Free iPod Touch with Mac Purchase for College Students?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Apple is expected (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/29/apples-back-to-school-promo-kicks-off-june-3rd/) to launch its Back to School promotion tomorrow, and on the eve of its launch, we've learned that Apple is indeed going to be making it their biggest ever (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/05/29/sources_apple_planning_biggest_back_to_school_promo_yet.html).

According to our sources, Apple will be offering a free 8GB iPod Touch ($299) to college students who buy a qualifying Mac (MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac Pro). Alternatively, students may choose to get an 8GB iPod Nano ($199). The promotion will run from June 3 to September 15th, 2008.

With this aggressive promotion as well as the rumored 3G-capable iPhone launch, Apple is rapidly expanding their Touch OS X platform over the next few months, giving developers a large audience for their iTunes Store apps and games (http://toucharcade.com).

There remains one uncertainty, however. When Apple releases the 2.0 firmware for the iPhone and iPod Touch, iPod Touch owners will be required to pay a small fee for the upgrade. Customers who purchase an iPod Touch now may be required to pay this fee when the upgrade arrives in late June. More details may be available tomorrow or at WWDC next week. More details of the Back to School promotion, including eligibility should be officially announced tomorrow.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/06/02/free-ipod-touch-with-mac-purchase-for-college-students/)

[Grimace]

Holy iPod Touches Batman!! :eek::eek::eek: That would be an incredible deal!

[smartalic34]

WOW! I wish I had to buy a MBP now instead of 2 years ago.... an iPod touch for free.... wow

[Applepi]

Good to know as I will be purchasing a new Macbook Pro in the next few months.

[ert3]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone 8gb: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A102 Safari/419.3)

maybe this means a price drop is combing soon as well?

[extraextra]

Wow. Does this mean updates are imminent? Don't they do this when they want to clear stock? They did it with the minis and nanos.

[canucksfan88]

holy!!:eek:

now i wish i waited to buy my macbook =(

if its true....thats a crazy deal

[blairbeckwith]

That's like 25% off if you planned on buying both anyways :eek:

[twoodcc]

now will this work with a macbook air?

[Anaxarxes]

WOW! I wish I had to buy a MBP now instead of 2 years ago.... an iPod touch for free.... wow

I bought my first iMac at May 20th with my student discount.

I'm so sad. No free iPod touch for me? :(

[DOUGHNUT]

if this is in fact true, i wonder if you'll be able to use the $299 to subsidize a 3G iPhone purchase. That would be a super deal (and makes sense since college kids want the coolest thing on the market)

[Petey07]

Wow, i hope this is true because it sound really good!!! 8gb touch is good!!
We just have to wait and see tomorrow, I am going to get the MBP tomorrow since I need it for work :)

[berkleeboy210]

Am I Missing Something?? Why isn't the MBA included in this. I'm a student and am buying one next week.

[VanMac]

Almost a good enough excuse to get another computer !! :D

[runplaysleeprun]

NOOO. My MBP came on Friday. Am I screwed?

[Squonk]

Or, I wonder if you can use $299 toward an iPod Classic. [I already have an iPhone.] :cool:

[Mal]

Am I Missing Something?? Why isn't the MBA included in this. I'm a student and am buying one next week.

Don't assume that it doesn't count. This article likely just overlooked the MBA. I can't imagine they wouldn't include it, the MBA and iPod touch are almost a perfect pair.

jW

[blakintosh]

Almost a good enough excuse to get another computer !! :D

Thats exactly what i thought!!

[Tallest Skil]

Good to know as I will be purchasing a new Macbook Pro in the next few months.

+1, baby; me too!

[kornyboy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A102 Safari/419.3)

This is a really good deal. Makes it a good time to buy a new computer but I do, as other here, wonder why the MacBook Air isn't mentioned.

[skilgus20]

Seeing that I intended to buy a new Macbook and 8GB iPod Touch tomorrow, you could say that I'm a bit happy.

[arn]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A102 Safari/419.3)

This is a really good deal. Makes it a good time to buy a new computer but I do, as other here, wonder why the MacBook Air isn't mentioned.

an oversight on my part. my understanding is everything except the mac mini.

arn

[Obi-Wan Kubrick]

I hope the new Mac Books are ready before the sale ends.

[Dmac77]

That is a great deal, they have to be trying to clear stock on the ipod touches.

Now begins my rant. Why am I not considered a student to apple? I am going into the 10th grade, I am a considered a student by everyone, but not to apple. I have a valid student ID, but still I am not considered a student, because I don't attend college, yet. Apple really needs to apply their student discount to high school students!!!:mad: End Rant.

But really that is an amazing deal!

Don

[berkleeboy210]

an oversight on my part. my understanding is everything except the mac mini.

arn

Thanks for the correction arn, you had me scratching my head on that one. :apple::apple:

[twoodcc]

NOOO. My MBP came on Friday. Am I screwed?

now that's a good question. i'm not sure

[Kilamite]

Wow. Does this mean updates are imminent? Don't they do this when they want to clear stock? They did it with the minis and nanos.

It is the 8GB iPod Touch, which they are probably clearing out stock.

[stagi]

Sweet deal!

