Macs are getting popular these days and everyone wants to own a Mac.
Other than the killer looks and splendid design, what’s so special? It’s the Apps. That’s was one of the main reasons why I use a Mac. You might be a Writer, Blogger, Designer, Student or just want to be productive, there’s a clear advantage over other PCs.
So where to buy a Mac after convincing yourself and your parents/spouse? This is going to be an Indian perspective article, but everyone will be benefitted. 
Buy in the US
With the Dollar weakening (and Rupee appreciating), it makes sense to buy in the US. Even without any discounts, it’s a lot cheaper than what price you’ll pay here in India. Take an example of MacBook Pro. You save ~Rs 25k (without any additional discounts). And you can save on Taxes too if you ship to certain states where there’s no tax (like Delaware). More on buying in US, listed below.
Other places like Singapore (~Rs 90k) and Dubai (~Dhs 8.7k/Rs 96k) might be other alternatives where you consider to buy. [Costs Rs 105k in India. Prices mentioned are that of the 15" MacBook Pro.]
Try not to buy in India as it’s overpriced and expensive. If you’ve no other option, then here the list of Apple dealers in India.
Apple has partnership with Reliance and they’ll be opening new Apple called iStore. They’ll open 60 iStores in 20 cities.
I’ve listed some ways where you can get discounts on Apple Products from Apple Store itself.
1. Education Discounts
I brought my 15″ MacBook Pro through this sale. Students, Faulty/adminstration staffs can get special pricing on the entire range of Macs.
$100 off on MacBook & MacBook Air and $200 off on Macbook Pro. Plus I got an iPod Nano 4 GB free!
The iPod offer is not around the year and you’ve restrictions - one notebook purchase/year. Should not be a problem as many of the Indians in the USA are students.
2. Refurbished Products
Refurbished products are the ones Apple repairs the faulty/damaged items that the customers return in their warranty period. Don’t worry, they certify every Apple products and come with 1 year warranty.
25% off on 17″ MacBook Pro & MacBook and 18% off on iMac (30% off on previous gen) are some of the sale I saw while checking the store at the time of this writing. Sale subject to availability and I’ve seen $300 off on 15″ MBP.
Apple offers 14-16% off on iPods and iPhone, but I don’t think it’s worth buying for small savings.
3. Black Friday Deal
Every 4th Friday of November, many retailers offer discounts and clearance sales - including Apple. Their Black Friday Sale is modest and you might save some bucks plus free shipping.
Last year, we had $101 off on MacBook & iMac and $31 off on iPod Classic & $11 on iPod Nano/Shuffle. Check Macrumors previous years sale to get an rough idea as what you can expect.
Offer for 24 hours in Apple Online store only. No deal on MacBook Pro or iPhone.
In addition to the above offers, they offer special pricing for US govt. employees ( US Federal, State & Local Govt Employees). So in case you know any one working in those departments, you can ask them to buy for you.
Apple don’t target ‘value-for-money’ customers, but these are some of the excuses ways to indulge in the popular and successful products around. 
What’ll happen to your $2,000 laptop if something nasty happens? Worry not, Apple offers International Warranty on on all it’s products (exc. iPhone in India). I’ve confirmed this with the local Apple Care Center here in Chennai.
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19 comments ↓
Hey great findings. I am planning to change my dell 6400 with a small screen sized laptop as it becomes so easy to carry. Thinking about dell 1330 else macbook pro with 13.3 inches … Tell me one thing, do you have to prove yourself as a student by providing some kinda id ??
MacBook Pro comes in 15″ and 17″ screens only. MacBook & MacBook Air comes in 13″ screens.
No, don’t have to prove that you’re a student when you buy. But Apple checks random purchases and kinda check through the records. So I won’t recommend to buy unless you’re a student or a student buys for you. Get ask for friends or friends of friends if they can buy a Mac for you as many Indians study in the USA.
By the way, it should be easier for you in Dubai. Even there they offer Education Discounts and when I spoke to you last time around, you said you’re going to study PG. Atleast you must be knowing anyone who’s studying.
