Buying apple products

[Jungleman]

I’m looking to buy a Apple computer.

 

wondering if anyone know any way to get apple products at a cheaper rate.

 

The price is on the high side for me at the moment and hope to save some buck

[Behrhunter]

Apple product prices are pretty controlled which is why the well known term 'Apple Tax'

 

If you definitely need/want a brand new Apple product. The only ways you can officially get a discount off the retail price is 

 

1. Education Store - you can get a friend/friend's child to buy it for you as they need proof like student ID

Education - Apple (SG)

 

2. Refurbished Store 

Certified Refurbished Products - Apple (SG)

 

[JK2E4]

As per what @Behrhunter mentioned, Education discount, or refurbished. 

If you are ok with second-hand, can look out for pre-owned MacBooks from reputable stores.

Another consideration would be to buy with 0% instalment plan?

Apple has 12 or 24 months instalment plans available.

[Coolbriz]

On 7/11/2022 at 6:53 PM, Jungleman said:

I’m looking to buy a Apple computer.

 

wondering if anyone know any way to get apple products at a cheaper rate.

 

The price is on the high side for me at the moment and hope to save some buck

You could also consider buying via platform such as Shopee or Lazada. It’s good for buying items with controlled prices. You could stack and use vouchers on Shopee that are equivalent to a few hundred dollars of discount. This is especially the case during promotional period like 7.7 or GSS. I bought my surface laptop this way. 

[kidster]

On 7/11/2022 at 6:53 PM, Jungleman said:

I’m looking to buy a Apple computer.

 

wondering if anyone know any way to get apple products at a cheaper rate.

 

The price is on the high side for me at the moment and hope to save some buck

 

I have 2004 models for sale. Comes with Magsafe which is extinct in new models now. 

 

My current Macbook Pro 13" has been serving me for 7 years and counting.

Brand New in box
15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display 512GB 2.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 16GB DDR3L SDRAM

Pre-loved but seldom use because use as spare
13-inch MacBook Air 512GB 1.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 8GB LPDDR3 onboard memory

[kidster]

On 7/13/2022 at 1:40 PM, Since u r here said:

that is very long-serving!!!!!!!!!!!!! do u watch porn w it too, does it slow it down after that? due to malwares/spywares from alot of porn sites?

 

No I don't. Don't watch movies too. Mainly for work. 

 

Old MacBook are really long lasting and durable

 

I dropped from table once 2 years ago and it's still functioning. 

[doncoin]

Considering buying a Mac as an investment. They tend to have a higher resale value compared to PCs out there, and are much more durable, i.e. the casing is made from aluminum versus plastic.

[JK2E4]

On 7/20/2022 at 5:41 AM, doncoin said:

Considering buying a Mac as an investment. They tend to have a higher resale value compared to PCs out there, and are much more durable, i.e. the casing is made from aluminum versus plastic.

Agreed on the investment thinking. I bought my Mac Mini in 2012. It was usually on 24/7, and I just retired it this year.

Plus there really is a market for second-hand Macbooks, and resale value are also much higher versus PC laptops.

 

[nate42]

Used to use Windows based laptops like Lenovo.  About 12 years ago Singtel had Wifi promos with a free Apple laptop.  Took a little time getting used to it.  I think it is the best decision I made to switch.

Very stable, and pretty fast. Long-lasting battery life. Don't need maintenance like defrag etc. Doesn't really need an anti-virus too.  Graphics are better.

 

Then I got a basic Macbook Pro 13" in 2016.  It was great for my needs. The con...is that I need to get adapters for my peripherals that use standard USB connectors and adapters for HDMI etc. And didn't have sufficient USB-C ports.  Only 2 and had to use one for charging.

Just got my new Macbook 14" with the newer M1 chipset last week.  A step up from the Macbook 13". Much faster, has 3 ports and a HDMI port too. Charging is separate with a Magsafe cable.  Very happy with it.  Transferring Word, Powerpoint and Excel files are a breeze using Airdrop.

 

Should consider a Mac.