[Petey07]

Now another question, would they run out with these? (out of stock)

[DOUGHNUT]

Wow. Does this mean updates are imminent? Don't they do this when they want to clear stock? They did it with the minis and nanos.

updates most likely in september right after promotion ends. Apple has been doing september updates for iPods for the past few years.

[aaple]

Hmm...would you be able to use the rebate towards the purchase of a 16GB or 32GB Touch? I'd be willing to shell out the extra $100 for a 16GB...

[Orng]

Sweet, i was going to by an MBP this summer. Now all I have to do is to get one of my student and/or professor friends to order it for me

[berkleeboy210]

OK, I've never participated in one these promotions before.

How exactly does it work, of course you gotta pay for the computer right there, but do you also have to pay the $299 for the Touch and then send in a rebate? or do they apply a $299 credit towards the price of the touch?

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

[Tallest Skil]

Okay, quick clarification for me.

I forget, does the student developer discount qualify for the iPod deal?

[minik]

Bought my iMac for almost a month now with educational discount. It's time for a notebook with this kind of deal. Wait.. I have a 2nd gen iPod nano, 8GB iPod touch, and 10GB 2nd gen iPod. okay, none of this make any sense.

[mainstreetmark]

While this is indeed a compelling promotion, I just gotta say I'm not at all satisfied with the iPod on the iPhone, and therefore would recommend against an iPod touch.

I have many criticisms, but the main one is the lack of the "clickwheel" for scrolling through a track or podcast. Ratings is nearly impossible to finger correctly, and mis-taps when doing so wind up jumping out of the playlist and onto track one of whatever CD the current song is on. The coverflow thing is indeed clever, but it coverflows the whole collection, not the current playlist as iTunes does.

I wish it'd be consistent with the old iPods or at least iTunes.

[Sky Blue]

haha, love the subtle touch arcade inclusion.

[Antares]

I forsee a lot of students opting for the Nanos..... What with the smaller size of the Nano as opposed to the not much higher capacity Touch along with it's considerably larger size.

[Humblebee]

This is fantastic. I've been waiting months to get a mbp. I've saved up and waited for the acceptance letter, then saved up and waited some more for the summer deal, and finally it's all come together!


Why am I not considered a student to apple? I am going into the 10th grade, I am a considered a student by everyone, but not to apple. I have a valid student ID, but still I am not considered a student, because I don't attend college, yet. Apple really needs to apply their student discount to high school students!!!:mad: End Rant.


I'm pretty sure the student discounts go through the colleges, that is, the colleges probably have to pay something, or Apple has a deal with them (makes the colleges promote them or something of the sort). High schools are, for the most part, public and state-run, so they probably don't see giving them discounts anymore to their advantage than giving everyone discounts.

[ziggyonice]

OK, I've never participated in one these promotions before.

How exactly does it work, of course you gotta pay for the computer right there, but do you also have to pay the $299 for the Touch and then send in a rebate? or do they apply a $299 credit towards the price of the touch?


You've got to pay for it right then and there, at the time of purchase, pay both at the same time, mail in the rebate later.

[syavno]

Is this offer good for Apple Canada (ie. Apple.ca)?

[aaple]

I forsee a lot of students opting for the Nanos..... What with the smaller size of the Nano as opposed to the not much higher capacity Touch along with it's considerably larger size.

No way...I would guess anyone without an iPhone will choose the Touch. Students love cool, flashy, new stuff (I would know, I am one). iPhone owners might pick the nano, however. That's probably why the nano is included.

[Brianstorm91]

Could you ditch the iPod and get a discount from the computer (short of flogging the iPod)?

[mogzieee]

Is this offer good for Apple Canada (ie. Apple.ca)?

And what about the UK?? I could do with an iPod touch....

[Rivix]

Is this offer good for Apple Canada (ie. Apple.ca)?

Yup. They usually have the same offer.

I'm just wondering if you can use the $299 credit towards a 32Gb.

[JAYGEE]

I'm planning to buy an iPod Touch in the next month. It's a shame I'm not due to buy a new Mac, as I bought my Macbook last June, so I wont be able to get this offer :(

[teebs]

wow, looks like a great deal. I'll need a new machine for this coming school year and will most likely go with this deal but there is a small part of me that wants to wait for an update, oh well, time will tell.

[marcj]

OK, I've never participated in one these promotions before.

How exactly does it work, of course you gotta pay for the computer right there, but do you also have to pay the $299 for the Touch and then send in a rebate? or do they apply a $299 credit towards the price of the touch?

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

You have to pay for everything up front, fill in a form (picked up from the store or printed from the website), cut out the serial number from the box of the Touch in this case, stick it in an envelope with the form and send it off. In 6 weeks or so the money will appear in the account you give them.

I've done it with a printer and iPod, the printer ended up costing £0 and the iPod nano about £20 I think - it's a very good deal.

[davisac]

I remember looking at the details of last years one. (apple has a pdf file somewhere) and it seemed to mention other students not only college. yes/no/maybe?

[Sky Blue]

I forsee a lot of students opting for the Nanos..... What with the smaller size of the Nano as opposed to the not much higher capacity Touch along with it's considerably larger size.

Why opt for the Nano, when you can get the touch, sell it, buy a Nano and have cash left over?

