Fastest Way to Dual Processor G5?
I haven't pre-ordered, but definitely want the dual processor model. I have the option of purchasing from a local Apple Store, CompUSA, a university (U of Central Florida--my son is a Freshman there) and of course online.
I've talked with people at the Apple Store and UCF to see if I would get faster delivery by putting a "hard" order in with them, but they both say no.
What should I do to ensure fastest delivery? If I order online, will the cost be higher (still get educational discount, but would then have to pay shipping on top of tax(FL is aggressive in collecting sales tax from online and mail orders))?
Thanks
I've talked with people at the Apple Store and UCF to see if I would get faster delivery by putting a "hard" order in with them, but they both say no.
What should I do to ensure fastest delivery? If I order online, will the cost be higher (still get educational discount, but would then have to pay shipping on top of tax(FL is aggressive in collecting sales tax from online and mail orders))?
Thanks
Comments
PS. sorry bout know one responing. I asure you, we are good, kinda hearted people here are appleinsider.
Originally posted by F1Turbo
I haven't pre-ordered, but definitely want the dual processor model. I have the option of purchasing from a local Apple Store, CompUSA, a university (U of Central Florida--my son is a Freshman there) and of course online.
I've talked with people at the Apple Store and UCF to see if I would get faster delivery by putting a "hard" order in with them, but they both say no.
What should I do to ensure fastest delivery? If I order online, will the cost be higher (still get educational discount, but would then have to pay shipping on top of tax(FL is aggressive in collecting sales tax from online and mail orders))?
Thanks
Well, I can't answer your fastest question, but the benefits or ordering online are that you can config as you see fit. Buying in the stores, you buy a pre-configured machine. I'd much rather decide if I want leather seats or not.
Originally posted by F1Turbo
What should I do to ensure fastest delivery? If I order online, will the cost be higher (still get educational discount, but would then have to pay shipping on top of tax(FL is aggressive in collecting sales tax from online and mail orders))?
Thanks
Every state you buy from the AppleStore you pay tax. Shipping is free from the AppleStore also.
Thanks again!
Originally posted by F1Turbo
Thanks for all your replies--didn't realize Apple Store shipped free! Sounds like it's probably the way to go since I want to bump the RAM and hard drive up.
Thanks again!
No no don't do that.
If you want to bump the RAM and HD NEVER do it through the Apple Store. They charge ridiculous amounts for their RAM and HD upgrades.
Best to do it yourself, honestly. You can grab a new drive at newegg.com and ram at OWC, or Datamem for much much less.
Originally posted by vraxtus
No no don't do that.
If you want to bump the RAM and HD NEVER do it through the Apple Store. They charge ridiculous amounts for their RAM and HD upgrades.
Best to do it yourself, honestly. You can grab a new drive at newegg.com and ram at OWC, or Datamem for much much less.
Wait just a minute. the HD, and RAM right now from the Apple store is the cheapest way to do it if your going to just upgrade the 1 drive to the highest 250GB. The additional cost is lesser than going out and buying an entire drive.
Also for RAM. If you intend to use the the dual 1GB modules your best choice again is the Apple store. THe G5 only uses matching RAM modules. So if you intend to slowly increase your ram to the maximum 8GB limit, it's a waste of time to start buying 512MB matching sticks. Because you'll be throwing them out later. If you only intend to upgrade to 4GB 512 is the way to go, and you might get it cheaper elsewhere, but if your going to set it up the way it was meant be set up you have to start your system up with 2GB of RAM. 2X 1GB modules. which is cheapest to get from Apple as BTO.
Originally posted by onlooker
Wait just a minute. the HD, and RAM right now from the Apple store is the cheapest way to do it if your going to just upgrade the 1 drive to the highest 250GB. The additional cost is lesser than going out and buying an entire drive.
Also for RAM. If you intend to use the the dual 1GB modules your best choice again is the Apple store. THe G5 only uses matching RAM modules. So if you intend to slowly increase your ram to the maximum 8GB limit, it's a waste of time to start buying 512MB matching sticks. Because you'll be throwing them out later. If you only intend to upgrade to 4GB 512 is the way to go, and you might get it cheaper elsewhere, but if your going to set it up the way it was meant be set up you have to start your system up with 2GB of RAM. 2X 1GB modules.
Are you telling me you're going to spend the $4400 that Apple quotes to get a total of 8 gigs of RAM when you can get each 1 GB DIMM for less than 300 a piece? Please.
As for the HD, yes that may be true if he wants a base 250 GB SATA drive but for a second drive I would honestly get it elsewhere for less. (Though GB/$ on SATA drives are closer to 1:1)
Originally posted by onlooker
Also for RAM. If you intend to use the the dual 1GB modules your best choice again is the Apple store.
Apple Store prices for RAM have DOUBLED since I ordered on 6/30. I'd avoid them right now.
-- Mark
Originally posted by vraxtus
No no don't do that.
If you want to bump the RAM and HD NEVER do it through the Apple Store. They charge ridiculous amounts for their RAM and HD upgrades.
Best to do it yourself, honestly. You can grab a new drive at newegg.com and ram at OWC, or Datamem for much much less.
If you don;t do that you are wasting space. The g5 comes with what, 256 or 512? If it's 512, it will be 2 256s. So when you get it you get another 512, that's 3 slots already taken. That dumb. Spend a little more so you don't waste ram or space. The HD, well, you're also including an install fee. I'm saying get a good amount, not fully stocked with Apple.
Originally posted by mark_wilkins
Apple Store prices for RAM have DOUBLED since I ordered on 6/30. I'd avoid them right now.
-- Mark
Well, I wouldn't say doubled, just bumped up by 50%. Eek, I hadn't looked recently. Bumping your config to 2 GB used to add $750. Now, it adds $1050.
-Bruce.
Originally posted by bspath
Well, I wouldn't say doubled, just bumped up by 50%. Eek, I hadn't looked recently. Bumping your config to 2 GB used to add $750. Now, it adds $1050.
Turns out we're both overstating the case:
In both cases you get a $250 credit for the standard model's RAM built into the price, so 4 GB is now an additional $1300 over the 2 GB module, for a total of $2350 more than stock. Previously it was $1000 extra over 2 GB for a total of $1750 more than the stock configuration.
Not including the $250 credit for the 2x256 modules that they don't add in each case, they're charging $650 for each individual 1 GB RAM module while they used to be charging $500 each. That's a 30% increase.
Currently, Boundless Technology, a RAM vendor that generally has had decent prices in the past, is selling a 2 DIMM 2 GB kit for $620, or about half Apple's price.
-- Mark
Originally posted by F1Turbo
It's amazing to me that no one (Apple Store, College computer store, online, 244 views here at AppleInsider Forum) can answer what I thought was a simple question!
You did get the answer to your question. You just didn't like it.
Anyway, I've always gotten solid shipping estimates from SmallDogs.
If you notice from where you pulled my quote (2nd posting after my initial post), not only had I NOT got my answer at that point, but I had not gotten any postings at all.
Everyone,
While I still didn't get an EXACT answer to my question (that being what is the fastest way to get a dual processor), I really appreciate everyone's answers--especially info on free shipping and excellent discussion on hard drive and RAM upgrades.
My initial thoughts were of the videogame platforms. When Sony, Nintendo, MS announce a new system, both online and brick and mortar stores have lists for purchasing. After you put some money down, they guarantee you priority delivery and a ship date (which has slipped, but only very rarely). Another similar setup--you're looking for a hot new car announced but not on the market yet. You can go to your dealer and get on a priority list for purchase at an agreed upon price. As cars come in, the dealers start delivering them in accordance with the waiting list (FIFO).