iMAC - Where to Buy?

Starter for 10

Jigsaw

If you have a John Lewis nearby you get an extra warranty but check freshness of stock

plus the usual suspects - check out the adds in the Mac mags - usually lots of dealers advertise

Thanks Derek & Munch - you are gents.

There's no local outlet, so St. Internet is my shopping tool.
I have on my shortlist J Lewis, Amazon, Apple Shop, Laskeys, & Jigsaw.
Although I love a bargain I've heard too many tales of woe to try PC World.

I've only bought one 'puter ever; My PC which is now 5.5 years old.
I've not read any MAC mags, as I fear they'll confuse me.
I don't know the usual suspects, so could you provide any details please Derek?


Cheers - John

Do not worry about the Mac Mags - they are aimed at the consumer to generate purchase lust and tend to be a bit sycophantic in their respect to Apple.
However they do have their uses and tips.

Usual suspects - just glancing thru last Augusts copy the following names could be a useful Google

Cancom

GHC or Gordon Harwood Computers

Computer Warehouse.co.uk

Solutions
plus the Apple Shops both bricks and mortar as well as on-line.

Apple do not allow much margin on their hardware so getting significant reduction in price is quite a challenge - look for what support options the retailer will give -

I have just bought an ex dem machine from Jigsaw along with their 3 year back to base support option.

Back to the mags - buy the odd copy of Macworld they do give you more knowledge.

Also check out to see if there is an Apple User Group meeting near to you. They are good for swapping information face to face and trying out new tricks and seeing applications in use on other machines.

http://www.macusersuk.org/

sounds a bit nerdy - but useful.

Enjoy the hunt

I bought from the Apple refurb shop next day free delivery.

Hi,

I have 2 macs and bought both from Apple stores, I can't be bothered saving a couple of quid on something I might need help with and know b****r all about.

I am not sure how it works in the UK but the Apple stores in the US offer excellent free training on Macs in-store ( I assume you need to have bought from them )and also have very good support through their use of individuals in the store whose main role is to help with the techie type questions/trouble shooting.Alernatively there is training available on-line and via Apple podcasts training

Good luck - by the by ask for advice in the Apple store they seem very helpful and honest, a friend of mine went in thinking he would buy a Macbook Pro, he explained he didn't really know anything about Macs and the assistant after asking a few questions about usage etc suggested the lower spec/price Macbook as it covered his needs. Was may Friend impressed or what, and he bought the macbook

Enjoy the hunt, but with Macs it is not overly complex, so get advice make your decision and get the purchase made

Barrie

Just Checked Apple.Uk site they do offer one to one training in store

apple store sale today, so it might be worth a look.


SJB

Another vote for the Apple store here. You can book an appointment & go for free tutorials in-store if you wish. Buying online is hassle-free & delivery rocket speed ! Hefty discounts are also available from the Apple store if there is a student in residence (details on the website). I can also thoughoughly recommend the Applecare package if you are new to Macs. Their expert help is second to none if you have problems with any aspect of Macbook ownership.

Best of luck.
MT

Another vote for Apple Store. If its VFM your looking for and you don't mind refurbed I got my imac for £659 + I could also reclaim the VAT which made the deal a steal.

Good luck

Thanks very much everyone.

Always a pleasure to experience what a helpful,
& knowledgeable lot of forum members are here.

The johnlewis on line is not the same as john lewis on the high street (no honest) and does not have the same warrantees.

The best bet is a drive to JL, you get two years. As Derek says make sure its new stock which it generally is.

One or two other things. If you have anyone in education no matter how tenuous you can use the education store, also there is a refurb store both at www.apple.com/ukstore

And finally don't skimp on the 20 incher its screen is vastly inferior to the 24 incher and not because of size.

I agree Apple stores are great if you can get a past the young gamers playing on them. It is difficult to get a bargain, unlike Windows Machines where you can buy a basic cheapo computer and then find you have to upgrade lots of things.

Tho one thing not to skimp on is RAMM. Double or max out what they offer. Everything runs more smoothly and after years of service it's a cheap upgrade.

quote:

The best bet is a drive to JL, you get two years. As Derek says make sure its new stock which it generally is

Drive to JL if you wish, but then you lose your rights under the distance selling regs. If you buy it online or over the phone & find you hate the Mac for some reason (unlikely but possible), you can just return it (within a week or so)for a full refund. no questions asked. This is a right those who shop in-store do not have.

Regards
MT

I'm following this thread with interest. I've been considering a Mac for sometime. I've been using PCs for donkey's years at work and home but I've always been intrigued by Apple's shtick. Any converts on here? Give me some reasons to cross the Rubicon!

There's plenty of threads about the joys of MAC CL.
The My iMac... I can't believe this thread is a good place to start,
but don't forget the forum search tool.

Thanks to everyone for your help.
After a decent rummage around I settled on the Apple Store & I've placed my order.

Mrs 555 is a teacher, so I used the Apple education store.
The nearest physical store is roughly an eight hour drive away,
so I purchased online.

Thanks again - John