[jmorrison0722]

NOOO. My MBP came on Friday. Am I screwed?

As long as it wasn't a special config order, you can carry your MBP to an Apple store after they announce the promotion and return it, then purchase it again with the iPod. The promotion simply requires the iPod and CPU must be purchase together on the same receipt. (at least that's how it's been done in the past)

If it was special order, you must return to the Apple Store online, and you'll pay a restocking fee and possibly loose out on upgrades you purchased. Apple online generally refuses to accept RAM once it's been installed.

Your best bet is to go to a physical Apple store. Ask for a manager and explain it to them.

[Darkroom]

dayuumm! that's a tasty deal.

[jmorrison0722]

OK, I've never participated in one these promotions before.

How exactly does it work, of course you gotta pay for the computer right there, but do you also have to pay the $299 for the Touch and then send in a rebate? or do they apply a $299 credit towards the price of the touch?

Any help appreciated. Thanks.


That's exactly right. You essentially buy both products together at full price. You then get to submit a rebate for the price of the iPod, up to a maximum. Last year that maximum was $199, so even if you bought a full-sized iPod, it only cost you $50 after rebate.

[aaple]

Could you ditch the iPod and get a discount from the computer (short of flogging the iPod)?

Nope...at least it hasn't been allowed in the past promotions from what I've read. You'd have to sell the thing. I imagine there will be quite a few more Touches on eBay once this thing kicks off.

[marcj]

Could you ditch the iPod and get a discount from the computer (short of flogging the iPod)?

Nope, not to date anyway. There are lots of T&C's and the discount always applies to a very limited part of the product range.

Selling it on ebay is a good idea, as long as the buyer doesn't mind a hole in the box.

[jmorrison0722]

Now another question, would they run out with these? (out of stock)

They've always had plenty on hand through the end of the promotion in the past.

[Voidness]

Is this offer good for Apple Canada (ie. Apple.ca)?
Most likely, yes.

Regarding the iPhone Software Update 2.0, my guess is that Apple won't be charging an upgrade fee for iPod touch owner, even though Steve Jobs did say that there's going to be a "nominal fee". The main highlight of the upcoming software update is the App Store, a major revenue stream for Apple. A fee imposed on a software update is definitely going to turn away some potential App Store customers.

[timswim78]

[SIZE=1]

maybe this means a price drop is combing soon as well?

That's what I'm thinking/hoping for.

[guzhogi]

This is confusing: you either get $299 off the iPod Touch or $199 off an iPod Nano. Where's the extra $100 if you get an iPod Nano? Also, in past years, can get the $199 off a higher priced iPod. Can you still do that, or is it only for these models? Maybe Apple's clearing inventory?

[eastcoastsurfer]

While this is indeed a compelling promotion, I just gotta say I'm not at all satisfied with the iPod on the iPhone, and therefore would recommend against an iPod touch.

I have many criticisms, but the main one is the lack of the "clickwheel" for scrolling through a track or podcast. Ratings is nearly impossible to finger correctly, and mis-taps when doing so wind up jumping out of the playlist and onto track one of whatever CD the current song is on. The coverflow thing is indeed clever, but it coverflows the whole collection, not the current playlist as iTunes does.

I wish it'd be consistent with the old iPods or at least iTunes.

I'm with you! The touchscreen interface on the touch is a step back compared with the ease of using the wheel interface on the classic. Add that with the fact that the phone part is terrible on the iPhone and I'm not so sure I'll be getting another iPhone when my current one breaks. It will be nice if they correct a few of these issues in v2.

[aaple]

Yup. They usually have the same offer.

I'm just wondering if you can use the $299 credit towards a 32Gb.

Same here...any guesses?

[BongoBanger]

Same here...any guesses?

I doubt it - this sounds like a stock clearance.

[sfroom]

This is indeed exciting. I've been planning for the last 8 weeks to get a new iMac and iPod touch when the discount started, but I was expecting to have to pay the difference in price between the top end nano and the touch.

I think this makes it fairly clear that Apple are clearing out 8gb iPod Touch stock. I may be tempted to pay the difference for a 16GB, if that option is available.

To answer questions posted in this thread, in no particular order:

I think it's fairly conclusive that the Macbook Air will be included in the Promotion.

You have to pay for the iPod and iMac, then send in a rebate for the PRE-TAX value of the iPod (i.e. you still have to pay the taxes on it).

History indicates the promotion will be available in Canada, and the amount of the rebate scales with the price difference of the product.

However, I'm going to wait an extra week until WWDC...just in case they release an xMac (tiny faint glimmer of hope!).

[jmorrison0722]

This is confusing: you either get $299 off the iPod Touch or $199 off an iPod Nano. Where's the extra $100 if you get an iPod Nano? Also, in past years, can get the $199 off a higher priced iPod. Can you still do that, or is it only for these models? Maybe Apple's clearing inventory?

Yes, it is confusing. I'm betting it's bad info. My guess is Apple will do the same as in the past...$199 off any iPod (not to exceed the price of the iPod of course), which would make the touch $99, which is awesome in itself. If they offer the touch for free, why wouldn't you take it? They either REALLY want to push the touch or it's bad info.

