Apple retail stores can be found in all corners of the US and even in Canada, Japan, and the UK. While Windows shoppers have to wade through big box retailers and computer stores staffed by aggressive commission-seeking salespeople, Mac users can sample the latest Apple and third-party products in a low-stress environment that is staffed by knowledgeable and helpful employees.
The online Apple Store is one of the most heavily-trafficked ecommerce sites in the world, and for good reason. The full lineup of Apple products, plus digital cameras, printers, and other third party products are available for 24/7 ordering, and service is fast and reliable.
You can still buy Apple products through a wide variety of other online and mail order outlets, including MacZone, Mac Warehouse, Small Dog Electronics, and even Amazon.
The Student Discount
Apple has put a fair amount of work into making it easier for students to acquire Apple products. They have created a store locator for students, that will show you where the closest Apple Authorized Campus Retailer is located, and where you can find the closest Apple Store.
Whether you buy in person or online, the education discount usually amounts to between 10 and 20%. The larger purchases (computers in particular) tend to have the best discounts. You don’t get free rein to purchase infinite quantities of Apple products at discounted prices, but their policy seems reasonable. You can purchase one desktop computer, one Mac mini, one laptop, two displays, two software titles, one iPod, and one iSight at the discounted rate per academic year.
MLS reader Aimee sent this tidbit: “You might want to remind your readers to check on campus for deals on MS Office, we get a sweet deal here that is $20 for the entire Office suite as long as you buy it from the university.” That’s a good tip. Hmm… maybe it’s time to upgrade from Office X.
Also, if you’re buying a new MacBook or MacBook Pro in the summer, check out Apple’s Back to School promotion if you want to get a free iPod nano.
Photo Credit
The Shibuya storefront shot is a crop of IMGP0473.JPG, which was taken by Akira Kamikura. The photo is under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 license.
