So you’ve decided that macOS is the operating system for you and that you want to live a MacBook lifestyle. Before you buy something, you should think about a few things. This year, the debate over which MacBook to buy became a lot more fascinating, and for a good reason. Apple’s laptop industry is booming due in part to the outstanding performance of its own M1 CPUs, and the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are performing better than they have in years. Buying your MacBook from the Apple store benefits you from receiving excellent guidance, among other positives.
That’s great news for anyone looking to purchase a new MacBook since you can be sure you’re acquiring one of the best laptops on the market if you choose one with an M1 processor.�?
Is there a compelling reason to buy a new Mac laptop from the Apple store rather than Best Buy or Costco? This article will respond to your question and provide further information. But first, let us provide some background information about the Apple Store, Best Buy, and Costco.
What Is the Apple Store, and How Does It Work?
The Apple Application Store is a digital distribution network that allows users to purchase and download digital products and apps. Apps, which is an acronym for “applications,” are software tools that extend the capabilities of an operating system.�?
Apps purchased via the App Store are saved in iCloud; you may access Apple’s cloud storage and cloud computing service from any signed-in device.
While Apple claims to own the phrase “app store,” the term is now used to refer to any platform you may purchase programs. Google Play, Amazon Appstore, Blackberry World, and Microsoft’s Windows Store are examples of other app marketplaces.
If you’re looking for a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, Apple Store is the most accessible place to go. While it seldom offers discounts (except in its reconditioned shop), this is where to go if you want to pick out a precise setup.�?
You have complete control over your purchase, ensuring that you get the precise arrangement you desire.
Students will also appreciate having easy access to the education store, which may offer special deals. Other essential options include the ability to trade in your old computer for a discount and Apple’s financing program.
What Is Best Buy Store?
Best Buy is a consumer electronics store with locations in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The BestBuy firm sells a wide range of products, including mobile phones, digital cameras, video games, music, and home equipment like washing machines and refrigerators, both in-store and online.�?
Best Buy’s Geek Squad brand also provides computer and other device repair services in its locations.�?
As Americans upgraded their home offices for a new regimen of remote work, the company was one of the few to survive the epidemic, posting a 144 percent gain in U.S. online sales and an 8.3 percent increase in overall sales in 2020.
Best Buy will excite you if you appreciate the freedom of a physical shop mixed with the ability to browse extensively online. It frequently offers MacBooks on sale at similar prices as Amazon, and it occasionally throws in free software to sweeten the bargain.�?
You may pick up some models today from your local store, and practically all selections are available for house delivery within two days, so you won’t have to wait long.
Costco: What Is It?
Costco is a warehouse retailer that sells name-brand items in quantity at a discount. Customers must purchase a yearly membership to obtain access to Costco, which costs $60 for regular membership and varies depending on the membership type.
The Costco stores are popular amongst members, and the joining process is straightforward. Please note that you must register for membership at a small fee to access the stores.
Costco is noted for being a membership store, which means that consumers must have acquired a Costco membership to enter a store.
Costco locations are frequently located within warehouses, creating the trademark retail layout.
Costco stores also sell brand-name products and specialty departments and services only available to members.
Are There Any Reasons to Buy a New MacBook Pro in the Apple Store Instead of Best Buy or Costco?
Buying a Mac computer at an Apple store may seem natural. However, you might get a more significant offer at any authorized retailer.
A Mac purchased from the Apple Store offers nothing unique. It’s the identical PC you’d get from any other authorized retailer. The price is the difference. The Apple Store will always have the best pricing on any Mac laptop or desktop computer. The price of a Mac at the Apple Store will stay steady from the day it is launched until discontinued, with very few exceptions.
Apple Locations were radically distinct from regular retail stores, with elegant, minimalist aesthetics that set Apple apart from competitors. Everything from how personnel interacts with clients to the same angle computers should be positioned restrictions in Apple Stores.
With stores that are temples to visually attractive architecture and personnel that are as Apple-focused as the customers, Apple has done an excellent job catering to Mac lovers. By all means, go check out the latest models and get your repairs taken care of.�?
However, no matter how cool the hipster Genius makes you feel, you should never buy a computer from the Apple Store. So, where should you go for a Mac? You’ll always get a better bargain if you go online and look for alternatives like Apple Authorized Resellers and Apple’s own special pricing departments.
Apple isn’t the only store that sells or provides tech assistance for Apple gadgets. Best Buy has teamed with Apple to become an authorized service provider and develop what amounts to a tiny Apple Store within its stores.
The Geek Squad, which can service both Apple and non-Apple equipment, is Best Buy’s version of the Genius Bar.
Apple Authorized Resellers usually provide the most fantastic Mac and laptop prices. Costco, MacMall, Mac Connection, B&H, Buy.com, Best Buy, and Abt Electronics are significant players.�?
Shopping at these businesses has a lot of perks. To begin with, they provide reductions on the retail price.
Free software and rebate offers are the next big plus. Costco is presently giving a free six-month trial of Parallels Access 2.0 with any Mac purchase, while Best Buy is also running several rebates offers for free or cheap printers and software.�?
Finally, many of these resellers might save you money on sales tax, depending on your area. With a few minor exceptions, purchasing Apple items is nearly identical at every retail location.
The quality of handling during the transportation is an important distinction that is frequently overlooked. Some retail businesses have lax handling policies, leading to damaged merchandise.
Even yet, exchange or refund policies nearly always cover shipment damage.
The Apple Store is the most incredible location to go if you want to be given the ropes on how to utilize your new gadget.
Are Mac Laptops from Best Buy and Costco Legit?
Best Buy, Costco, and Apple have cooperated. The Apple items at Best Buy and Costco are genuine, but a specific floor area is dedicated to showcasing Apple’s offers and an Apple specialist to help you.
These sales reps frequently collaborate with the store’s regular sales staff.
When you’ve decided on an Apple device, the Apple salesperson will help you arrange for a Best Buy staff to collect it and complete the transaction. Apple Care will be available for purchase with your purchase.
You can also bring your protected goods to a Best Buy or an Apple Store. You may typically ask the sales assistant to order any items out of stock, but there are some items that Best Buy does not sell.
These items, such as iMac or Macbook variants with a faster CPU, more memory, and storage, are typically more esoteric to the average customer.
Apple has changed its product range with visual variations over the years. Apple may provide bespoke colors and designs for Macbooks, iMacs, iPads, Apple Watches, and iPhones, but Best Buy is limited to carrying more popular versions.
Most clients who want to buy an iMac or Macbook Pro have had similar experiences going to Best Buy, Costco, or the Apple Store.
Is AppleCare+ or Geek Squad Coverage the Superior Warranty?
Both warranties offer advantages and disadvantages, so carefully evaluate which one best fits your needs. Let’s look at what each warranty has to offer:
Apple Care +
Pros:
- Excellent customer service, according to reports.
- A 60-day sign-up period following the purchase date
- Provides coverage for up to three years
- It covers hardware defects and unintentional damage.
Cons:�?
- It is costly.
Geek Squad
Pros:
- Many gadgets are covered.
- Service for up to five years
- Some coverage for unintentional damage
Cons:
- Only 15 days to decide whether or not to get insurance.
- Customer service is said to be poor.