[runplaysleeprun]

As long as it wasn't a special config order, you can carry your MBP to an Apple store after they announce the promotion and return it, then purchase it again with the iPod. The promotion simply requires the iPod and CPU must be purchase together on the same receipt. (at least that's how it's been done in the past)

You think this will work to take it into a physical store if I bought it online from apple.com? Oh I hope so. It was a standard config.

[marcj]

Most likely, yes.

Regarding the iPhone Software Update 2.0, my guess is that Apple won't be charging an upgrade fee for iPod touch owner, even though Steve Jobs did say that there's going to be a "nominal fee". The main highlight of the upcoming software update is the App Store, a major revenue stream for Apple. A fee imposed on a software update is definitely going to turn away some potential App Store customers.

He said that the way apple 'accounts' for the two products is very different. I'd say he'll stick to his word and it would cost around £15/$30. The most popular apps will be free (and be most popular for that reason) I'd imagine anyway

[Brianstorm91]

I'm with you! The touchscreen interface on the touch is a step back compared with the ease of using the wheel interface on the classic. Add that with the fact that the phone part is terrible on the iPhone and I'm not so sure I'll be getting another iPhone when my current one breaks. It will be nice if they correct a few of these issues in v2.

I have a 16GB Touch and as much as I love it, I still long for a clickwheel.

[aaple]

Yes, it is confusing. I'm betting it's bad info. My guess is Apple will do the same as in the past...$199 off any iPod (not to exceed the price of the iPod of course), which would make the touch $99, which is awesome in itself. If they offer the touch for free, why wouldn't you take it? They either REALLY want to push the touch or it's bad info.

I would guess that 1: they really want to push the touch, and 2: the touch is kind of unnecessary for those who already have a Touch or an iPhone. These people might prefer the smaller nano for working out, etc.

That being said, if the article is correct, I still see the vast majority of students picking the Touch. I know I will. Just hoping I can upgrade to a 16GB...please?

[jmorrison0722]

You think this will work to take it into a physical store if I bought it online from apple.com? Oh I hope so. It was a standard config.

Having been a manager in a store, I can say without a doubt it's better to go to the store. The managers have quite a bit of say so in accepting returns, etc. Online, they will often go strictly by the return policy, which would require you to pay a restocking fee if you opened the box.

[ipodtouchy333]

Teachers can get this student discount right ? That would be sweet if you could use the money, instead of for the ipod, for the new iPhone....then I would really be tempted to buy my first mac along with my first iPhone !

[aaple]

He said that the way apple 'accounts' for the two products is very different. I'd say he'll stick to his word and it would cost around £15/$30. The most popular apps will be free (and be most popular for that reason) I'd imagine anyway

Yeah, they will charge Touch owners because of the accounting difference. $20 sounds about right. Isn't that what it was last time?

[jmorrison0722]

Teachers can get this student discount right ? That would be sweet if you could use the money, instead of for the ipod, for the new iPhone....then I would really be tempted to buy my first mac along with my first iPhone !

Yes, teachers get it too. Don't think they'll include the phone, but who knows until tomorrow, right?

[wmjbobic]

anyone know whether this promotion is good for ADC discount or refurbished Macs as well?

Thanks

[LaDirection]

OMFG If this is true, I'm buying a new tower (right after WWDC just in case).

[sterlingindigo]

The phrase, "required to pay a small fee for the upgrade" is getting to be quite common these days.

[jmorrison0722]

anyone know whether this promotion is good for ADC discount or refurbished Macs as well?

Thanks

Possibly on refurbished macs, I would think so. ADC discount...doubtful.

[ipodtouchy333]

I'm pretty sure refurbished macs don't apply........

[amac4me]

Wow this would be an amazing promotion. Makes me wish that I could buy another Mac!

[Admonitor]

If this is true it would pretty much seal the deal for me. Seeing as the UK promotion starts in September I may well end up getting a new Macbook then...if they're updated by then

[EagerDragon]

Too bad they will not provide a $199.00 credit toward an iPhone instead of a touch. Students need make phone calls too.

Sounds like clearing inventory for new iPods and iPod Touch. Some of the features of the iPhone will likely show up in the new iPod Touch in September.

[yagru]

damit i just bought an imac through edu earlier this month :mad:

[cthomet]

ok so seems that apple is trying to push the touch to clear inventory, setting up for an update at the end of the promotion. nothing out of the ordinary there. now the question is whether apple is trying to clear inventory on notebooks as well, as this promotion is clearly aimed at students who would most likely be purchasing a notebook for college, as i will be...

now, as others have said, im in a predicament. I already own a touch, but i am going to buy a notebook for college, which begins in late september. im debating whether to get the current version with the promo then sell the ipod, or should i wait for the revision? I ask because i am most likely going to get a macbook, im going to be a business major and i wont use it for gaming. The current macbooks arent bad, but i would love aluminum or some other cool exterior revision.

[kevinbal]

Just a friendly reminder to residents of Connecticut and (I think Rhode Island), we get special treatment for this promo. Because of state laws, if you purchase at an Apple Store, they immediately take care of the rebate for you. No cutting, no mailing away, no waiting.

As long as you aren't getting a BTO, it'd be silly not to drive over to an Apple Store if you are buying one in these states.

