Macbook Pro 17" with Anti Glare display not shipping to SA

[Moklet Kcuf]

Today, nearly 6 weeks after spec orders for the new 17" Macbook Pro with Anti Glare display - a preferred choice for graphic artists and photographers - started shipping internationally, Apple South Africa announced that it was not yet in production!

This seems contrary to the fact that they are still shipping readily elsewhere in the world! AppleUSA AppleUK AppleAustralia

Apple SA distributor The Core Group:

Hi all,

Please be aware that feedback from Apple on MacBook Pro 17" Anti Glare is that this particular SKU has not gone into production yet.
We do not have ETAs from Apple.
The Core supply chain team continues to push Apple to get a more accurate ETA but at this stage we do not have any more info.
We fully understand the frustration but at this stage there is little we are able to do until we have more info from Apple
We will update everybody at the point we have more info.

I called The Core Group, who informed me that they have hundreds of back-orders for this spec MBP but it's out of their control what or when orders are shipped to them from Europe.

What gives???
Is South Africa just a low priority backwater or are there indeed issue's with production of the Anti Glare model?

Personally, I paid a 50% deposit 2 months ago for one of these cats. They were originally said to be due this week. grrrr

If anyone's affected like me, I suggest you call Greg Hill to speak your mind, product manager at The Core Group - 087 940 3000

 

[PeterCH]

Buy it from www.bhphotovideo.com or just fly to Dubai and get it there.

 

[VertigoZA]

Today, nearly 6 weeks after spec orders for the new 17" Macbook Pro with Anti Glare display - a preferred choice for graphic artists and photographers - started shipping internationally, Apple South Africa announced that it was not yet in production!

This seems contrary to the fact that they are still shipping readily elsewhere in the world! AppleUSA AppleUK AppleAustralia

Apple SA distributor The Core Group:

I called The Core Group, who informed me that they have hundreds of back-orders for this spec MBP but it's out of their control what or when orders are shipped to them from Europe.

What gives???
Is South Africa just a low priority backwater or are there indeed issue's with production of the Anti Glare model?

Personally, I paid a 50% deposit 2 months ago for one of these cats. They were originally said to be due this week. grrrr

If anyone's affected like me, I suggest you call Greg Hill to speak your mind, product manager at The Core Group - 087 940 3000

Speaking to Greg is really not going to help you or anybody else. Simply Learn you're lesson. Do not place pre-orders for Apple machines in South Africa. Regardless of deposits etc, you are not going to get any kind of preference when they do ship. Save your money (and interest there on) and wait for them to arrive at your friendly neighborhood iStore.

 

[Moklet Kcuf]

Buy it from www.bhphotovideo.com or just fly to Dubai and get it there.

Is that and order?

I considered importing originally and have done so previously for a lot of tech gear, the benefits need to be weighed each time.

My calculations:

• BHPhoto - Incl. Tax, Shipping, AC Power, Visa charges - save 8%. A valid option if accepting the inherent risks involved.

• Dubai - Incl. Return flight on Emirates next week - cost +70% (not including shlep factor and accomodation). I assume you weren't serious

Speaking to Greg is really not going to help you or anybody else. Simply Learn you're lesson. Do not place pre-orders for Apple machines in South Africa. Regardless of deposits etc, you are not going to get any kind of preference when they do ship. Save your money (and interest there on) and wait for them to arrive at your friendly neighborhood iStore.

That would be nice, but if one wants a 'made to spec' Mac, you need to pre-order. No iStore or any preferred Apple Reseller in South Africa ever stocks 'made to spec' Macs. The standard 17" models are already in store, but they're not an option for pro graphic use.

I dont see why talking to Greg would not help. He's ultimately responsible for the interests of hundreds of customers left in the lurch. Why shouldn't he take some heat?

At the end of the day, it seems there's a big foggy Bullshyte Screen somewhere and it needs to be cleared.

 

[VertigoZA]

Is that and order?

That would be nice, but if one wants a 'made to spec' Mac, you need to pre-order. No iStore or any preferred Apple Reseller in South Africa ever stocks 'made to spec' Macs. The standard 17" models are already in store, but they're not an option for pro graphic use.

I dont see why talking to Greg would not help. He's ultimately responsible for the interests of hundreds of customers left in the lurch. Why shouldn't he take some heat?

At the end of the day, it seems there's a big foggy Bullshyte Screen somewhere and it needs to be cleared.

Sorry didn't realise you wanted a 'made to spec' machine, you're screwed there bud.

Complaining to Greg is like trying to piss in the wind. (P.S titles at core don't mean a hell of a lot. Product Manager.. lol)

I gave up this fight long ago... but if you're willing to pick it up.. good on you. I warn you though, the Apple distributorship in South Africa is a minefield like you have noooooo idea. I hope you have the stomach for it.

 

[bwana]

Is that and order?

I considered importing originally and have done so previously for a lot of tech gear, the benefits need to be weighed each time.

My calculations:

• BHPhoto - Incl. Tax, Shipping, AC Power, Visa charges - save 8%. A valid option if accepting the inherent risks involved.

