moving my mac

September 14, 2009 12:18 PM

Carrying solutions for an imac?

I need to bring my 24" imac into the Apple store for a repair. I live in NYC and the Apple store is in walking distance of only a few blocks. What would be the best means of transporting my computer?

I've seen a few nylon carry cases online specifically made for the imac but at a pretty steep price. (over $150)

Does anyone have a more cost efficient and safer idea of transport? Would a luggage cart be a good option? They seem liable to tip over.

posted by cazoo to computers & internet (9 comments total)

I traveled with an iMac once in a regular suitcase (I even checked it). I sandwiched it between two thin pieces of plywood.

But for just a few blocks? I'd just throw a black plastic trash bag over it and carry it clutched to my chest like a baby.
posted by rokusan at 12:23 PM on September 14

You don't have the original box still, do you? If you do, I'd go with that plus the garbage bag so folks don't know what you've got in your arms.
posted by GarotaDaCidade at 12:26 PM on September 14

I second the original box idea, as that is what I use to transport my flat-panel monitor from home to college. I assume that it would also work well for moving an iMac. If the box is falling apart (like mine) make sure you use packing tape to keep it secure.
posted by The Devil Tesla at 12:36 PM on September 14

The original box is best. Failing that, perhaps you might fashion a substitute by using another large box and filling it with packing peanuts. (Although that might get a bit messy at the store.)

If nothing else, I'd tape the screen to the stand to prevent damage, cover it with a big plastic bag, and call a cab.
posted by justcorbly at 12:50 PM on September 14

Seconding rokusans idea, but if you really want a box for it and no longer have yours, eBay can help.
posted by dirm at 12:54 PM on September 14

I didn't have my original box, so I just carried mine in a large shoulder work bag, with the arm strap over my shoulder, holding on to the iMac while I carried it. I think that's a lot safer than a plastic bag or relying on a regular box with peanuts, which can shift around.

It also feels relatively secure under an arm with that arm on the stand and the other one providing additional support.
posted by iknowizbirfmark at 12:56 PM on September 14

Unfortunately I no longer have the original box. I'll try and find some kind of cover/bag to carry it in. Thanks.
posted by cazoo at 2:11 PM on September 14

YMMV, but that would fit right under my arm, with the screen toward me and my fingers around the horizontal part of the stand (or through the cable-management hole if I were shorter).

I would cover the screen with something soft (to avoid scratches) and something stiff (to avoid cracks). A cookie sheet in a pillow case would do.

The danger is not dropping it but hitting things with it. You'll need more clearance than you're used to.
posted by d. z. wang at 2:57 PM on September 14

The 24" iMac is pretty heavy and fairly awkward to carry as is. I wouldn't carry it straight, and carrying it in a box may be tricky too (unless you get the box up onto your shoulder or something).

What works best for me to move a desktop machine is to put it on an office chair and wheel it from place to place. For the iMac, probably best to protect the screen with some sort of plastic and then push it up against the backrest. Keep hold of both the chair and the iMac, steer the chair over to the elevator and along the sidewalk for the few blocks you need to go. Having another person alongside to further stabilize helps too.

If you have stairways to navigate, this option is moot, but I figured it was worth suggesting.
posted by sesquipedalia at 9:57 PM on September 14