Disqus - Latest Comments for masaccio

Re: Where NOT to buy a Mac from in Singapore

masaccio — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:14:03 -0000

Hi Eric,
I'm getting the Snow Leopard too, since i'm entitled to purchase it @S$18 via the Up-to-date program.

Just curious about it, are u gonna upgrade your current OSX the moment u get your hands on it? Or would u prefer to wait awhile?

Re: Where NOT to buy a Mac from in Singapore

masaccio — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:33:52 -0000

hadi,
iShop has ceased being an Apple Reseller for Mac computers end of June 2009.

Re: Where NOT to buy a Mac from in Singapore

masaccio — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:19:07 -0000

And additional to all that, discounts were given via Apple Singapore Online store. Like Printer-rebates of S$199 which i've gotten when i purchased my CTO Macbook Pro in July 2009. HP Premium Photo AIO Fax Printer originally cost S$469 @Courts or S$459 @SimLim, i paid S$270 purchasing via AppleOnline Sg (full-pricing of the printer were paid first, rebate of $199 was bank into my bank acc 3weeks later). I can't seem to find such offer even if i was to buy from SLS, and not forgetting that one 've to carry the 9Kg printer home, pay for cab-fare(S$18) or if self-driven car, pay for parking & fuel. That saved me time, money and effort in other words.

iPhone3GS Power-Support Crystal Screen Protector(2 films) just cost S$25 via Apple Online, $35 if purchased from all Apple Reseller, $20 (anti-glare only) if purchased from a shop in Far-East Plaza. But i don't want an anti-glare PowerSupport version. It was delivered on the next day(Tues) morning after i placed an order on Monday morning.

Re: Where NOT to buy a Mac from in Singapore

masaccio — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:48:43 -0000

John Read's experience in general was pretty similar to mine. I had 3 experience of such in Singapore but of course, nothing close to an exploded adaptor. 2 of which invovled my purchases with Epicentre (Supara), generally Macbooks issues. I was forced into purchasing Apple-care before they would service my Macbook. Adding to that, my Macbook was 6mths away from expiring. I've since approach another Apple-Appointed service centre especially when my Applecare has expired, service-charges was kept lower than Supra's, and they're more customer oriented and experienced.

Apple-resellers refusal to handle manufacturing-defect product is shutting its doors to any returning customer. Honestly, out of frustrations, i did suspect probably the retailers did not handle or store their stock in appropriate manner and doesn't wanna deal with their mistakes. Since it was sold, they can excuse themselves from it.

Pretty much explained my preference to purchase directly from AppleSg Online. I had purchased 2 CTO Macbook Pros, 1 MacPro, 1 iPod Touch and a HP WiFi Printer via AppleOnline.

AppleSg Online has not disappoint me in these 3yrs of transactions. My orders were delivered on time, MacPro(2days), Macbook Pro (2days), CTO Macbook Pro(5days), iPod Touch2G (1day), iPhone & iPod accessories (1day), HP Printer (2days). My most recent orders were in July 2009 and all orders were shipped in perfect condition, i'm surprised that my CTO Macbook Pro's parcel-box, though shipped from Apple's Shanghai manufacturing plant, came in looking as though they just packed it, meaning dust-free and no dent.

It is addictive buying online especially with Apple Singapore when delivery is fast, just avoid crossing over the weekend(Sat & Sun) when u place your orders, as those were their non-business days and they do not deliver on those 2days. Place orders in the morning, u'll expect a confirmation email promptly on EXACT delivery-date or though u're given an estimated date of delivery after u've checked out 'ur purchases online which probably dates 1 week or so later. Email dates are confirmed and tracking details will be given to track your shipment with TNT or DHL.

Re: Where NOT to buy a Mac from in Singapore

masaccio — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:57:39 -0000

My first personal computer(late 80's) is a Mac, though i'm a user of both platforms(Mac & Win). I've bought several Macs over a 20yr period and I do agree buying notebooks(Win/Mac) from retailers can result in disputes over new/old models that look identical.

Be it purchasing a Windows Notebook or Macbooks, consumers should, or @least try to know a little specification of the computers they're buying via manufacturers' websites. It is even simpler when it comes to Apple's Mac, as its product lines are well documented.

I've ceased buying from retail stores, despite premium or non-premium resellers. As each consumer's experience with resellers are different, in terms of the number or times they actually return and buy from the same retailer.

My experience tells me, premium resellers don't always mean better service, but definately not sell customers previous models as current models. Usually disputes are over warranty services, and in my case, i do not patronize Epicentre (Supra) for new purchases or warranty services. It may not be known to many mac users, but local (sg) Apple Service centre's pricing do varies. Epicentre's Supra is one of the most expensive, and not necessary provides best retailing or servicing experience.