Want a Customized Macbook or Macbook Pro but Don't Want to Pay Tax?

I've been wanting to buy a new Macbook Pro, but I really want the 7200 RPM hard drive. It came down to a choice between just buying the stock unit at a place like Amazon.com, or ordering from Apple. Suddenly, a $50 upgrade turns into an extra $300+ due to sales tax. I've been pulling my hair out over this.

Then, I realized there is another option: Portable One. I actually bought an Asus A8JS from them about a year and a half ago and received absolutely flawless service. If you send out an email to them, they respond within hours, not days. The system was fantastic the whole time I owned it. Anyway, they sell Mac systems at discounted prices without tax (except in CA). I have my 2.5GHz Macbook Pro on order with the 7200 RPM hard drive for $2449 (a $100 discount from Apple's site), plus free 2nd Day shipping and a free sleeve. All they basically do is order it from Apple, have it shipped to them, and they ship it out to you. So, if you're willing to wait a few extra days, this is a great way to save a lot of money.

Just to note, I do not work for this company, I just thought it would be helpful to let you guys know. I'm sure there are many in my situation of wanting a customized laptop but are turned off by the extra expense. I also think they deserve the business because they are an excellent company to work with.

If you're concerned about their credibility, check out their Reseller Ratings.

 

i heard that if you get a mac from a non apple authorized dealer, you won't get the warranty

 

I just ordered a 2.4Ghz Penryn MacBook Pro from Amazon for $1744 after rebate. It was another $3.99 to have it shipped overnight. I think that beats Portable One by about $700 for the upgrade to the 2.5Ghz model and 200gb 7200rpm drive. Lots of MAC users just swap the hard drive themselves.

 

^can give me a link?

 

also check out www.macmall.com

they're a great place to buy apple products......and they ARE an authorized apple dealer

 

First of all, I don't know where you're getting your pricing. The Penryn model is $1844 after $150 rebate at Amazon, not $1744 ( link).

Secondly, that's not the same model MacBook Pro as the one I'm talking about. It has the slower processor, the slower hard drive, and 256MB video card as opposed to 512. If you're comparing apples to apples (no pun intended), that same model is $1899 shipped at Portable One with no rebate, so you save about $55 buying from Amazon once your rebate comes in 6-8 weeks. If I were looking to buy a stock model, I'd definitely buy from Amazon too. But the point of this thread was for people interested in buying customized models (larger/faster hard drives, higher resolution screens for the 17" models, faster processors, etc.), which you can't do from Amazon. Sure, you can swap the hard drive yourself easily enough if you have the know-how, but I thought I read doing so voided your warranty with Apple (though I could be mistaken about that). Portable One claims to be an authorized Apple dealer, though they aren't listed on Apple's site. They told me to call Apple to verify.

Basically, if you're looking to buy a stock Macbook Pro, I'd definitely suggest buying from Amazon. This thread was merely to point out alternative options for people to save some money on customized systems.

By the way, I wouldn't suggest buying from MacMall. First, they say that certain models are in stock, but then when you pick your model, it says call for availability, which basically means out of stock. That's really deceitful if you ask me. Plus, check out their reseller ratings ( cringe).

 

I hate to be the one to break it to you but I think you purchased last years Santa Rosa model.
MA896LL/A - Santa Rosa

MB133LL/A - Penryn

 

Yep that wasn't a Penryn. Whoops.

 

Macbook Pros at PortableOne

 

Thanks for the info. I've been trying to figure out a way to get a 7200rpm HD without having to pay tax. So far my only solution was an ADC discount to offset it. If anyone has used PortableOne let me know how it went/if they're a registered dealer.

 

Ok just checked with Apple and they are NOT an authorized reseller. (The guy I talked to made sure)

Oh and about their Reseller Rating it's interesting how every person only made 1 review.

Edit: I also asked about their previous name laptopsinc but I didn't ask about their previous-previous name Global something something. They change names often though. When i called them up and said that Apple says they aren't an authorized dealer he just said to check his website to see that they are.

 

Not sure whom you spoke with but we are even on Apple's website and have been for many years:

http://www.apple.com/buy/locator/index.html?q=morgan+hill,+ca

 

This is my 3rd laptop purchase I've made from Portable One, and my first Macbook Pro. I bought it about a month ago and couldn't be happier. And you will not find anyone better to do business with than Ivan at P1. In the rare instance that you have any problems with your laptop, they won't quit until your satisfied. This is my first Apple notebook, and I couldn't be happier. The personalized service you receive from them is almost unheard of these days. I don't have a problem recommending P1 to anyone looking to purchase a new laptop, Apple or otherwise. If you have any questions Ivan usually answers them himself, and he is the owner. Now thats what I call customer service. Do yourself a favor and check them out.

 

Yeah, MacMall always has cheap prices for Macs...however, at the same time there also has been a rather unusual high amount of complaints about MacMall.