15 Tips That Could Save You Money On Your Next Mac Purchase

If you are considering getting a Mac, here are some tips that could save you some money.

Tip#1. Black or White? If you are considering a MacBook, buy a white MacBook. It is significantly cheaper than an equivalent black MacBook and goes well with other Apple accessories. Imagine a black MacBook with a white mouse! You don't want the world to know you recently switched, do you? I didn't think so!

Tip#2. Educational Discount. If you are buying the latest model from the Apple store, get the educational discount. Apple (online) does not ask for proof of any kind and the savings are significant.

Tip#3. Smart Buy or Bleeding Edge? Buy the previous revision of a model. Apple sometimes gives good discounts on older revisions. Use the money you saved on upgrading the memory of your purchase. Macs, unlike PCs, provides substantial performance boost with added memory more than a faster processor.

Tip#4. Extras. Shop around for extra memory, rather than buying directly from Apple. Install the memory module yourself. It is extremely easy to do a self installation and takes about 5 minutes.

Tip#5. Mega Savings Tip. Here's a tip that can save you even more on your MacBook. If you are purchasing your MacBook from Amazon.com, apply for Amazon chase visa credit card and pay for your purchase using this card. You get $30 off plus you earn 3 points per dollar spent and you can redeem 2500 points for a $25 purchase at Amazon. So if the MacBook was $1000, you accumulate 3000 points which is worth an additional $30. That's deferred tax ($60 or more) + $30 off for using Amazaon credit card + $30 accumulated points + $100 Amazon rebate, a savings of $220 or more!

Tip#6. Windows on a Mac. Remember, even if you are only looking for a windows notebook, a MacBook purchase is worth it. Macs can run windows natively or using a VM and doesn't depreciate as quickly as a Dell.

Tip#7. Refurbished With Warranty. Look for Apple refurbished MacBooks. They come with one year warranty just as a new non-refurbished Macbook and you get heavy discounts from Apple. You have nothing to lose.

Tip#8. Defer Taxes. Be aware that even if you buy from Apple store online, you have to pay taxes. To defer taxes look for an online retailer like Amazon. Amazon prices are the same as listed on Apple's website, plus they do not charge state tax (unless you are a resident of WA). Both Apple and Amazon provide free shipping.

Tip#9. Rebates. Amazon usually also gives you a $100 rebate, so the price actually turns out to be cheaper than Apple.com

Tip#10. Non-Intel Macs. Do not buy non-intel Macs (iBook, PowerBook). They are being phased out and will depreciate in value quickly. These don't run windows either as they use a different processor architecture.

Tip#11. Buy Anywhere, Service At Any Apple Store. Remember, even if you purchase your Mac from a non-Apple store, you can still take them to an Apple store for servicing.

Tip#12. Learn To Love Amazon! Sometimes when a new model or revision is announced by Apple, Amazon too gives steep discounts on earlier revisions.

Tip#13. Warranty. If you are buying used, consider getting a Mac which still has warranty

Tip#14. Applecare. If you intend to get Applecare, avoid getting Applecare at the time of purchase. You can always add Applecare later on, just before your warranty is about to expire.

Tip#15. Others. Do consider other Apple retailers . Some of them give out coupons that can be applied toward a Mac purchase

Update: As one of the readers has commented, you do have to pay sales tax for your online purchases that weren't taxed, when you do your taxes. This is called a 'use tax'. Please consult your tax consultant for information pertaining to your state.