[jmorrison0722]

ok so seems that apple is trying to push the touch to clear inventory, setting up for an update at the end of the promotion. nothing out of the ordinary there. now the question is whether apple is trying to clear inventory on notebooks as well, as this promotion is clearly aimed at students who would most likely be purchasing a notebook for college, as i will be...

now, as others have said, im in a predicament. I already own a touch, but i am going to buy a notebook for college, which begins in late september. im debating whether to get the current version with the promo then sell the ipod, or should i wait for the revision? I ask because i am most likely going to get a macbook, im going to be a business major and i wont use it for gaming. The current macbooks arent bad, but i would love aluminum or some other cool exterior revision.

You might as well take the free iPod and sell if you don't need it. Take that money and put towards a new model, should one arrive.

[Cassie]

I hope they have some sort of promotion like this when I buy a MacBook for collage.

[cthomet]

You might as well take the free iPod and sell if you don't need it. Take that money and put towards a new model, should one arrive.

the problem with that is that i would need to sell the old macbook at a depreciated value if a new one arrived and i wanted to buy it. so price wise it would be a wash. dont you agree?

[jmorrison0722]

the problem with that is that i would need to sell the old macbook at a depreciated value if a new one arrived and i wanted to buy it. so price wise it would be a wash. dont you agree?

Ohh...you were talking about a newer MacBook. Well, you might be right then.

[kevinbal]

Ohh...you were talking about a newer MacBook. Well, you might be right then.

I can pretty much guarantee that the macbook you purchase tomorrow will not depreciate by more 299 dollars if the next revision is more than a speed bump. Macs retain excellent value. At the very least you enjoy a macbook all summer, get a great and fun device in the Touch, and if you are compelled to get the next revision, you can do so with little to no upgrade fee (taking the rebate into consideration).

[emulator]

school is not even over yet and they already make them think about "back to school"? poor students. :D

[ChrisA]

WOW! I wish I had to buy a MBP now instead of 2 years ago.... an iPod touch for free.... wow

Then just buy another macbook. It's a good enough deal that if you quality you could buy a MB and then re-sell the unopened box for a $200 loss and score an iPod Touch for $100.
With a $200 markdown I bet you could line up a buyer before you buy the MB.

I bet we see a lot of colage students selling "as new, un opened box" iPod Touches at $100 off or un-used MBs at $200 off retail.

[dmkemick]

I had been waiting to get an iMac until next week, I was also going to order an iPod Touch 16GB along with it. I'll happily take an 8gig for free though, and I'll even grab some accessories to go along with it. :)

[StuBeck]

I just bought a used MB and got a great deal on it, but this almost makes it worthwhile for me to buy a new MB instead.

[Tomaz]

Does anyone know if it's possible to buy 2 machines (A MbP and a Mb) under those conditions, or is that offer only good for one buy ?

[hiimamac]

Almost a good enough excuse to get another computer !! :D

Broken Arrow Ranch? Do you know a Basil Gaynor? Indian Crusader?

Just wonder what the odd's are that this is the same Broken Arrow Ranch? :D


As I incoherently ranted yesterday (and knew it, dag nab it, I knew I should have reviewed my post)......

I think the promo, while focusing on the TOUCH is really going to be about the new .me .mac... I'm also betting that newer ones with camera's and maybe service to get on-line out side of wi-fi might be coming, this way, they can really start to focus on the windows users... Just hope we don't get lost.

[cthomet]

Ohh...you were talking about a newer MacBook. Well, you might be right then.

:D ya newer macbook. why oh why does the timing have to be so ridiculously vexing. oh well im sure theres a lot of people in a similar situation, and a lot of people who dont care so theres the end of my story.

as for the reason why apple may be giving a bigger promotion this year (in addition to clearing stock) is stated as getting a larger customer base for the applications store. i think thats a sad dream if they think thats going to be big. free applications are the most popular and i dont think that will change, as others have stated.

[guzhogi]

Yes, it is confusing. I'm betting it's bad info. My guess is Apple will do the same as in the past...$199 off any iPod (not to exceed the price of the iPod of course), which would make the touch $99, which is awesome in itself. If they offer the touch for free, why wouldn't you take it? They either REALLY want to push the touch or it's bad info.

Only reason I can think of getting the Nano instead is for the Nike+ iPod thing, & iPod classic for the extra space.

[jmorrison0722]

Be careful with your rebate...follow the directions carefully and make extra copies of everything!

Apple, like everyone else who does rebates, makes a ton off these promotions. The reason is simple. Only about half of the people who buy during these promotions actual submit, or submit properly, the rebate requirements. I suggest submitting the same day you purchase, and copy everything.

Also, if you plan to get the free (after rebate) printer as well, be extra careful. There is only 1 UPC on the computer and if you send the UPC for the computer to the wrong promotion, you'll get denied the other. If memory serves, last year they allowed you to send a copy of the UPC to the iPod promotion so long as you reference that you used the UPC for it. The printer promo required the UPC or no rebate.

Apple's rebate division is getting progressively more and more strict when it comes to awarding rebates. Any error will result in a denial...or worse...no response at all.

They are still a good deal, just follow the rules. Set an alarm in iCal to check in on the status. Follow through.

