few MacBook questions

The last few weeks I've been looking into laptops for first year of college this year. I'm really starting to settle on a MacBook, most likely 2ghz and 1gb of RAM. A few questions:

1) I do not plan to game at all or any extremely consuming programs, mostly just word processing, internet, mp3s, so I know the MacBook is fine for that. But, since it has programs for movie editing and DVD creating on it, I assume those preintalled programs work pretty decently without a dedicated gpu? I would like to transfer some home movies onto DVD occasionally and a little editing since I'll have the capability. How well does the MacBook handle the programs?

2) Do they only sell the 3 'base' configurations in the Apple stores? There is a store close by so it would be nice to just buy in store, but I definitely want the 1gb of RAM.

3) How does warranty service work? If I have a problem do I have to ship it off or do I take it to a store? Would buying online vs. in a store have any effect on the service I get with the warranty?

4) Does anyone know the return policy for in store and online? Also, they have the rebates for ipods and printers going right now, but as a first time mac user I'm a bit hessitant to buy the ipod and printer only to return the MacBook and find out I'm stuck with the ipod and printer and down 200 bucks.

Thanks for any help

 

A few answers to the best of my ability/knowledge:

1. Yes, it comes with great video/movie editing programs/softwares. It should handle with no problems unless you're doing some serious movie level editing or using Maya.

2. They have base configurations there and you can upgrade ram there too, they will install it for you. However, their ram prices are over-priced. The only changes they will not be able to do is change the CPU and HD. They can even install other programs for you if you purchased it at the store.

3. You can always bring it into the store. They have a service called concierge that you can set up an apt, same day only. They also sell an upgraded service whereby you can get additional training and cut to the front of the line and make appt. ahead of time. For notebooks, the coverage is worldwide given Apple's locations. No difference in terms of service on warranty. It comes with a "Free" 90 days, I would advise getting Apple Pro Care and extend it to 3 yrs.

4. Returns to store is okay but they charge you a restocking fee unless it's defective. Don't know about the rebate question.

Hope this helps

 

You should buy your ram aftermarket, save some money
1. Lots of people love the software that comes with the Macbook, I loved the video editing software in school!! It is the best, and its free!
2. They are like dell, you pick the base model, then you pick your upgrades you want and they will do it, I would only suggest upgrading the HDD if you need it everything else is overpriced. Maybe some software if you need it.
3. Just read jujube post about it he is right
4. They have a 15% restocking fee I think, if you return it because you don't want it. You probably will have to keep the printer and ipod, but they were free so hey
Gl!!
~Arman

 

Thanks for the quick responses!

Ouch, 15% restocking sounds like I better be resolute in the purchase. The reason I asked about the rebates is I know you usually have to send in the reciepts and barcodes and stuff which might make the laptop no longer returnable, so if i returned the computer I wouldnt have gotten the rebates yet, and then I'm stuck with the two "free" things.

 

the ipod and printer will work with a pc, so you can use it with your current computer

 

Ya, just my only reason for getting them would be the free-ness. Anyways, hopefully I wont be returning in the first place.

Thanks again for the help

 

I can't speak for the iPod, but I have taken advantage of the printer offer in the past. I, too, was unsure as to whether or not I was going to love the iBook. Apple has a 14 day return period, with a 10% restocking fee if the computer is not defective. One way to be sure it to just not open the iPod or Printer until you are sure you are going to love the MacBook. You should have plenty of time to submit the paperwork for the rebate.

 

I'd buy the lowest spec'd 2.0ghz macbook and upgrade the ram through third party vendors. Only go w/ 2gb if you plan on doing fairly intense video editing.

Chances are, your macbook will have some minor defect (too hot, slight discoloration/wear) so you might be able to claim a broken product if you decide to return it after the 14-day period...

If the store isn't too far away, I'd go there just to check out the product before you buy it. The keyboard layout or weight may turn you off. You'll never know until it's in your hands.

I think rebates are a major hassle, but if you don't have an ipod or printer than it would be worth you while. You could sell the ipod and printer to offset the $200, or to make some pocket money.

 

Remember don't get the iPod's free laser engraving, if you think you might return it, because any iPod thats has an engraving on it is ineligible for a refund.

Its one of Apples hidden policies.

 

If the printer and ipod are unopened is there still a restocking fee on those returns, or just computers?

If I purchase online, do I have to deal with return issues online or mail, or can I take it to the store just as if I had bought it in-store?

Yes, I have seen them in store and i like the computer. (its really nice having the apple store nearby). The only things really stopping me right now are so many reports of the heat, and I think as I read more and more forums to research the product I am just coming across more and more complaints and problems than is probably healthy, haha. I know a large number of people just come online to complain, but its hard for me to guage how widespread these issues really are.

 

If you return the product before 14 days the restock fee I believe is waived? Not sure because I never had to return anything of Apples!

Yes returning would be that way if you got it from in-store as well.

Think about it this way for the last part of your post, how many people do you know that go online and find places to rave about their macbooks? Yes there are blogs that do but I'm talking about forums. Doesn't that seem like bragging and we all know how bragging isn't exactly cool, it just makes people think differently of you.

I have the macbook and heat isn't an issue for me, probably because my laptop is mostly in an Air conditioned room and has its own cooling pad. I felt it get pretty warm a few times, but its rare that it does get that warm.

 

Well, I'm not toooo worried about the heat. I won't be bothered by just the prescence of it, and if its something serious and dies I know theres going to be a certified apple place on campus next year.

Does anyone know about the printer rebate, it ends July 17, is that the last day just for purchasing or to submit the rebate claim as well?

 

It looks like from the terms its saying that it has to be purchased before that date, then you get 30 days from the purchase date to have a postmarked rebate in the mail.

Make sure you read over that to be sure www.apple.com/promo find printer one. I wouldn't want to be the one responsible for any mess up. click the link that says terms and conditions, this is also the rebate form.

There are also only select printers eligible for the rebate. The purchase must also be on the same reciept as the computer.

 

Ya, thats how I understood it too. I'll clarify in store. Hopefully they have a decent selection of the printers.

 

Well thanks for everyones help. I found out one of my local apple stores had upgraded MacBooks in stock so I went and got one tonight before they ran out and I had to wait. So far, its awesome. I went for the 2ghz white, 1 gb RAM, 80 gb harddrive.