Another iPod question (sorry) -- where to buy? Apple.com?

[Patiod]

A colleague told me that only Apple.com would accept returns if something went wrong with the iPod. She claims that if I buy anywhere else, forget it.

Is this true?

I was thinking of buying at my local Radio Shack (the young guy there was very patient in explaining everything without mocking me or being patronizing or making me feel stupid, even though he was a hip urban kid and I'm clueless middle aged suburbanite) or Small Dog (to help support Thom Hartmann).

Any advice?

It will kill me to spend $199, but I guess that will be the SO's only present....

[meegbear]

1. There are Apple stores ...

check your friendly neighborhood mall directory listing or apple.com.

[Patiod]

3. but that's what I'm wondering - what's the benefit?

If the prices are all comparable, and both Radio Shack and Small Dog are "authorized Apple retailers", is there a distinct benefit to finding an Apple-only store or apple.com?

[ZombieNixon]

5. The people at the Apple store are supposed to know what to do if anything goes wrong.

Other stores would probably refer you to Apple to fix any problems.

[meegbear]

7. And the Apple store are chuck full of Apple geeks and dweebs ...

they should be able to help better.

[huskerlaw]

2. I would suggest an Apple store

if there's one near you.

Whatever you do, don't get it at Best Buy. Their extended warranty is SHIT.

[Patiod]

4. why an Apple store vs. an "authorized retailer"?

God, I would NEVER buy at Best Buy or Circuit City after reading the horror stories here. Plus I had a bad experience at a Circuit City myself.

[huskerlaw]

9. I've never used an authorized retailer

so I couldn't advise you one way or the other on that.

I have bought things at an Apple store though, and I thought the people who worked there were really informed and helpful. I've also heard good things about the Apple warranty (again, not sure how that works with the authorized dealer).

[Patiod]

10. Does the warrenty cost extra at the Apple store?

Geez, this is all so confusing.

[huskerlaw]

11. You can get an extended warranty

that costs more, yes. But there is a fairly decent (or so I've heard) limited warranty that comes with the iPod.

On edit: Wherever you go, talk to the salesperson about battery replacement. One of the iPod's flaws is that the battery starts to die after about a year and the iPod has to be sent back to Apple for replacement. I believe Apple's warranty covers this...not sure how that works if you buy it from somewhere else. Needless to say, the battery's not cheap, so it's definitely worth finding out.

[Taverner]

6. Usually there isn't much price diff between Apple.com and other places

Unless you buy used or overstock.

[MrCoffee]

8. ask the Radio Shack guy what the return policy is

are iPod's notoriously unreliable?

[mondo joe]

12. I'd buy it online - they'll engrave it for free!

It's a nice little touch.

[Dastard Stepchild]

13. I bought mine NOT at an Apple store...

It was fine. I don't know that buying it at the Apple store would have been any more beneficial because their store return policy was similar to the store return policy of the place that I got mine. I know that Radio Shack accepts returns for defective merchandise, so you would be covered under their general store policy. They have a 30-day full refund and a 90 day defective goods policy. I don't think you need a special Apple policy, though the iPod does come with a warranty. :)

I generally never buy the product at the manufacturer's storefront unless it is a phenomenal deal. Only because it is generally easier for me to buy things online or at a shop nearby. I do have an Apple store here in the city, but it's such a headache to get to.


happy holidays!!

[Rob H.]

14. Last time I bought something at an Apple store

I was told there would be a 10% (iirc) restocking fee if I decided I wanted my money back, and this was for an iPod case. I'm not sure whether the restocking fee applies to hardware, too, it's just something to consider before you buy.

You can buy the AppleCare warranty at any time before the first year of ownership is up.