[hiimamac]

Does anyone know if it's possible to buy 2 machines (A MbP and a Mb) under those conditions, or is that offer only good for one buy ?

They would probably BOTH qualify, but I would bet one per person, so you would have someone else buy the other one.

I'm still leaning toward iPhone promo, that's if there are any truth to the 3rd part carriers. Apple is really in control these days.

[grimmace]

This is excellent but I want a new MBP that is dual 2.7 Mhz or more. Let's see what they come up with on June 9. It cant be all about the phone. There must be some other hardware bumping going on. Would be nice to simply give a $199 on all products after purchase.

[Tallest Skil]

anyone know whether this promotion is good for ADC discount or refurbished Macs as well?

Thanks

Yes, please. Confirmation on the working/nonworkingness of the iPod discount with the student ADC discount, anyone?

[Project]

:
as for the reason why apple may be giving a bigger promotion this year (in addition to clearing stock) is stated as getting a larger customer base for the applications store. i think thats a sad dream if they think thats going to be big. free applications are the most popular and i dont think that will change, as others have stated.

How about something simple like just driving young people to the Mac platform and getting them hooked?

[DCSMAC]

this is an unbelievalbe deal. if this credit is applicable to an iPhone purchase, then that would be even better.


this deal is sending apple on its way to complete COMPLETE domination of the college market.

[bytethese]

Holy crap. I start Grad School in Sept and along with any MBP updates, going to be VERY hard to resist buying a new MBP. :)

[jmorrison0722]

Does anyone know if it's possible to buy 2 machines (A MbP and a Mb) under those conditions, or is that offer only good for one buy ?

I think the fine print is 1 per customer. However, that's not to stop you from purchasing the second one on a different card using a different name (perhaps your middle name, or a siblings name)

[DukeSnyd]

ugh! i just bought one!

[jmorrison0722]

Yes, please. Confirmation on the working/nonworkingness of the iPod discount with the student ADC discount, anyone?

I don't know about online, but the Apple retail stores have never allowed ADC discounts, regardless of promotion. Those all had to be bought online. As for the promotion, wait and see I guess. My guess is no.

[jmorrison0722]

ugh! i just bought one!

Return it tomorrow

[KristenM]

Does anyone know if it's possible to buy 2 machines (A MbP and a Mb) under those conditions, or is that offer only good for one buy ?

I know last year I was able to get both an iMac and a MB during this time without a problem. The only problem I could see with a MB and MBP is if they actually enforced the 1 notebook per school year limit for the educational discount. Do they enforce this? They always check my ID but I'm not sure if they keep track of it in the computer or not.

[Dmac77]

This is fantastic. I've been waiting months to get a mbp. I've saved up and waited for the acceptance letter, then saved up and waited some more for the summer deal, and finally it's all come together!




I'm pretty sure the student discounts go through the colleges, that is, the colleges probably have to pay something, or Apple has a deal with them (makes the colleges promote them or something of the sort). High schools are, for the most part, public and state-run, so they probably don't see giving them discounts anymore to their advantage than giving everyone discounts.

No, they use to do it like 4 years ago and then they stopped. But if they don't give an edu. discount to K-12 students, why do they give them to K-12 teachers? they aren't paying any tuition?

[jmorrison0722]

I know last year I was able to get both an iMac and a MB during this time without a problem. The only problem I could see with a MB and MBP is if they actually enforced the 1 notebook per school year limit for the educational discount. Do they enforce this? They always check my ID but I'm not sure if they keep track of it in the computer or not.

They do not keep any record of it at all. You could go to one Apple store and buy it, then go to another and get the same discount.

You might, however, run into issues in getting your rebates processed for the iPods. They might see that the same student purchased two ipods and two laptops and denied one or both. Use different names and preferably different forms of payment and you'll be fine.

[Tom J]

Interesting thread.

If I remember correctly, the fine print in Apple's previous Back to School promotions specified the qualifying IPod's AND Mac's by model number. If the promotion comes out tomorrow it would only list the current line of Mac's as those that qualify you to get the free IPod and not the unannounced (but expected) MB and MBP models.

[DCSMAC]

actually, the more i think about this the more i think that there ISNT going to MB or MBP updates anytime soon. Having updates to those in addtion to this deal in the next month sounds too good to be true, and when it sounds too good to be true, then it usually is. i still hope they do though...

[jmorrison0722]

Interesting thread.

If I remember correctly, the fine print in Apple's previous Back to School promotions specified the qualifying IPod's AND Mac's by model number. If the promotion comes out tomorrow it would only list the current line of Mac's as those that qualify you to get the free IPod and not the unannounced (but expected) MB and MBP models.

This is true. Very true. However, they (Apple) have been known to ammend promotions to include newly announced models. That is not a guarantee though.

[smes3817]

sounds to me like there could be a $100 price drop of the touch tomorrow as well, bringing the value of the nano and 8GB touch to the same level and saving themselves from all the whiners and scammers.

[jmorrison0722]

sounds to me like there could be a $100 price drop of the touch tomorrow as well, bringing the value of the nano and 8GB touch to the same level and saving themselves from all the whiners and scammers.

This is actually more likely than giving away a $299 touch.

[DocCarroll]

Think they will accept grant POs for the discount?