• Dubai - Incl. Return flight on Emirates next week - cost +70% (not including shlep factor and accomodation). I assume you weren't serious

What inherent risks? I've ordered a few big ticket items from B&H and apart from the inevitable customs delay there were no risks.

Also not too sure what you mean by "AC Power". All their bricks are 110-240v.

 

[Moklet Kcuf]

What inherent risks? I've ordered a few big ticket items from B&H and apart from the inevitable customs delay there were no risks.

From my experience of owning Macs for over 20 odd years, they all don't come the same. If there was something about the unit you weren't happy with, it's not a matter of going back to the shop for a swap. Damage during shipping is also a small but real risk.

It took me 8 months to get a refund for a faulty camera battery from BHPhoto a few years ago...

Also not too sure what you mean by "AC Power". All their bricks are 110-240v.

Oh, you're right, thanks. That'll bring it to about a 10% saving

I'm not dismissing the idea of importing in any case, if Apple SA doesn't come up with answers soon, I will likely claim my deposit back and import.

 

[bwana]

From my experience of owning Macs for over 20 odd years, they all don't come the same. If there was something about the unit you weren't happy with, it's not a matter of going back to the shop for a swap. Damage during shipping is also a small but real risk.

It took me 8 months to get a refund for a faulty camera battery from BHPhoto a few years ago...



Oh, you're right, thanks. That'll bring it to about a 10% saving

I'm not dismissing the idea of importing in any case, if Apple SA doesn't come up with answers soon, I will likely claim my deposit back and import.

If it helps they come with a worldwide warranty - if there's something wrong you can get it serviced locally. I purchased my last three macs from Amazon and Core was obligated to deal with even the most minor of repairs.

Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[Moklet Kcuf]

Good luck and happy hunting.

Thanks bwana

Alternatives aside, there is still the mystery of why Apple has stated these units aren't in production, when in fact they are.

 

[w1z4rd]

Apple.. you buy what we want to sell you when we want.

 

[PeterCH]

Apple.. you buy what we want to sell you when we want.

I'll simplify that for you:

<insert any company name here> you buy what we want to sell you when we want.

 

[Moklet Kcuf]

Buy it from www.bhphotovideo.com

I tried to order - BHphotovideo don't ship Apple products overseas, due to Manufacurer's Regulations. And I suspect any reputable source would also abide by these rules.

bwahhh

 

[assagai]

just to pitch in - there is no "Apple SA" - just core - and they are two entirely separate and unrelated entities. I discovered the hard way - there is no apple warranty in za, because there is no applecare in za - because there is no apple in za

 

[bwana]

just to pitch in - there is no "Apple SA" - just core - and they are two entirely separate and unrelated entities. I discovered the hard way - there is no apple warranty in za, because there is no applecare in za - because there is no apple in za

Huh? Core has honoured my Apple warranty - extended (Apple Care) or otherwise - whenever it's been required.

I tried to order - BHphotovideo don't ship Apple products overseas, due to Manufacurer's Regulations. And I suspect any reputable source would also abide by these rules.

bwahhh

That actually surprises me.

 

[assagai]

bwana - the warranty is with core - not apple - they have different terms and conditions to the actual apple warranty - i'm not saying they don't do service, just that the service they provide is NOT genuine applecare. If you purchased extended care i'm assuming you did that in another country, because that option is not available from core group. Try calling applecare usa or europe and ask theme where the nearest applecare center to south africa is

anyway i've sidetracked, sorry to go off-topic.

 

[icyrus]

just to pitch in - there is no "Apple SA" - just core - and they are two entirely separate and unrelated entities. I discovered the hard way - there is no apple warranty in za, because there is no applecare in za - because there is no apple in za

As far as I know core have no choice but to honor Apple's warranty.

 

[assagai]

As far as I know core have no choice but to honor Apple's warranty.

like i said - i learned the hard way.

read your apple warranty in the box, then read the core warranty - two different animals.

 

[icyrus]

like i said - i learned the hard way.

read your apple warranty in the box, then read the core warranty - two different animals.

I see.

I haven't and wouldn't buy anything from Core but rather import it myself.

 

[bwana]

like i said - i learned the hard way.

read your apple warranty in the box, then read the core warranty - two different animals.

What core warranty? The Apple warranty in the box is the only one that counts.

I've sent core apple products purchased from SA, USA and UK without a problem. In fact the only problem I do have with core is their pricing - I've yet to find fault with their service technicians.

I see.

I haven't and wouldn't buy anything from Core but rather import it myself.

I have - my insurance company basically insisted. I still prefer buying from Amazon and having it brought over though

 

[assagai]

What core warranty? The Apple warranty in the box is the only one that counts.

I've sent core apple products purchased from SA, USA and UK without a problem. In fact the only problem I do have with core is their pricing - I've yet to find fault with their service technicians.

core warranty is what is stated in their terms and conditions on their website and on zastore website, there are certain differences between these t&c and the apple warranty in your box - and no, that boxed warranty is not the only thing that counts, i'm not bashing core - i'm saying they are NOT apple - they do things their own way and my point is that we do not have genuine applecare in za - just core.