The latest data out of NPD suggests that April Mac sales were soft, rising just 9 percent. Perhaps an indication that’s true comes from third-party resellers MacConnection and MacMall, which have slashed prices on the MacBook and MacBook Air — do you want yours with or without condiments?

First off, let’s have a look at the 2.4GHz MacBook (2GB, 250GB, SuperDrive, GeForce 320M, 7-hour battery). Whereas the best price can be found at MacConnection (after rebate), there’s more than one way to buy and each vendors has its advantages:

• Apple Store:$999 + sales tax (most states) w/ free shipping + free (AFR) printer

• MacConnection: $899.84 (AFR), no sales tax, free shipping

• MacMall: $918.99, no sales tax, free shipping + free (AFR) printer, Norton AntiVirus

• Amazon: $949.94, no sales tax, free shipping

Next up for consideration is the entry level 1.4GHz MacBook Air (2GB, 64GB SSD, GeForce 320M). Again, MacConnection has the lowest price, but there are bundles and rebates to consider, as well:

• Apple Store: $999 + sales tax (most states) w/ free shipping + free (AFR) printer

• MacConnection: $899.84 (AFR), no sales tax, free shipping

• MacMall: $949.95, no sales tax, free shipping + free (AFR) printer, Norton AntiVirus

• Amazon: $938.29, no sales tax, free shipping

If you want stuff, MacMall has more and the extras more than cover the MacBook price difference with MacConnection. Again, however, the lowest price is MacConnection, though you’ll have to go through the rebate process, which will make Amazon more appealing to some folks.

Lastly, if price is your only consideration, the you should check out the Special Deals on the Apple Store, where you’ll find both the 1.4GHz MBA and white MacBook for $849 with free shipping free (AFR) printer.

Know of a great deal on the MacBook or MacBook Air? Drop us a note with link in the comments below…