[kevinbal]

sounds to me like there could be a $100 price drop of the touch tomorrow as well, bringing the value of the nano and 8GB touch to the same level and saving themselves from all the whiners and scammers.

The more I think about it, the more I'm thinking this might be the case. Drop the 8GB to 199 and allow for "upgrade fees" to the larger models.

[kerryn]

So do you have to actually prove that you are a student to take part in this deal or is it open to anyone and that its just promoted as "back to school" due to the time of year?

[jmorrison0722]

Think they will accept grant POs for the discount?

Doubtful. The only PO's we accepted had to be processed through our in-store business guy and he couldn't process education stuff.

[Nanaki]

So, am I S.O.L. if I bought my new iMac via student discount on May 9? Is there any kind of 30 day price-protection guarantee?

[jmorrison0722]

So do you have to actually prove that you are a student to take part in this deal or is it open to anyone and that its just promoted as "back to school" due to the time of year?

You must proove it. Now, how you proove it is pretty open. At my store, you could just show a student ID or even just log into a university email address, and that was proof enough. There was not a record of the proof recorded, so many specialist didn't check at all.

[jmorrison0722]

So, am I S.O.L. if I bought my new iMac via student discount on May 9? Is there any kind of 30 day price-protection guarantee?

You've got 2 strikes against you. 1. You purchased using an education discount. 2. The return window for Apple is 14 days, not 30. That being said, nothing is out of the question. Visit an apple store, speak with a manager and beg them to help you. They have the power to take back a computer at almost any point and will usually do it within the first month. Online, you'll get a flat "no"

[gkarris]

This is actually more likely than giving away a $299 touch.

Yes, probably giving away the older Touch with the 1.0 software. Users will have to pay a nominal fee to upgrade to 2.0.

I'm hearing there's going to be a lot of specialized apps that Colleges and Uni's will use for the Touch/iPhone over Wi-Fi.... :eek:

These OS X Touch devices are the coolest.... :D

[brop52]

Why opt for the Nano, when you can get the touch, sell it, buy a Nano and have cash left over?

I'll be buying a MB whenever they are updated and selling a touch on ebay. Used 8 GB touches grab over $200. Brand new in box should be at least $250. I'd buy a nano except that I got my free iPod +$50 5G iPod when I bought my iMac last summer.

Getting a touch for free would be really really nice except I'll bet that ebay will be flooded after tomorrow with touches. We'll see what happens with pricing.

[fussal]

Is this offer good for Apple Canada (ie. Apple.ca)?

It's good for Canada too. Just order it through the Apple Store, (educational store), and you'll get the rebate cheque in the mail

[SirOmega]

How does Apple check if you're a student? I graduated years ago but still have access to my university's Apple Store, so I can still (theoretically, I haven't tried it) purchase things with a student discount, even though I graduated 4 yrs ago.

[Kilamite]

How does Apple check if you're a student? I graduated years ago but still have access to my university's Apple Store, so I can still (theoretically, I haven't tried it) purchase things with a student discount, even though I graduated 4 yrs ago.

I think it is a honesty thing when it is situations like that.

[ipodtouchy333]

Good thing my aunt is a teacher, now I can cash in on this sweet deal!

[teebs]

I hope the new Mac Books are ready before the sale ends.


How realistic is this? To me it doesn't make sense for apple to release a new product during a promotional event, BUT, thats just me.

[teebs]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone 8gb: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A102 Safari/419.3)

maybe this means a price drop is combing soon as well?

A price drop in what?

[vendettabass]

we want this deal in the UK too please (when the times comes)

[BklynKid]

My girlfriend just bought a MacBook last week (with student discount), any way she can get herself an iPod Touch?

[rockthecasbah]

Wow a free Touch? That sounds amazing! This makes my decision between a MBP and a black MB even harder since I'll be selling the Touch on Craigslist to help pay for it...

[xbigman15x]

Hey, umm where is the best place to download apps for the ipod touch or iphone?

[fussal]

Same here...any guesses?

I had the experience that I purchased an Imac together with that Nano last year. Upgraded to an 80 GB Ipod, got the rfund cheque of the value iof the mentioned Nano....

[jmorrison0722]

My girlfriend just bought a MacBook last week (with student discount), any way she can get herself an iPod Touch?

She can return it after the promotion is announced, then rebuy it with the iPod. This is assuming the manager of your local Apple store allows it, but they usually do.

[Eidorian]

Looks like we'll be seeing a lot of iPod Touches on sale in the Marketplace. I really wanted to wait for Montevina MacBooks though.

[jmorrison0722]

Looks like we'll be seeing a lot of iPod Touches on sale in the Marketplace. I really wanted to wait for Montevina MacBooks though.

Then wait. If they come out before the promo ends (sept I think) they'll most likely include the new one. If not, you'll miss out.

[heads up]

This is fantastic. I've been waiting months to get a mbp. I've saved up and waited for the acceptance letter, then saved up and waited some more for the summer deal, and finally it's all come together!




I'm pretty sure the student discounts go through the colleges, that is, the colleges probably have to pay something, or Apple has a deal with them (makes the colleges promote them or something of the sort). High schools are, for the most part, public and state-run, so they probably don't see giving them discounts anymore to their advantage than giving everyone discounts.

to add to that, i don't know of any highschool student who needs to bring a laptop to school. i don't ever remember seeing someone with a laptop when i was in highschool, but that was 5 years ago. maybe times have changed?

