paying for the 128MB graphics and 5400rpm drive?

Seriously though, to whoever wins it: think that would be something Apple would allow, especially if the customer is more than happy to pay the upgrade fee ($100 total).



I'd hope so...something worth checking into, whoever wins it. That would make an already kick-ass laptop even that much nicer (and give it some additional "legs" for the future).

If you're going to win something so nice, would be a shame to not have it tricked-out just a tad more to one's liking!
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EDS66
Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Arlington, VA
 
2004-07-10, 19:59

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stroszek
If I want to buy an iBook or PowerBook with anything other than the base specifications, is Apple the only place I can do that?

For example, if I want to buy a 14" 1GHz iBook with:
a 60GB HD instead of the 40GB it comes with,
an Airport Extreme card
and a Bluetooth Module,

can a reseller like MacMall do this for me? or only Apple?

and if it's only Apple, can they do this in an Apple Store, or does it have to be mail ordered?

Thanks!
Apple Specialists will do it for you. They have their own access to Apple's Build to order system. I don't think on-line resellers can do it for you.
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