[kidster]

On 7/23/2022 at 10:57 AM, nate42 said:

Used to use Windows based laptops like Lenovo.  About 12 years ago Singtel had Wifi promos with a free Apple laptop.  Took a little time getting used to it.  I think it is the best decision I made to switch.

Very stable, and pretty fast. Long-lasting battery life. Don't need maintenance like defrag etc. Doesn't really need an anti-virus too.  Graphics are better.

 

Then I got a basic Macbook Pro 13" in 2016.  It was great for my needs. The con...is that I need to get adapters for my peripherals that use standard USB connectors and adapters for HDMI etc. And didn't have sufficient USB-C ports.  Only 2 and had to use one for charging.

Just got my new Macbook 14" with the newer M1 chipset last week.  A step up from the Macbook 13". Much faster, has 3 ports and a HDMI port too. Charging is separate with a Magsafe cable.  Very happy with it.  Transferring Word, Powerpoint and Excel files are a breeze using Airdrop.

 

Should consider a Mac.

 

I stopped buying Macbook after Apple removed Magsafe port. Don't like to get trapped by them and spend unnecessary to buy adaptors.

 

I read there are some issues with M1 chip 

[zac89]

I have a friend working for apple that can get some discount, but I want something in return 😏

[radiusulnar]

On 7/24/2022 at 7:55 PM, zac89 said:

I have a friend working for apple that can get some discount, but I want something in return 😏

 

what you appear to want in return sounds... interesting

[nate42]

On 7/24/2022 at 3:23 PM, kidster said:

 

I stopped buying Macbook after Apple removed Magsafe port. Don't like to get trapped by them and spend unnecessary to buy adaptors.

 

 

Yes.  I started out getting frustrated about getting adaptors.  Then I realised the advantages of the Apple laptop far outweighed the little inconvenience.  Needed the stability and performance for my job. Besides, I only needed to get one of those 7-in-1 adaptors from Challenger.

[uniboytall98]

I think the education store at Apple online is the best deal. Now is there is also free airpods for purchase of a Mac Book. 

[JK2E4]

On 7/26/2022 at 1:17 PM, uniboytall98 said:

I think the education store at Apple online is the best deal. Now is there is also free airpods for purchase of a Mac Book. 

Most of the time the education discount is usually $100 off the retail price. Just need to find someone with student ID i believe. The free Airpod with MAcbook is Apple's usual BTS (Back To School, not the BTS group) promotion.

[JK2E4]

On 7/26/2022 at 11:57 AM, nate42 said:

 

Yes.  I started out getting frustrated about getting adaptors.  Then I realised the advantages of the Apple laptop far outweighed the little inconvenience.  Needed the stability and performance for my job. Besides, I only needed to get one of those 7-in-1 adaptors from Challenger.

Yes, I found that I have less issues with Macbooks compared to PC laptops. Yes, dongles are troublesome,   but I have gotten used to it. Now I usually "magsafe" my dongles so they are easier to attach and detach.

[Chirstopher Lee]

Isn't that for the same price you paid for a Macbook you could get a laptop with better specs?

[JK2E4]

On 7/27/2022 at 11:59 AM, Chirstopher Lee said:

Isn't that for the same price you paid for a Macbook you could get a laptop with better specs?

While it is true that for the same price, you can usually get a PC laptop with a better specs. But because of Mac's hardware and software optimisation, you often get better performance out of Mac computer when compared to PCs. 

[Jungleman]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I went ahead and got myself a MacBook. Tested it out and it seems to be working out for my work to some extend. Love the slick look and smoothness of MacOS.

[Jungleman]

On 7/12/2022 at 3:58 PM, Behrhunter said:

Apple product prices are pretty controlled which is why the well known term 'Apple Tax'

 

If you definitely need/want a brand new Apple product. The only ways you can officially get a discount off the retail price is 

 

1. Education Store - you can get a friend/friend's child to buy it for you as they need proof like student ID

Education - Apple (SG)

 

2. Refurbished Store 

Certified Refurbished Products - Apple (SG)

 

yup, I managed to get the back to campus offer. And even sold off the AirPods since I already have them. 

