Mac Forum / Country Specific / Australian Mac Group / October 2004

Try: Streetwise Software in Hawthorn.  I haven't had a lot of experience
with them, but they are friendly and seem to listen.

Avoid: Metek Interstahl Pty Ltd in Thornbury.  They "talk real nice" but
it's mostly hot air.

Generally I would say that the situation is such in terms of the margins
that Apple affords their dealers and the after purchase service they can
afford, you might do best by just finding the dealer who offers the
cheapest price, not forgetting online purchasing, and then facing the
reality of having to go beat on Apple's door if anything goes wrong.  
When looking at price, be sure to ask what they charge to set up the
computer for you, especially if you want something slightly less than
standard.  Some places charge, others will do the first time as part of
the sale price.

Also you may want to visit AUSOM, the Apple Users Group of Melbourne,
which meets once a month, and is a good place for beginners to get
started.  I haven't been for years, so here's the web address, you can
look up the current details for yourself.

http://www.ausom.net.au/meetings.html