Help with iMac purchase!

[weldiger]

I want to get a new iMac, and have it delivered.
I would appreciate hearing which supplier has the best deal, service, shipping, and other things which contribute to ease of purchase and use.
I would like to have the memory maxed out, but I think that the screen size is not really that important.
advice appreciated.
Thanks
Shalom
weldiger

[giantmike]

The apple store is always a good place to go. Free shipping, but they do charge sales tax. If you can get an educational discount, or a government discount, you can't beat their prices.

To max out the RAM, use Crucial memory, they are the best, hands down.

[sandbox]

MacMall has a good deal, lots of free stuff, have them install the Ram, guarantied! They have served me well through the years, in spite of rumors to the contrary. I have referred them to many folks and have never gotten a bad report. I bought my system there originally, and when my Epson printer didn’t work they sent one out before I had a chance to return the one that was damaged in shipping.

If you don’t like the deals they're offering you can call them up and negotiate over the phone. Ask for your personal configured iMac + Ram whatever, and tell them what you would like to pay.
iMac 800MHz Combo 15" LCD
Starting at $1,094.00!
15-inch active-matrix flat-panel LCD display
Limited Quantity!
NEW LOWER PRICE!
Save $200!
1024x768 pixels
800MHz PowerPC G4
256K L2 cache @ 800 MHz
256MB SDRAM before free RAM
60GB Ultra ATA drive
DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive
10/100BASE-T Ethernet
56K internal modem
3 USB 12-Mbps 1.1 ports
2 FireWire 400 ports
NVIDIA GeForce2 MX
Mini-VGA Video Mirroring
Mac OS X v10.2 and Classic only
AirPort ready
Apple Pro Speakers
Deal-Mac really has nothing better.

Customer Service was good to me, and to people I know who have used them.

Shipping

QUOTE

None of our competitors can ship your order faster! Place your order as late as 10:00pm EST and have it delivered to your door by FedEx tomorrow morning by 10:30am in most areas.

QUOTE

Sales Tax

In accordance with statutory regulations, MacMall charges sales tax on shipments to customers in the states of California, Tennessee and Wisconsin. If you are located in one of these states, but you believe your purchases are not subject to sales tax, please contact your Account Executive for assistance at (800) 622-6255.

My 2¢

[jepinto]

I've bought from MacMall and been very happy, so I can second SB's recommendation.  And if "patience is a virtue, but who said I was virtuous?" that next day delivery sure is nice.

Smalldog also comes highly recommended.  To purchase a new Apple product, you must be an existing customer, achieved easily, set up an account, purchase something small, then you can purchase new.  However the refurbished iMacs are available, $250 to $300 less than new and no previous account is necssary.

PowerMax offers new and refurished.  I find the refurb prices a bit high, but they do accept tradeins.

Then of course, there is ebay.  I use it quite often, have had VERY good luck-did I mention my CUBE -but it is Caveat Emptor.  If it sounds too good to be true, it AIN'T

[Paddy]

I'll "third" (?) the MacMall recommendation - I've ordered many things from them over the years. Interesting recent discovery - their Educational pricing is second to none! I ordered the new Adobe Creative Suite for $60 off the listed Ed price - the best educational pricing I'd been able to find prior to calling them had been $20 off list. Educational prices usually aren't discounted (off the educational list price that is) all that much, so it was a pleasant surprise indeed. Makes me wonder how they do on the hardware side when compared with Apple's Education Store. However, I'll have to wait a bit to find out...sigh.

BTW - the "free" RAM ain't free - they want $39.99 to install it. However, at this point in time, 512MB of RAM (SDRAM or PC2700) for $39.99 is a darn good deal. Checked the prices at dealram.com and they were twice that or more.

[RHPConsult]

Over the last 12-13 years I've probably bought 5 Macs from MacZone. They have never disappointed me, on price or service, especially service-before, service-after.

FWIW

[weldiger]

Hey! Thanks all!
I saw elsewhere the post from bobw that there was a special deal on Panther for computers purchased right now.  I saw one company advertising it, and was thinking about going with them, because MacMall page did not mention it, nor did MacZone.  I have had good luck with both of them in the past, but didn't want to miss out, if someone knew of a better place.  Thank you all for your input.  By this time next week, I hope to have an iMac at both locations!  [one in the  mountains, this one in the flatlands!]

Thanks
Shalom
weldiger

[()]

you can always try http://www.Outpost.com  they always have good pricing and you will probably get the Mac Panther offer as well, all you really need is the proof of purchase and sales slip...

enjot your new iMac and Panther too!