New imac wannabe

[Gimpex]

Hi. I am new to this forum and to mac. I have decided to buy the new imac 24" 2,8 (partly due to great looks , its something new and the new Leopard clip on apple's site just sealed it) . I went to both Ibn Batuta and DFC stores and my experience was less then pleasent - Ibn Batuta was marginally better only because I got some information eventually - guys were confused , running around looking for dog eared price lists etc . I have a few questions which I hope the more experienced users can advise me on:
1) Is istyle the only imac distributor (sorry , but I havent taken note of them before now)?
2)I was told of a 4 week delivery for the system , is that normal ( I am aware that this is a special order)?
3) Price of AED 10800 seemed a little on the heavy side comparing to US , but I guess everyone must make a living ?
4) I found the accessories like Airport Express etc a lot more expensive then US (incl shipping and duties)?
5) I am undecided between the wired keyboard with USB slots versus wireless with no USB . comments?
6) Do I need the Apple wireless Base to use the Airport express (I am after the audio output) or will any wireless network do?

Many thanks for your answers and comments...look forward to being a regular here

[Magnus]

Hello and welcome.

1) Is istyle the only imac distributor (sorry , but I havent taken note of them before now)?

They're actually a reseller, Apple IMC ME is the (only) distributor. But iStyle is not the only place you can go buy a Mac.

2)I was told of a 4 week delivery for the system , is that normal ( I am aware that this is a special order)?

With the iMacs they're having problems with production, that's Apple worldwide, not just here.

3) Price of AED 10800 seemed a little on the heavy side comparing to US , but I guess everyone must make a living ?

Been discussed a lot on the site (search). Yes prices are higher here. You can get a discount at iStyle by joining EMUG.

4) I found the accessories like Airport Express etc a lot more expensive then US (incl shipping and duties)?

See 3.

5) I am undecided between the wired keyboard with USB slots versus wireless with no USB . comments?

Personal preference. I like wireless but I like the full keyboard more.

6) Do I need the Apple wireless Base to use the Airport express (I am after the audio output) or will any wireless network do?

Airport Express is a base station in itself, just plug it into an ethernet cable, which connects to a router/modem and you're okay. If you want to use the Express to extend a wifi network you need an Extreme.

[Gimpex]

Thanks for the reply. I guess you have been around mac for a while. In your view is it worth it to pay around USD2500 for the imac to be shipped from USA within 10 days, or should I pay USD2900 , wait 4 weeks and have the comfort of a local warranty ?

I guess the saving would be slightly more as I would then get the base and airport express from US too.

[Magnus]

Originally Posted by Gimpex

Thanks for the reply. I guess you have been around mac for a while. In your view is it worth it to pay around USD2500 for the imac to be shipped from USA within 10 days, or should I pay USD2900 , wait 4 weeks and have the comfort of a local warranty ?

I guess the saving would be slightly more as I would then get the base and airport express from US too.

I've been using Macs since the late 1980s, so yes, for a while. Whether it's worth it is totally up to you. There's more to it than warranty. Some would argue that if you buy from US then you're not supporting local business. And many complain about Apple here, the distributor as well as resellers, but if fewer people buy from them, then what can they do? Then there's localization which is paid for by consumers buying stuff locally, not from the US. Many complain about things not being localized but then they buy from outside, totally invalidating their complaint. But then there's a lot to be said about saving money too.

[Pawan]

I know the laptops come with an International warranty being portables, but do iMac's also carry an international warranty? I think I read somewhere a Mac Pro does not have any international warranty, can anyone confirm?

[Gimpex]

Valid points, EmiratesMac. Thanks