to ask about Apple?

[VeganFromSveden]

Hi, I would like to buy an Apple laptop.

I can’t make up my mind about which model is best for me, but I’d like to buy it -

New, coz of the warranty that it would come with.

Not refurbished, as I’ve bought an Apple iPad in the past that way, and although it came with a limited warranty, of six months… within days of that limit expiring, the pad no longer performed as it should.

So I’m trying to benefit from the experience of other mumsnetters, by asking
where, should I purchase from?

I thought that it would be more cost effective to buy it from Apple.

However, it’s been pointed out to me, that it’s sometimes better to purchase from elsewhere, as there could be beneficial incentives to buy from a non Apple store…

Not sure if I’m putting my Q across in the correct way, so apologies if above sounds a bit burbled.

Thanks to anyone who replies…

I would probably buy it from Apple, you can configure the spec you want whereas other stores just sell the standard spec ones. If you just want a standard one though JL is worth looking at as you get the extra 1 year guarantee with it. For things like which model MacRumors Forums are worth a read. With refurbished you are pretty safe getting one from Apple.

Incentives from Apple are generally the student discount if you qualify but I think only certain times of year and they give vouchers on Black Friday sales. JL give the extra guarantee, not really heard of any other incentives. You can add AppleCare wherever you buy it from.

I bought my MacBook Air M1 chip from Costco three years ago and I'm very pleased with it. All my tech is Apple. It was cheaper than buying directly from Apple, with a 12 month no questions asked return policy, full 1 year Apple warranty.
Current Costco price for Air with M2 chip and 512GB is £1189; Apple price is £1449. It's worth getting a Costco membership just to access their price and 2 year extended warranty.

Disclaimer - I don't work for Costco.

Ooh, I might look at Costco as I need a new iMac soon though my 2017 Intel one is still plodding on.

I bought mine from Apple.

Some work places have a deal with apple. It might be worth asking around some friends who work for large organisations if they have such a scheme?

You would be able to configure to your spec that way.

I got an education discount as I'm
Starting a degree. Also got a voucher, which I bought Apple care with.

Just be sure you do want an Apple. I've had Macs for the past 20 years but really regret getting the M1 chip laptop two years ago. The compatibility issues are so annoying unless you live in a sealed off Apple word of tech. I have major issues running Adobe, MS suite, Zoom, and connecting to external monitors. Some older devices - old iPod, Sony Mp3- are not recognised so I can't use them

If you have made up your mind, I don't mean to annoy you, but do look up compatibility issues for things you need to use.

Another vote for costco.
However, I’d like to say that your experience with refurbished tech may be a fluke. I have MacBook Pro and iPad Pro. Both purchased refurbished from Apple. My Mac is now in its 9th year and my iPad is 6 years old. Both used heavily for graphic design and illustration work and both perform as well as they did first out of the box. The battery on my Mac is now fried but I work on it plugged in. I could replace the battery with the local repair shop if I chose to and it would be relatively affordable given that I am hoping to get at least 5 more years out of my machine.

I wonder if OP maybe got refurbished from one of the popular refurbished resellers which can be a bit hit and miss, Apples own refurbished is a different thing to these. I bought a refurbished Apple TV from Apple and it was like new.

Amazon is another option, although they don't let you configure the Mac. They give a slight discount, about the same as what you'd get if you were a student.

I wouldn't buy now because the M3 MacBooks are rumoured to be available later this month or in April, so the previous models will be reduced in price.

I bought my 2013 MacBook Pro from John Lewis and will get my new M2 Air from them because of the extra guarantee.

I would start with a visit to Apple Store to discuss the spec you need.
Refurbished by Apple have a one year guarantee and a good reputation, saving about 15%
Otherwise John Lewis for their warranty if you are happy with the spec they offer.

I got my MacBook Air from Curry’s - they had some sort of cash back claim offer from what I remember. The store had a dedicated bit for Apple with a very helpful chap on. This was about 9 years ago tbf.

Hi everyone for your useful replies.

I had a go at reading up as pp suggested.
and saw the history of Apple using their own microprocessor (M1, then M2 and looks like end of March they rumoured to launch M3 fir the "Air".

I'm also taking up a op suggestion re going into an Apple store.

I know someone with an account with Costco, so that's another consideration...
John Lewis feels like a trustworthy option too.
Gee, so many considerations...
... it's like a whole new education.

I'm more swaying towards the "Air", and as other po said, the launch of the M3, will hopefully make the M2 more affordable.

Thanks again everyone 🙏🏻

You’ll never need to cash in a warranty with a Macbook.

If you're not sure then a MacBook Air is all anyone needs

Buy the latest model if you can

I've had my MacBook Air for 7 years and apart from getting apple to install a new battery it's still going strong

John Lewis is a great place to buy them

The M3 MacBooks launched today and the M2 models have dropped a little in price.