The Apple Store is beautiful, but the prices will eat your wallet.
Positive:
The navigation is simple. Older 4.0 browsers (PC and Mac) are able to view what newer browsers see.
The site provides clear photos of its main items - iBook, G4 Powerbook, G4 Servers/Desktops, Apple accessories, etc. Signing up for an account is painless and quick, allowing the user to begin shopping without much wait.
Free ground delivery is stated on the home page, and effective product blurbs are attached under the items. Info on the included software is included, as well as PDF data sheets on the computers.
Negative:
The achilles heel of this site is price. If you are satisfied with the pre-made computer, you’ll do fine. But if, say, you want 1gig of RAM, an 80gig hard drive, or some other upgrade, you will be paying from 100-300%+ more than retail items.
The following examples are derived using pricewatch.com in order to find the lowest prices. Stores compared include, Star Components, Global Micro Inc., and others. It is very easy to check out.
Example #1
Apple Store: G4 memory upgrade from 128megs to 512 = $300 512meg stick of G4 compatible PC133 ram can be purchased at a dozen or more online stores for $55 shipped.
You could purchase 1.5gigs RAM for less than $170 shipped from someone else, or $1100 from Apple Store.
Example #2
Apple Store: G4 hard drive upgrade from a 40gig to an 80gig= $200 Other online stores charge (shipped) $180 for an 80gig hard drive.
Keep in mind that the Apple upgrade only equals 40gigs (80gig total), not an 80gig and a 40gig hard drive. So you are paying for the 40gig drive, and then paying $200 for merely an upgrade.
SCSI drive:
Apple Store
36gig Ultra 160 10k drive upgrade = $750 or 2@$1500
72gig Ultra 160 10k drive upgrade - $1350 or 2@$2700
Other online stores
36gig Ultra 160 10k drive = $200 shipped or 2@$400 (This is almost half the price)
72gig Ultra 160 10k drive = $450 shipped or 2@$900 (This is almost one-third the price of Apple)
Example #3
Apple Store Adding a 2nd video card - Radeon = $250 Several online stores have the same card for $190 shipped.
The Bottom Line:
If you are satisfied with the pre-made computer, you’ll do fine. But if you to upgrade on-site, you will be paying from 100-300%+ more than aftermarket items.
I have recommended this site, only because for the pre-made computers, the prices are about the same as other sites.
You decide...