Frequently Asked Questions
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- Q: Are some types of RAM really better than others?
- A: An emphatic "yes" answers that question! At PowerMax,
we install only major on major RAM; the same RAM Apple uses.
Except our RAM comes with a lifetime warranty, as opposed to
Apple's one year.
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- Q: What does 'major on major' RAM mean?
- A: 'Major on major' means major brand RAM chips on major
brand RAM boards. For example, Samsung boards have original
Samsung RAM chips, Infineon boards have original Infineon RAM
chips. Major on major RAM is somewhat more expensive, but it's
consistently the most reliable and trouble-free option.
- Sometimes you'll run across the term 'major on third.' This refers
to major RAM chips installed on third party RAM boards. Samsung, for
instance, sells RAM chips of lesser quality to third-party manufacturers
who put them on their own boards. We refuse to use this type of RAM. It
had been responsible for 90% of computer malfunctions when we once used
it.
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- Q. Sometimes I see "free" RAM (after rebate) from other resellers.
Isn't that a good deal?
- A: We've got an easy answer for that-just call one of those
companies and ask them about the warranty on the "free" RAM. We don't
know if all of them do this, but one of the major mail order companies
offers absolutely no warranty - nada - on their free RAM. In our opinion
this cheap free RAM actually costs you money in terms of hassles and
problems, even if you remember to send in the original receipts,
invoices, product labels and rebate forms while writing the Pledge of
Allegiance backwards as instructed and making sure the envelope is
exactly one inch shorter than the normal business envelope and hoping
like heck you did it all correctly to get your money back. Bad RAM
causes lots of mysterious problems: just ask any tech about cheap RAM
and watch him roll his eyes in exasperation. And unlike the cheap RAM,
the RAM PowerMax sells won't cause warranty issues with Apple if you
have a problem with your Mac.
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- Q: Can I install Tiger on my 400Mhz Blue iMac?
- A: You can, but your computer needs to have a DVD player
(or Combo Drive or SuperDrive) in order to install it. If your machine only
has a CD-ROM player or equivalent, you qualify for the Apple Media Exchange
program.
- You have to fill out the form here:
(
http://images.apple.com/macosx/pdf/tigermediaexchangev3.pdf) and it'll cost you an extra $9.95 to get a CD copy.
And remember you need a G3, G4 or G5 processor, built-in FireWire at least
256MB RAM (we recommend more) and 3GB free space on your hard drive (and
if all you have is 3GB free, start throwing some stuff away or buy
additional storage!).
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- Q: I want to trade in my computer to PowerMax, how do I know I'll really get
the value quoted?
- A: We have been in business for over 25 years. We are one of Apple's
largest Apple Specialists, and are service, training and value-add
authorized in virtually every category possible. We have retail outlets,
business sales and specialized distribution divisions. We're not out to
take advantage of anyone for a few bucks, our reputation is far more
important to us than that. We view a trade in as a mutual trust situation.
We trust you'll send us a computer that doesn't have stickers,
coffee stains, smoking damage, loose parts or any other unsightly schmutz
that might need to be thoroughly cleaned from the inside and outside of
your machine (this includes the keyboard), and that it's working as
promised. And you trust if that's the case, we'll give you the credit
we quoted.
- However, if we do have to spend extra time cleaning or fixing what you
send, then there will need to be an adjustment. Fortunately, this doesn't
happen very often; on average only about 5% of the trade-ins we receive
need to have the price adjusted. Part of that is testimony to the
outstanding quality of manufacture Apple provides.
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- Q: How is the Combo Drive different than the SuperDrive?
- A: Apple's Combo drive reads and writes (burns) CDs. This means you can
burn images, music, text, graphics, etc. to a CD and read them as well.
Combo drives only play (read) DVDs. So, if you want to watch The Matrix
DVD on your combo drive, break out the popcorn.
