Historically speaking, buying a Macintosh computer has always been something akin to buying that one-of-a-kind flavor ice cream -- only available at one exclusive store, can’t be found anywhere else, and is totally worth the journey. Prior to the internet, buying a Mac computer could only be done at an Apple-approved dealer. There was no CompUSA, BestBuy or CircuitCity – it was all about the ma-and-pa shop, and it made for some pretty damn fun shopping.

Enter the internet, and suddenly we’re spoiled – immediate access to nearly everything under the sun. Suddenly, buying that tricked-out Macintosh is a six-minute endeavor. Quick, to-the-point, done.

Availability, inventory and supply are no longer in the equation. Pretty much anything you want is available for immediate purchase. The real question has become, where can I find it for the cheapest price?

Of course, the brick-and-mortar stores are there – and Apple certainly has a grand and noble presence in that space. Other common sources include CompUSA, BestBuy, and a small handful of ma-and-pa Apple dealers.

Those stores are nice – and the ability to touch and feel the equipment certainly makes the visit worthwhile, but when it comes to price, you’re going to pay top dollar. So the question begs, where to buy Mac computers?

Our ongoing web-based research continuously surfaces one online store in particular. Apple-Discounts.com excels at providing the best discounts on Apple-certified gear. Inventory is updated daily, so nearly everything is available – and the prices are consistently 30%-40 cheaper than retail.

Check it: Where to Buy Mac Computers