[deg143]

On 7/24/2022 at 7:55 PM, zac89 said:

I have a friend working for apple that can get some discount, but I want something in return 😏

How much discount can give? Lol

[Jungleman]

On 8/2/2022 at 4:44 AM, Since u r here said:

Most poly/schs would have recommended mac, no?

 

how much did u spend in all? Before the educAtion store step in?

 

I got the model with the higher specs.

 

All in $2.5k but offset another $100~ from selling the AirPods.

[Rhyn]

On 8/13/2022 at 7:25 AM, Since u r here said:

Even some of my older friends (not gays) also recommended and keep telling me how gd macbook is!

 

i told them i couldnt afford it at all, sadly

 

while i m definitely happie for them, i could only afford a touch-screen Acer and that is it! Less than 1300sgd

not too bad specs… but i am grateful

 

You can get the base model MacBook Air for $1299, and some people on Carousell are selling less than a week to a month old devices that are pretty good bargaining options too. 

[kidster]

On 7/13/2022 at 9:11 AM, kidster said:

 

I have 2004 models for sale. Comes with Magsafe which is extinct in new models now. 

 

My current Macbook Pro 13" has been serving me for 7 years and counting.

Brand New in box
15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display 512GB 2.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 16GB DDR3L SDRAM

Pre-loved but seldom use because use as spare
13-inch MacBook Air 512GB 1.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 8GB LPDDR3 onboard memory

 

bump lol

[deg143]

I used to buy directly from official stores but it’s more expensive with less to no discount until I tried using Kaikai app, can see good deals there from different stores too and a lot cheaper than buying directly from Official stores. Have bought my new s22 ultra through this app and saved me around 504 dollars for a 512 gb phone. A lot of great Apple product deals here too. I just checked macbook pro and saw it’s around 250 to 350 dollars cheaper depending on the store you select. Just sharing.. 🙂

Edited August 13, 2022 by deg143

[Rhyn]

On 8/13/2022 at 12:32 PM, Since u r here said:

why are they selling then ? 

usually i have no luck for gd pricing 
but tks for sharing 
hope the price u mentioned is orange v orange comparison

Apple touchscreen too(So sorry i m a suaku)
Mine was touch-screen * usually very costly
I prefer them light alwys, must be lighter than 1.5kg for a 13-14’’ screen
I couldnt find the exact model no. online: the specs are around this : SSD 512GB ,  16GB LPDDR4X RAM etc
https://store.acer.com/en-sg/spin-3-convertible-laptop-sp314-55n-50fp

Kidster shd sell at Carousell instead

You should ask them why they’re selling, not me 😂 everyone has their reasons for selling anything and everything

[zac89]

I have 5-7% discount for most of Apple products from an employee company-sponsored Apple website, similar to the AppleEducation. Do DM me if interested. 

[And then]

Another option is to check out international pricing if you happen to be travelling.

Prices are definitely not the same worldwide, plus potential save on GST(or similar)

 

[sgmaven]

Japan has the lowest retail prices for Apple products. Those who travel to Japan, you can consider buying your Apple products in Japan. Prices there are lower than in Singapore, even if you include the local taxes (something that can be claimed back if you buy under a Tax Free scheme).

 

While the Apple Stores in Japan no longer allow tourists to shop tax free, the big electronics chains like Bic Camera and Yodabashi still operate their Tax Free schemes (though not as attractive as other electronics), which allow about 8% rebate on the already cheaper price of the item.

 

Do note that phones sold in Japan cannot take pictures silently (due to the number of up-skirt photos taken), so you have to live with a "camera snap" sound while taking photos if you buy your iPhone there.

Edited October 12, 2022 by sgmaven

[MarriedBiTop]

My friend works in Apple USA. I can get staff discount. Still I prefer Androids...Damn

[sgmaven]

On 10/13/2022 at 3:08 AM, MarriedBiTop said:

My friend works in Apple USA. I can get staff discount. Still I prefer Androids...Damn

How good is the staff discount offered by Apple US? Can it compare with the lower retail prices in Japan, together with the prospect of getting a tax rebate?

