Crappy job, desire macbook. Any help?

I'm interested in buying a macbook. Problem is that I'm a bit stingy and to be blatantly honest, my job at McDonalds doesn't pay enough to get me that macbook anytime this decade.

This is what I have wittled the macbook unibody down to so far:
£799 Refurbished
£695 (Some business use)
£663 (-£32 for 4% cashback from Quidco)

As far as macbooks go, £663 delivered is pretty good. I was hoping you guys would know any ways that I can drop this down a touch. Along the lines of voucher codes or anything like that or possibly any promotions coming up.

Cheers.

 

Apple computers are rather expensive. If you're on a budget, I'd suggest you look into Dell or HP offerings; you get more bang for the buck with those manufacturers. It is always wise to spend within your means.

 

I'm prepared to sacrifice spec for style, terrible mentality but thats just the way I am with notebooks.. I've been looking at various notebooks for a while now and there hasn't been much that has really caught my eye, the only exception being the Samsung NC20.

It's a shame that the macbooks can't be customized to come without a HDD and memory, since I will probably be upgrading the hard drive down the line anyway.

Thanks for the advice but I have considered some alternatives, for some reason I go back to the macbook every time.

The resale value is keeping me attached.

 

I would look on the apple refurbished store, or ebay. There may be something there that will fulfill your price needs.

 

yes but a redurbed macbook is only slightly cheaper than the new one. it's nor by a large margin. may be you could get a student to buy it for you. They get student discounts on macs.

 

The educational discount is for students and students only. The scheme you suggest is called fraud, as harmless as it may sound.

 

Hook me up with a southern style chicken sandwich and fish filet!! I love those!

 

If you know someone who works at an Apple store they could get you a discount, here in Canada anyway but probably over there too.

 

if you cant afford it, you cant afford it.

I dont understand the point of asking this.

 

I repeat, the educational discount is for students and students only. The scheme you suggest is called fraud, as harmless as it may sound. It also discredits the true purpose of the discount.

 

I'm confused. In the quote you posted, I don't see any mention of using a student discount. He's only referring to an employee discount.

Each year, every Apple employee gets 25% off of one Apple notebook - this is for their own use. They are allowed to purchase three more notebooks at the discount of 15% for family and friends. I don't see how it's fraud if they are allowed and encouraged to give this discount to their loved ones.

 

Unless the OP has some friends that work at Apple, then I don't see how he would be able to pull this off.

 

If he was referring to employee benefits, then I am in error. However, someone had previously suggested taking advantage of the educational discount system; hence my protest.

 

No biggy, I'm a student but my cousin who isnt always gets a discount and they dont even ask for the id. Heck they asked me only once before and I've used the discount 3 times without being asked.

 

Getting a student to buy a macbook pro and then resell it to you for the same price is not fraud, by the way. Its "taking advantage of the system" or "defeating the purpose of the system", but it is in NO way against the law. I just want to make that clear.

Also, the apple employees can give out the educational discount to whomever they wish. If you tell them your situation in full honesty, they will most likely OFFER you the educational discount.

 

To some extent, I disagree. Yes, while fraud as described in this situation is not necessarily illegal it still would probably fall under a general definition of what most reasonable people would consider fraud as the intent is there to prevent the seller (Apple) from receiving the proper compensation due for the notebook, and one is using a third party as a "front" to circumvent the legitimate restrictions on qualifying for a discount based on being in education (an active student or educator).

You're quite correct that it is definitely "taking advantage of the system." Some would call that fraud, some cheating, some sticking it to them.... to each their own, I suppose.

The employee's use of the discount afforded them by Apple as an employee perk/privelege is different (to begin with, they are limited in the number of times it can be used). That is, at its heart, an employee benefit and an employee's choice of how to utilize this benefit given to them by Apple is wholly separate since when they choose to use it - within the restrictions set by Apple - for the purpose of directly purchasing a system for family/friends they are not circumventing or otherwise attempting to avoid, by improper means, the price charged for the product.

 

fraud = illegal. the describe situation above in no way constitute fraud. loop hole, immoral, whatever you want to call it, it is not the same as fraud. one, you can be arrested, prosecuted, the other one you cannot. the laws will always be exploited until amended.

 

With the student discount you only get $100.00 off but with the refurbished mbp you get $250.00 off so you are better to get a refurb, you still get the same warranty same specs.

 

rub a biscuit?

 

agree. dangerous habit to live beyond one's ability ...

 

Isnt there a similar restriction on the number of laptops purchased via an educational discount ? I dont see the difference between educational and employee discount. Is non-resale a condition when purchasing with an educational discount ?

OP, another option is to save a bit more, and buy a used MBP in another 8months- 1 year when the next generation of MBPs is released.

 

I can understand the arguments for staying within one's means. I liked the unibody macbooks. However it would not be within a reasonable means for me to afford one. I would be in debt for longer than I found reasonable so I purchased what I could afford. The current revision white Macbook was in my price range so I bought it and could not be happier.

It is good advice they are giving trust me.

 

I'm fairly certain that I read that you are limited to one laptop or desktop by academic year.

 

Maybe look on craigslist or wait until you can afford the laptop you desire.

Word of the wise

 

Fraud
–noun
1. deceit, trickery, sharp practice, or breach of confidence, perpetrated for profit or to gain some unfair or dishonest advantage.

Yeah, sounds like it fits the bill of what's being discussed here.

I'm with Bog, as I've sided with him on this exact issue before: the Apple student discount is for legitimate student purchased. It is NOT supposed to be extended to those who are not, obviously, students.

It's immoral and fraudulent.

 

If you are a student, and you are purchasing the laptop, then its not fraud. Period. Unless the T&C say that you cant resell it etc.
Heck, if you are so uncomfortable, you can advise the OP to get his student friend to explicitly tell the Apple rep upfront that he is purchasing the laptop for someone else...

 

If you do not have the money and have to get a Mac, get the white plastic MacBook. Otherwise, get an affordable Windows or Linux based notebook.