- The Apple SuperDrive does every thing the Combo drive does, but it also
burns (writes) fully interactive DVDs onto DVD discs. If you're an iMovie
or DVD Studio user and want to create interactive DVDs, or want to burn
files or back up to the larger capacity of a DVD disc, the SuperDrive is
your only option.
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- Q: What makes PowerMax Certified Pre-Owned Macs better than other used
Macs?
- A: We've been refurbishing and reselling used Macs longer than
practically anyone, but more importantly, better than anyone. In addition
to our automatic extended warranty, our 'no cost' DOA replacement warranty
ensures you'll get a pre-owned Mac that works from the get-go, or it won't
cost you a dime to get replaced. And just look at our selection: most of
the time we have in stock virtually every model produced since the G3 was
introduced!
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- Q: Rebates rebate rebates - why all the rebates?
- A: We'll be really frank here: we hate mail-in rebates. But sometimes
consumers are funny; a while back we took a stance that we wouldn't play
the rebate game. But you know what? Sales dropped. Despite what people
say about disliking the hassle of rebates, in the end they get attracted
to their perceived best price and are really, really, sure that this time,
they'll remember to send in all the paperwork to get their money back.
- In addition, they are such a staple of the landscape in this industry that
it seems like almost every manufacturer out there has some rebate or
another going. In our case, we are back to offering strategic rebates
that truly represent good value by partnering with one of the leading
rebate providers in the country, but only at our insistence that the
rebates be clear, concise, and easy to process. If you review the terms
and conditions on our rebate forms to virtually any other, you'll see
they're about the most consumer-friendly rebates possible.
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- Q: What does "Drop Ship" mean?
- A: PowerMax stocks over 10,000 different Apple computers and computer
accessories. Unfortunately, we can't stock every part or product in our
warehouse. Sometimes it's easier to order the part from a distributor at
the time of purchase. Instead of having the product shipped to us, then to
you, we "drop ship" the part to you directly from the distributor or
manufacturer.
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- Q: What is the definition of an Open Box Mac?
- A: When PowerMax lists "open box" in the description of a Mac, it means
it is a computer that has either been opened for demo, or used for a
very short time but is still under warranty. Occasionally they have
received Apple-authorized repairs, rendering them virtually the same
as new. No matter their short history, they all qualify for AppleCare,
a premier consumer technical support package and extended warranty. Note,
however, that the date of expiration of the warranty and AppleCare on
Open Box Macs will be based on a warranty date Apple has in their
system, not necessarily (though sometimes) your invoice date. Your
PowerMax sales consultant can help you investigate those questions on
the particular Open Box Mac you're interested in. Since most of the
Open Box Macs are virtually brand new, these are some of the best deals
you can make!
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- Q: So PowerMax is located in Oregon - why should I care?
- A: Many people are unfamiliar with the Northwest and even less familiar
with Oregon. There are those who think Oregonians spend most of their time
wielding chain saws or hiding under umbrellas. But in fact, Oregon has
become a high-tech mecca in the last 25 years. Companies like Intel,
Tektronix, Komatsu, InFocus, LaCie, Planar and Epson have locations here
(not to mention PowerMax!). A huge pool of engineers, technicians and
scientists call Oregon home. PowerMax draws from this tech-rich environment
in order to provide you with the most knowledgeable sales staff around.
- Also, Oregon's natural beauty is something we at PowerMax can't help but
be proud of. Natural wonders like the Oregon coast, the Cascade Mountains,
the high-deserts of central Oregon, the Columbia Gorge, Snake River Canyon,
The Great Basin and the Willamette Valley Wine Country keep Oregonians
humble and grounded. Our approach to you, the customer, reflects a more
laid back and pressure-free sales approach. We don't believe in the 'hard
sell.' We believe in providing exemplary service and a pleasant sales
experience.
- Put it this way: talk to a "big city" salesperson from another mail order
company. Then talk to the folks from Oregon at PowerMax. I think that's
when you'll understand why buying from an Oregon company is the next best
thing to living here.
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