[MarriedBiTop]

I am not sure..really. 

 

I know my other friends are buying loads thru him..

 

Good to know Jap is cheapest...will ask those who got it staff price to compare with Jap

[sgmaven]

On 10/13/2022 at 3:30 AM, MarriedBiTop said:

I am not sure..really. 

 

I know my other friends are buying loads thru him..

 

Good to know Jap is cheapest...will ask those who got it staff price to compare with Jap

Yeah! Jap prices are about 5% cheaper than Singaporean retail prices (both with local sale taxes included). Once you add in the potential for tax-free shopping in Japan, then it is more than 10% difference.

[radiusulnar]

anyone bought certified refurbished from the official apple store before? how are the items like? thinking of macbook

[JK2E4]

11 hours ago, radiusulnar said:

anyone bought certified refurbished from the official apple store before? how are the items like? thinking of macbook

I believe apple refurbished products that you are getting from Apple directly would almost be like brand new. They also have the same warranty that you get from buying brand new apple products.

[radiusulnar]

3 minutes ago, JK2E4 said:

I believe apple refurbished products that you are getting from Apple directly would almost be like brand new. They also have the same warranty that you get from buying brand new apple products.

 

thanks for the info. i found out too late about this refurbished product deal. now it looks like they have nothing to sell at the moment.

[uniboytall98]

Refurbished products are almost as good as new, really recommend it. They are basically returns from customers but have been checked. 

[JK2E4]

3 hours ago, Since u r here said:

but why is that even called Refurbished? they are just changing hands/returns from customers?!?!!!!!!

 

Refurbished sets are inspected, and repaired (if needed) to bring them to almost new condition before they are sold.

For example, refurbished iOS devices will come with new battery and outer shell.

I believe display sets are sold as-is.

So there are differences between display set, refurbished set etc.

[radiusulnar]

whatever they are - so long as checked by apple and they willing to give warranty, and good price, i think it is ok

[begleitung]

On 10/13/2022 at 2:40 AM, sgmaven said:

Japan has the lowest retail prices for Apple products. Those who travel to Japan, you can consider buying your Apple products in Japan. Prices there are lower than in Singapore, even if you include the local taxes (something that can be claimed back if you buy under a Tax Free scheme).

 

While the Apple Stores in Japan no longer allow tourists to shop tax free, the big electronics chains like Bic Camera and Yodabashi still operate their Tax Free schemes (though not as attractive as other electronics), which allow about 8% rebate on the already cheaper price of the item.

 

Do note that phones sold in Japan cannot take pictures silently (due to the number of up-skirt photos taken), so you have to live with a "camera snap" sound while taking photos if you buy your iPhone there.

but when u r back, u need to declare it locally?

[sgmaven]

43 minutes ago, begleitung said:

but when u r back, u need to declare it locally?

Officially, you have to pay GST on all purchases brought into Singapore if the goods are valued above S$500 for a trip of more than 48 hours away, and above $100 if less than that.

 

Is it true that I have to pay GST on items purchased overseas?

[sgmaven]

After factoring in the GST payable on any Apple items bought in Japan. If you consider the lower retail price, and the VAT rebate you get in Japan from buying from those that run the rebate scheme (BIC Camera & Yodabashi, for example), you still save money for the hassle of carrying it back.

[begleitung]

Ok, or u can just do it the unofficial way, lol

[And then]

8 hours ago, begleitung said:

Ok, or u can just do it the unofficial way, lol

Absolutely!  As if people are going to declare they bought a phone or an ipad overseas.

[sgmaven]

On 10/20/2022 at 10:42 AM, And then said:

Absolutely!  As if people are going to declare they bought a phone or an ipad overseas.

iPhone or iPad pales in comparison with those who don't declare the designer handbags that they buy overseas. These are easily even more costly, and therefore would attract even more GST!