[WelMac] Purchasing my first iMac

[John Shrapnell]

For me there are a couple of things to consider, guarantees should you  
have a hardware fault, and help with any problems.

Faults
My understanding is that Apple gives you a year guarantee but  
encourages you to buy an extended guarantee for, I think its, 3 years.
I think that's a lousy guarantee for a company that boasts quality and  
certainly charges for it. I've had a couple of occasions with a  
colleague's faulty mother board that was just out of Apple's 1 year  
guarantee. They tried to stick by the 1 year. However I pointed out  
that we have the Consumer Guarantees Act and that this overrode any  
company guarantee.  They gave in.

Help
I always used to buy from Magnum Mac because not only were they the  
Apple Dealer, but they were always helpful.  That last aspect has  
changed in the last year.  Their technical help is rarely a technician  
and their usual reply is to tell you to ring Apple Australia.  Aussie  
Apple will help but only if you're within the Apple Guarantee period.

The other general dealers, Dick Smith and Harvey Normans don't seem to  
have any experts on hand.  In Wellington I tend to deal with Noel  
Leeming because they have a tech store, they do have some experienced  
people, and they give Fly Buys.  They also been good when I've had to  
return goods to them.

As to the Imacs, I have a couple and I've had no problems.


On 12/05/2008, at 12:07 PM, Jamie Dobbs wrote:

> As I am unable to find an Auckland Mac Users group and Wellington  
> was home until a couple of years ago I thought I might join the  
> mailing list so I could ask a bit of advice.
>
> In about 4 weeks I'll be throwing down the cash to buy a new 2.8GHz  
> 24" iMac and I am looking for any recommendations, or warnings, on  
> who I should (or should not) deal with.
> As I see it I have a few options:
>
> 1. Apple Store
>
> 2. Dick Smith - I can buy at Trade Price and save about $80
>
> 3. Harvey Normans - I've been told that if you approach them in the  
> right way they will often cut a deal
>
> 4. MagnumMac - bit of an unknown quantity here, they certainly don't  
> appear to be anything like the company the used to be and I've heard  
> the odd horror story aout dealing with them
>
> 5. ToshComputers - Pricing looks very good but I'm always nervous  
> about dealing with someone I can't go in and talk to. Feedback on  
> website is good (but then who posts the bad stuff!) but am unable to  
> find any of the feedback that they refer to on either Trademe or  
> ebay australia
>
> 6. Someone else... is there anyone else?
>
> I am by no means wanting to start a war or a 'slagging match' here  
> but would welcome any genuine experiences in dealing with any of  
> these companies as to me this is a very major purchase.
>
> Cheers
>
> Jamie
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John Shrapnell
shrapnell at clear.net.nz
+64 (04) 473-7128, Mobile +64 (021) 403-003
27 Hanover St, Wadestown, Wellington 6012, NZ
http://home.clear.net.nz/pages/shrapnell/