May 9, 2024

I’ve been in the market for a new laptop. And I’ve decided to buy a Macbook (MC207LL/A). I’m tired of how Wintel computers are so slow and needs constant rebooting. Even my latest Windows Vista machine regularly just hangs. It’s like it just spaces out for a minute or so for no reason whatsoever. I’ve been bidding some on eBay for both the regular Macbook and the Macbook Pro, but they always go pretty close to full retail price minus $100 or so. Then the other day, I discovered that Micro Center had them on sale for $800. That’s $200 off retail. I’ve never seen it at that price, even on winning eBay bids. I suspected it would be a refurbished laptop. But, turns out they are brand new. The “catch” turns out that they try real hard to sell you a warranty. First the salesman tries to convince you. Then the person at the register tries again. He even said, “75% of people who buy a Macbook buy a warranty.” Well, that explained to me how they can sell it for $800. They’re expecting to make money on the warranty, not the computer.