Which is the best Apple Acessories Online retailer in New Zealand

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Tinshed

278 posts

Ultimate Geek

#142445 13-Mar-2014 12:23

I have a reasonably new owner of an iPhone 5s. Very nice. I am starting to want some extras such as a longer lightning cable, a stand, etc. When searching for such things I see some online retailers in the US who specialise in such things. Here in New Zealand most of the major online computer retailers have Apple accessories but none, other than the Apple Store(!), seem to specialise in Apple accessories. Yoobee seems on the way out and doesn't fill me with much confidence. I know I can buy from overseas but was wondering if there is a better local choice.

Tinshed
Wellington, New Zealand

Buzz Bumble

332 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1004887 13-Mar-2014 13:22

Thanks to the popularity of the iPhone / iPad, you can get accessories almost anywhere. It depends what you're looking for sepcifically, but try the regular shops and their online versions: Dick Smith, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Warehouse Stationery, The Warehouse, etc. plus the usual mobile phone shops.

I wouldn't bother with Yoobee (except perhaps for repairs) ... Renaissance is slowly flushing it down the toilet. Long gone are the days of MagnumMac and actually having some stock. :-(

JimmyC

726 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1004981 13-Mar-2014 14:42

Just a word of caution if you're looking at buying 3rd party stuff for your iDevices. I know they will be in some cases MUCH cheaper than genuine Apple accessories, but some can be dodgy, perhaps not charging properly or the like and may lead to damage.

I bought two docks from dealextreme.com, one was ok, the other kept telling me it wasn't a recognised device and it didn't work. I've had that with 3rd party chargers before also. Bought one for the car that heated my phone up to the point of being extreme so something wasn't right... not worth the risk imo.

At least if it's an Apple made accessory, it's guaranteed to work. If it doesn't work, or worse it damages your equipment, you should be covered.

Buzz Bumble

332 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1005064 13-Mar-2014 16:23

Yep, for the electronic items I'd stick with the well known brands such as Belkin and big name stores. Avoid the dodgey Asian no-name products and stores. There have been reports of a couple of people eletrocuted by cheapo chargers.

The cheapo brands are fine for simple things like cases, although be wary of scratches with badly made ones.

alasta

6701 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

#1005073 13-Mar-2014 16:58

Buzz Bumble: Yep, for the electronic items I'd stick with the well known brands such as Belkin and big name stores. Avoid the dodgey Asian no-name products and stores. There have been reports of a couple of people eletrocuted by cheapo chargers.

The cheapo brands are fine for simple things like cases, although be wary of scratches with badly made ones.

To be honest even cases can be a problem if they're poorly made because they can cause vignetting on the cameras, or cause obstructions to light sensors, proximity sensors, microphones, buttons, switches, ports, etc. Apple publish some very specific specifications around the exact measurements of cases including any gaps or apertures required.

Tinshed

278 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1005455 14-Mar-2014 11:21

Thanks for the replies and the warnings against buying at the cheaper end of the market. I had kinda figured that out given the vast difference in price between seemingly similar items. But when you read the reviews, well, you learn that the old adage "you get what you pay for" is very true, especially in relation to Apple products and accessories. I was sort of hoping there was an online store here in New Zealand that specialises in Apple products and accessories but it seems not and I should just shop around either at the major retailers here in New Zealand or overseas online stores.

Tinshed
Wellington, New Zealand

gehenna

8495 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

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Lifetime subscriber

#1005481 14-Mar-2014 11:55

Apple Store Online is the best online retailer for accessories

Tinshed

278 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1005629 14-Mar-2014 14:32

gehenna: Apple Store Online is the best online retailer for accessories

Yeah, I think you might be right there. Just ordered a Twelve South HiRise stand for $39.95 from the online Apple store. That was after visiting YooBee in Manners Street and seeing the same item for $59.95! No wonder they are going out of business. Gouging customers never works.

Tinshed
Wellington, New Zealand

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Buzz Bumble

332 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1005733 14-Mar-2014 16:31

I don't know how good or bad these are:

- iStore

- MacGear.co.nz

I know the iStore in Takapuna (Auckland) used to be completely hopeless under previous owners when it was called WiredDog, but I haven't had anything to do with them since they changed owners, name, and location a few years ago.