what credit card are you using?

for cards like Citibank, you can pay first then call them up to tell them that you wish to settle that by installment.

of course, call them up to confirm that it can be done before doing so.

EDITED : yes, i confirm it can be done. just that i don't know what card you're using and whether you meet their conditions to allow installment payment. so better you check it out for your case.

macball,
Y don't U call Citibank and check with them?  It's probably different for every customer based on individual credit ratings and records with them.  Enjoy your new Mac 

goldfries,
Will you consider loaning this 'stranger' some $ for my MBP? PleaaSssee please pleeaaassssseeee..... 

macball,
Yes Citiphone Banking is available 24/7 so you can call them anytime that's convenient to you.  Yes, I think the scheme offered by MacAsia is 0% monthly instalment but I've no idea for how long.

goldfries,
Wanna share what else is in the queue?!    Oklah, I'll just continue standing at the ATM machines hoping people drop their $ when they withdraw them at the machine 

azxel,
Ask nicely lah... 

CG Computers 6 months and 12 months installation program available for HSBC and Maybank Credit Card users

macball,
Y don't you try applying for one of the banks' credit card?  Processing of the card may not be *that* long if your credit records are good.

Other options I can think of would be:-
1) Check with Public Bank - no harm since you're an existing Credit Cardholder there.

2) I know Citibank's got this other scheme where they'll 'loan' you some cash - I believe there will be interest charged to it but i doubt it's anywhere near 9.88% p/month but please confirm details when you call them - i'd never used this facility before hence ain't able to provide you with more details.  Btw, are you sure interest chargeable is 9.88% per month and not per annum?

3) What about 'lending' the $ from your parents/relatives? (just don't ask goldfries! )

4) Hold off your purchase until you've sufficient cash?

macball,
azxel's advise's pretty solid.  Tell you what - i promised sis and mom to take them shopping today.  If any of the 3 banks are having roadshows to promote their Credit Cards at the mall, I'll check to see how long the application processing period takes k?

Also, since I'm gonna probably end up at Mid Valley, I'll go to machines and check if they've any installment plans.

Hope to give you good news in this great New Year 

macball,
I don't think you need a referral for a Stan Chart credit card.  Just give them a call and tell them you'll like to apply and they ought to be able to help you.  Or maybe they allow online application.  Can possibly check their website out.

2) Didn't come across any Credit Card roadshows whilst I was out - sorry *gulps* 

3) Machines @ Mid Valley also has instalment schemes.  They're affiliated to Maybank, CIMB Bank (formerly known as Southern Bank) & HSBC - none of which would be of any benefits to you at this point    I was also informed there's an additional 4% surcharge for those who purchase under this scheme (hence, in reality, eventhough the bank's offering 0% interest for 12 months, if you include the 4% surcharge, you're actually paying a 4% interest over the 12 months - you get where I'm coming from?)

4) Machine's also currently having a promotion on the 20" & 24" iMac where they're giving a RM250 rebate/discount.  It is apparently valid till 14 Jan 2007.

5) Anyhow, if you want more info, you can call them up at 03.2282.3996.  Their sales enquiry email is sales@machines.com.my

I hope you manage to find funding for your iMac soon enough - btw, if you're already working and if you've sufficient $ in your EPF, I think you can take some $ out from it to purchase a new computer [i'm not too sure about the details but you can check around] 

macball,
I'm sure you are still paid a fixed monthly salary despite working for your dad hence the pay slips shouldn't be a problem.  Alternatively, if the bank know you're involved in the family business, they may query the genuine-nity if your pay slip and request for some other documentations to proof (a good documentation to provide can be your EPF slip the department sends to you) - that way, they know you haven't put in a 'fake' salary figure in your credit card application.

I'm unsure if there's any processing fees or surcharge for the instalment schemes offered by MacAsia but if i do go over or speak to them soon enough, I'll check and let you know.

Maybe you can also try applying for a Maybank credit card since both MacAsia and Machines accept that under their installment scheme.  You can cancel the card when it's approve, and just use whichever that's approved earlier - maybe request with the bank to expedite the processing of your Credit Card.  Just convince them you need the Credit Card urgently, etc etc etc....

Maybe you can check out the other Apple Centres around - MacStudio at Ikano.  There's also an Apple shop at Plaza Damas (opposite Sony Centre, next to Ogawa) which you can try contacting.

Hope you get your iMac soon 

you are already using a computer

first of all...let's makes things simple.

Why do you need a new computer? for gaming? for business purposes? or just for show off?

aiyoh - man, how come people always have the mentality that once they go MAC they're betraying / switching camp.

it's a joke man.......

look macball, going to Mac doesn't mean you betray or switch camp or anything. (i used Windows, Linux, Mac OS X - i'm in all camps. )

IMO home user, a macbook would be nice. but then again you could have a desktop PC with overall more powerful capability at that price. (or better specs at even half the cost).

so........... why bring VAIO into comparison? and what's holding you back?

but seriously, if your work is standard documents then i think OpenOffice shouldn't have problem with it.

you can download OpenOffice for Windows and see if it runs your usually opened documents.

seriously, my macbook does everything my dell inspiron 1300 can and MORE..... hey at least i get GIMP there i don't know what else to use on Windows to edit layered images

what i like about my mac is that it came with so many things already, even the remote control, DVD player, iPhoto blablablabl........... and adding other stuff was way easy, like MAMP and other apps.

macball,
Wait a minute - are you looking at a MacBook or an iMac now?  Or, any Mac for that matter? *confused*    Ah well, think hard about it and who knows?  You may just win yourself a lottery 

seriously, i don't see a purpose for buying a notebook now and then buy an iMac later.

if you buy an iMac later, what do you plan to do with the notebook?

if you like Mac and portability, you can consider the Macbooks too.

EDITED : say, how about a Mac Mini? i like Mac Mini.