Best place to purchase a MacBook Pro?

[Yumeji]

This fall I'm will be needing a 15" MacBook Pro (2.3 GHz or 2.6 GHz) Quad core Intel i7 for my design program, however the following upgrades are required:

• 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x4 GB
• 7200 RPM 750 GB Serial ATA Drive
• Hi-Res Antiglare Widescreen Display
• AppleCare Protection Plan

Would I be able to purchase this specific configuration from a retail store (i.e., Apple retail store, Future Shop, Best Buy), or am I limited to ordering online only? I ask because if I can purchase this through Best Buy, there is the additional bonus of earning Best Buy Reward Zone Points.

[wilsonlam97]

Apple store only. "Students" get a discount on the site.

They don't verify for student ID so you could save so money or receive a perk for indicating so while ordering.

Side note:
I'm so relieved atm because my "chemical allergy" hangover is done now.. My mind is under a lot of stress when I eat foods with monosodium glutamate or aspartame.

[Techgeek32]

Yep, you will find the best price in apple stores.

[valinrace]

Yep, you will find the best price in apple stores.

I totally agree with you sir. I also suggest if you have a friend that is a student use them so you could get a discount.

[sam123]

Don't know if this helps, but, what the hey.
http://www.refurb.me/ca/
I've also had good luck buying on Kijiji for my daughter going to school. I looked for one that had warranty left so I could buy the extended Apple care.
Just make sure you get the receipt as well. GL

[djemzine]

Question is, can the Apple store modify/upgrade the specs? I know in Apple Store online you can customize it, etc but I am pretty sure in store its a set or standard specs no?

[Dave98]

Question is, can the Apple store modify/upgrade the specs? I know in Apple Store online you can customize it, etc but I am pretty sure in store its a set or standard specs no?

Retail Apple stores only carry standard configurations.

[viss]

This fall I'm will be needing a 15" MacBook Pro (2.3 GHz or 2.6 GHz) Quad core Intel i7 for my design program, however the following upgrades are required:

• 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x4 GB
• 7200 RPM 750 GB Serial ATA Drive
• Hi-Res Antiglare Widescreen Display
• AppleCare Protection Plan

Would I be able to purchase this specific configuration from a retail store (i.e., Apple retail store, Future Shop, Best Buy), or am I limited to ordering online only? I ask because if I can purchase this through Best Buy, there is the additional bonus of earning Best Buy Reward Zone Points.

Where are you doing your design program? Maybe you school will also offer some kind of deal?

[Cas77]

They don't verify for student ID so you could save so money or receive a perk for indicating so while ordering.

This part is interesting. So anyone can order online from apple.ca claiming they're a student?

[Mulder and Scully]

Question is, can the Apple store modify/upgrade the specs? I know in Apple Store online you can customize it, etc but I am pretty sure in store its a set or standard specs no?

Actually, The Apple Stores do carry non-stock spec MacBooks and iMacs but it's a bit of a random guess as to what they have. Knowing how specialized Apple's supply chain is, I would guess that of the non-stock they would carry the most sold configurations like Macs with larger harddrives or more RAM. Just go to the store, tell them the specific specs you want and see if they have it.

[coolspot]

Question is, can the Apple store modify/upgrade the specs? I know in Apple Store online you can customize it, etc but I am pretty sure in store its a set or standard specs no?

Build to order machines are only available online.

After upgrading my iMac to the max, I realize it's cheaper just to upgrade every 2 years or so with the base hardware.