How to Get the Best Deal
From Applepedia
Although Apple does not allow authorized resellers to set lower prices on its products, you can often maximize your value by being an attentive buyer.
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Education Discount
In the words of Apple's website, "If you’re a student, teacher, administrator, or staff member, you’ll get special pricing on the full range of Macintosh computers, plus select third-party products." [1] You can take advantage of this discount at the retail stores, by phone, or through Apple's website. The discounts tend to be around the 10% range, though it varies on the product.
There is no longer an educational discount offered on iPods.
Annual Back to School Offer
Over the past few years, Apple has targeted back-to-school shoppers by offering a rebate [2] for the purchase of the iPod when bought when bought with a new Mac. In 2006, Apple offered a rebate of $179 towards an iPod when purchased as the same time with any Mac. The buyer may apply to it towards a 2GB iPod Nano (making it free, plus tax) or apply it to any of the more expensive iPods.
If you already have an iPod, you could consider selling the free Nano on eBay, thereby subsidizing your Mac purchase.
Amazon Rebates
Amazon often has rebates of $100-150 on most Macs above $1000.
Tax
If you live in a state where Amazon does not charge sales tax, you can buy a prebuilt configuration through Amazon, where you will not be charged for tax or shipping. This can be a considerable savings over buying it directly through Apple's stores or website, particularly if you do not have a student discount.
You could also make the trip to one of these three states that are both tax free and have Apple retail stores.
- Delaware (Newark)
- New Hampshire (Salem)
- Oregon (Portland, Tigard)
Special Deals and Refurbished Items
On the online Apple store, you can browse the Special Deals page to find sale items and refurbished items.
Refurbished items are generally in excellent condition and come with the full 1 year warranty, with AppleCare also offered as an option. Refurbs generally come in a plain brown box instead of the colorful retail boxes. Discount rates typically range between 10% and up to 35%. However, your mileage may vary.
