Apple Retail Store Question: do they accept build-to-order?

s6275

Hello:



I realize that this isn't the usual type of question for this forum, but I've just sold my iBook 600 on eBay and I intend to replace it with an iBook G4.



Since I'm looking for an iBook with an AirPort Extreme Card, 384MB RAM, and Bluetooth all built-in, I'm wondering if my nearest Apple Store will accept a phone-ahead order, and also if they'll install those items for me, or if I'll need to buy them separately and install them on my own.



While I'm at it, here's another question: do they honor the educational faculty discounts?



Thanks for any help that might be available.

Mark.

paul

stores only do certain bto options... and by certain I mean only ram and airport... both of which you can do yourself for cheaper...



if you want to have bluetooth on the iBook AND buy it at an ARS you have to get a USB dongle...



EDU discounts are accepted on HARDWARE only (so no half off for FCP)



so your best option would be to either bto what you want online and have it delivered to your house (can only do this through apple or small dog and i believe only apple will allow edu pricing) you WILL have to pay taxes on it.



or bite the bullet and get what you want at an apple store and deal with the external bluetooth...



its really not a big deal either way and if you live in the same state as your apple store you will have to pay the same taxes either way...



edit: there IS one other option... you can BTO an order at the ARS... but that boils down to them watching you fill out the BTO options online and ordering it from the online apple store...

s6275

Wow. Thank you.



Now I have another question. What kind of proof do the retail stores require for me to get the EDU discount? We don't do ID cards, so would a paystub be sufficient?

nebagakid

if you have your college acceptance letter, they can use that.

ludwigvan

Quote:

Originally posted by s6275

Wow. Thank you.



Now I have another question. What kind of proof do the retail stores require for me to get the EDU discount? We don't do ID cards, so would a paystub be sufficient?

I was told a paystub would work when I stopped by an Apple Retail Store a few months ago. You may want to give your local store - or Apple's 1-800 number - a call to verify this.

psgamer0921

I've bought MS Office 2002 and Photoshop 8 with an educational rebate. MS didn't use proof, since they didn't lose that much money, but Photoshop needed report card, letter from the school, etc. But for some reason, my mom was able to use her driver's licence for PS

bigmclargehuge

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul

stores only do certain bto options... and by certain I mean only ram and airport... both of which you can do yourself for cheaper...



if you want to have bluetooth on the iBook AND buy it at an ARS you have to get a USB dongle...



EDU discounts are accepted on HARDWARE only (so no half off for FCP)



so your best option would be to either bto what you want online and have it delivered to your house (can only do this through apple or small dog and i believe only apple will allow edu pricing) you WILL have to pay taxes on it.



or bite the bullet and get what you want at an apple store and deal with the external bluetooth...



its really not a big deal either way and if you live in the same state as your apple store you will have to pay the same taxes either way...



edit: there IS one other option... you can BTO an order at the ARS... but that boils down to them watching you fill out the BTO options online and ordering it from the online apple store...

actually, the apple stores do edu discounts on software too. My mom just bought MS Office teacher and student edition there. All she had to do was show her drivers licence and school ID.

mac man 020581

Can High School students with ID cards get the EDU discount?

ludwigvan

Quote:

Originally posted by Mac Man 020581

Can High School students with ID cards get the EDU discount?

I have no direct answer to your question, but browsing through Apple's online Education Store, the only information I see pertaining to students involves those going to college/university. The K-12 section states nothing about student purchases; staff and faculty are only given mention.



If I were a betting man, I'd say you're out of luck. But, hey, give it a shot and see what happens.

paul

Quote:

Originally posted by BigMcLargehuge

actually, the apple stores do edu discounts on software too. My mom just bought MS Office teacher and student edition there. All she had to do was show her drivers licence and school ID.

meh... ok... apple software...



but that MS student and teacher edition is bullshit because you can get it if you are a HS student or even elementary... so it really doesn't apply to the blanket apple edu store reqs... :P

formerlurker

I recently walked a friend through the entire EDU purchase procedure at an Apple Store, and I think I can answer all your questions.



1. Bluetooth - if you want it from the Apple Retail Store, you will need to buy the USB dongle. The internal BlueTooth on the iBook is BTO (or CTO or whatever they're calling it these days) only.



On the flip side, a CTO machine can only be serviced by sending it back to Apple. A stock machine purchased from a Retail store, OTOH, can be swapped out for a new kit anytime in the 10-day return period - whether it first-boots up to a few bad pixels, or kernel panics on Day 4, or makes a scary noise when you put in a CD... you will either send it to Apple to be repaired, or swap it out for a fresh one, depending on how you buy it.



That's why my friend has a BlueTooth dongle on her new off-the-shelf iMac....





2. EDU qualification - a student or faculty ID card seems to be the preferred method, but paystubs will do. As would a college schedule printout, an acceptance letter, etc. K-12 students are outta luck, but faculty and staff are all set.



It seems Apple has gotten pretty strict on this, and they let you know that you are allowed only ONE edu-discount per year. I would guess that too many students have abused the discount!

ludwigvan

Quote:

Originally posted by FormerLurker

...It seems Apple has gotten pretty strict on this, and they let you know that you are allowed only ONE edu-discount per year. I would guess that too many students have abused the discount!

Almost. One per year is correct, but according to the Apple Education Store FAQ:

Quote:

Faculty, Staff and Students purchasing from the Apple Store for Education Individuals will be allowed to purchase one each of the following per academic school year:

• PowerBook or iBook


• Power Macintosh G4 or iMac


• Display


• Printer


• A maximum of two copies of any software title

Note the word "each", which means only one purchase per annum from each category. I just want to clarify your statement.

mac man 020581

I think you guys are right about HS student discounts, that sinks.