Sound Advice<\/p>\n
By Don Lindich<\/p>\n
Q: \u00a0 What do you think is the best place to buy an iPod?<\/p>\n
-Melissa Lawrence, Eighty-Four, PA<\/p>\n
A: \u00a0 For buying and iPod (or any other Apple product, for that matter) I would strongly recommend your local Apple Store, if you are lucky enough to have one near you. Apple keeps strong price controls on their products so prices are going to be very much the same wherever you go. \u00a0 If pricing is the same everywhere, what you are looking for is the best possible experience. \u00a0 I am confident that the Apple Store is hands-down the best place to get that experience because of the staff, the store and the selection.<\/p>\n
Apple Stores have some of the most knowledgeable and devoted Apple fans anywhere working the sales floor. \u00a0 They know their products inside and out, love talking about them and really want you as a customer. \u00a0 They aren’t commissioned so there is no sales pressure. \u00a0 \u00a0 The stores themselves are hip and fun to visit, and free lessons on Apple hardware and software are regularly scheduled. \u00a0 Selection is unmatched as all of Apple’s consumer products are on display, and the item you need is likely to be in stock. \u00a0 A full range of third-party accessories are available to try and buy. \u00a0 For example, there is a large selection of headphones and iPod-docking radios on hand, all connected to iPods so you can compare \u00a0 them directly to each other.<\/p>\n
You asked about the best place, and I am confident with my answer. \u00a0 However, many readers may not have an Apple Store nearby. \u00a0 In that case I recommend you simply go to a retailer you have had a good experience with before, or order one from the Apple Store online at store.apple.com.<\/p>\n
More TV-buying tips: Last week I discussed TV technologies. \u00a0 Which brings us to the next step: where should you buy it? \u00a0 It is easy to gravitate towards the big retailers and they often do a good job, but there are some other options you should consider.<\/p>\n
I recommend trying your local, independently-owned retailer first. \u00a0 I’ve purchased a lot of electronics since I embraced the hobby long ago and I have always found the best service to be found there. \u00a0 Surprisingly, I have usually found the prices to be better than the big-box stores, we well. \u00a0 Consumer Reports apparently agrees with my own findings as they make independent local retailers their top-rated choice.<\/p>\n
Online retailers have become an increasingly viable option. Many of them have very knowledgeable and helpful salespeople and the savings can be significant. \u00a0 For example, I have seen a 55″ Sony SXRD TV online for $1699 with free delivery and no sales tax charged, from a top-rated web retailer known for excellent service and honest dealings. \u00a0 The in-store price at a leading retailer was $1999 with free delivery. \u00a0 Sales tax brought it to almost $2150, a savings of almost $500. \u00a0 It can be hard to stomach paying $500 more for the same TV. \u00a0 The downside may be after-sales service. \u00a0 If the TV is defective when delivered, you can probably exchange it at the retailer. \u00a0 If you bought it online, you will probably need to have a service visit or request they send you a replacement and pick up the other one. \u00a0 That said, as a Q&A columnist I’ve heard some real horror stories about after-sales service from the big-box retailers, so I can’t say for sure buying locally will get you better service than if you ordered online. \u00a0 It’s sad but true.<\/p>\n