MBP (base model) costs Dhs 8,700. Expect some Dhs 1,000 on discounts.
heil Mac .
other than student thing if 1 buy from apple-US , how much shipping charge (in case of no free shipping ) cost pocket ?
^^
Apple US Store ship in USA only. No courier companies will do the shipping (coz of customs duties and other formalities).
You need to find someone who can carry it for you to India.
I need to check that out. I wont be going for Mac book pro, MAC book is good for me as i am looking for something in small screen. I wonder is there any other difference between mac book and mac book pro other than 15″ screen.?
Apple recently has updated it’s MacBook and MBP ranges and come in the latest Intel Penyrn proccy. There’s is difference like:
- multi touch trackpad (like in MacBook Air)
- bigger HDD, 120 vs 200 GB
- Dedicated gfx card
- optical drive, combo vs super drive
Check the site, there’s many difference. But for normal use, MacBook is good enough.
Brilliant Post.
Seriously, I’m tempted by every other post that talks about Mac… especially the apps available for it.
I need one :-@
I was thinking of getting a Macbook, and now I really should.
Btw, are there discounts for Macbook? And discounts for only college students? I’m still in school
Ah well. I wish Apple starts the education discount here. Atleast my MacBook purchase will be faster. It’s very easy to get someone buy you a MacBook with the Ed Discount. You’ll probably know a lot of students there.
yeah I have seen great deals in my University store…they are good if the actual price is so huge but not for small apple products like ipods
Shankar -
Thanks. I love your blog and at the rate you’re rocking, it’s just a matter of time before you start using a Mac.
Sumesh -
School means education. You can be in School, doing your UG/PG, whatever.
Preshit -
With the iStore and all; I think it’s just a matter of time we see Apple offering discounts in India too.
When are you planning the MacBook?
Joel -
Yes. And in the last Black Friday deal, they offered $11 discounts on Shuffle. Now 1 GB Shuffle costs $49. It should be a steal for any price around $40.
I should mention that the Refurbs are really really good. They are thoroughly tested and in many cases better than a new product. If I’m ever buying from the states, it will definitely be a refurb.
Currently looking for someone in the US to buy me an iPhone
^^
Yeah, I went in for the Education Discounts as I got a free iPod, otherwise Refurb MBP is good enough.
Great post for all Apple lovers. The problem is for people who do not have any friends in US or friends visting India from US. They have to buy from Apple stores in India and then it becomes costly. I feel Apple has huge potential in India, if they price their products properly.
^^
Not all products are over priced here in India. Take the MacBook and the MacMini. With the revamped specs, I’ll say it’s a good buy. MacBook is costing Rs 53k (Rs 44k in US) and a comparable config lappy cost as much. But then you don’t buy a Mac looking for VFM.
I bought a MacBook from US last October, through my friend’s sister. I was lucky because, I bought it on October 3 and Leopard was released on October 26th, so I got a free upgrade to Leopard. Recently my keyboard stopped working and I took it to a service center at Cochin. Since it is within the 1 year warranty period, I will be getting free service. I recommend everyone to buy the AppleCare protection which extends the warranty by 2 more years, because without the warranty, service is extremely costly. The inspection fee itself is Rs. 1500.
@Ashwin
Is it possible for someone in US to send the laptop by courier, if someone there is willing to do it? Or do they have to carry it with them (mine was brought this way)?
Babu -
Hmm…my MBP is working great without any issues till date. I’m going to give for service just before the expiry date. Thanks for the suggestion.
We have to send the lappy with someone. AFAIK none of the courier cos will import because of the hazels (customs duty and taxes) at the Airport.
I am not sure about this, but from what I have heard, duty and taxes are applicable only for new products. If the product is a used product, then there is no duty. As I said before, I am not sure about this.
Lol…did you notice how I spelt hassles? ‘Hazels’! Hazel is a great app that’s a must install in any Mac.
Even if it’s used one, Courier cos might not do the service as they normally don’t do electronic items ‘import’. Even in India, I’m not sure if you can send electronic items.
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