[Eidorian]

Then wait. If they come out before the promo ends (sept I think) they'll most likely include the new one. If not, you'll miss out.I'll just keep my buyer waiting then. They're hurting at spending ~$1,000 on my current MacBook as it is.

My advice to fellow users is to work a a Windows shop where everyone envies your Mac stuff.

[jmorrison0722]

to add to that, i don't know of any highschool student who needs to bring a laptop to school. i don't ever remember seeing someone with a laptop when i was in highschool, but that was 5 years ago. maybe times have changed?

The promo is only for higher education students anyway. High school students are not eligible. Teachers of any type are, though.

[greenguy4]

here is to praying that the new macbooks are also released alongside or at some point during this promotion....fingers are crossed

[iPhonePlaya]

SCORE!! THANK GOD IM GOING TO SCHOOL TO GET MY EDUMACATION AND TO GET A FREE IPOD TOUCH..yay buying a new blackbook in august for school. haha my friends just got macbooks for graduation presents there gonna be pissed when i tell them

[Holmes89]

Could you ditch the iPod and get a discount from the computer (short of flogging the iPod)?

Yeah, I think it's called make your money back by selling it on eBay :p

[jmorrison0722]

Yeah, I think it's called make your money back by selling it on eBay :p

That's about right. In reality, you'll pay more at the time of purchase, since the rebate is mail-in. You'll get your money back 10 weeks later.

[Eidorian]

That's about right. In reality, you'll pay more at the time of purchase, since the rebate is mail-in. You'll get your money back 10 weeks later.Depending on where you live and when you send in your rebate *cough* Indiana in June */cough*

It's more like 2 weeks. At least it was back in 2005. More sods are buying Macs nowadays.

[jmorrison0722]

Depending on where you live and when you send in your rebate *cough* Indiana in June */cough*

It's more like 2 weeks. At least it was back in 2005. More sods are buying Macs nowadays.

That's true. I'm just going off what they set you up to expect. I did have customers get it back in just a few weeks...those who submitted online.

[gkarris]

And then, when the promo is over:

The new MacBooks and MacBook Pros come out! :eek:


Yay! More complaining! :D

[2Shae]

I almost want to by new iMac, but I just got mine a year ago.

I'll just wait for the next iMac revision.

[Wolf04]

to add to that, i don't know of any highschool student who needs to bring a laptop to school. i don't ever remember seeing someone with a laptop when i was in highschool, but that was 5 years ago. maybe times have changed?
I used a laptop in high school from Grade 9 all the way through Grade 12. My high school had an academic program specialized around business and technology, so the whole school was set up with wireless, It made taking notes a whole lot easier and lunches were a lot more fun playing counterstrike on LAN with fellow mates. :D Now, I'm going into my 2nd year of university and I desperately need a new laptop. This Toshiba has lasted me 5 years and it's barely hanging on. :(

[nidserz]

LOL I can see it too.
This is definitely for clearing inventory and students will jump on it, as would I.
However, I have waited long enough and will wait till a new MacBook re-design and am fortunate enough to save up enough for a 20" iMac this summer to take advantage of this deal.

New MacBooks/Pros are likely to release September after the promo and Montevina releases as well. I don't see Apple including new MacBooks in this promo as it would definitely cause way more hoopla then the $100 iPhone price-drop.

Just my 2 cents!

[Impatient]

It's a great deal for us but an even better deal for Apple. They are about to drop their new App Store on the public and it makes sense for them to have as many people as possible with iPod touches/iPhones in hand ready and willing to download new apps.

[njudah]

if this is the case I would imagine the rumored price cut or whatever is coming soon.

kinda wish they had this when I bought my new mb a few months ago as I do want an iPod touch...but I'm willing to wait for it, for now the aging Powerbook G4 can serve as the satellite machine...

[Rhinestorm]

Time to get a job.

[tommyIphone]

****ing right i am about to buy a macbook for college in the next couple weeks..then i will sell my iphone and itouch to get the new 3g iphone chicka chika

[deannnnn]

Haha, I'd say that I'm really glad to be starting college in the fall... but I already bought my Mac!

[XFacta82]

So does this mean you have to go through either apple.com or the apple store to receive this offer or can you buy it from Best Buy or another retailer?

[gkarris]

New MacBooks/Pros are likely to release September after the promo and Montevina releases as well. I don't see Apple including new MacBooks in this promo as it would definitely cause way more hoopla then the $100 iPhone price-drop.


No, the new equipment is not part of the deal. This deal is meant to clean out inventory of older laptops and iPods...

[illidian]

This is just what I was expecting. It makes perfect sense.

Apple wants to have their greatest sale ever, combined with Apple wanting their App Store available to more people.

[sfroom]

Does anyone know if it's possible to buy 2 machines (A MbP and a Mb) under those conditions, or is that offer only good for one buy ?

Hmm...good question. Can someone who has taken advantage of the promotion verify that it is available only to students (i.e. you have to log in)?

You are only eligible to have one notebook DISCOUNTED per year as a student. But perhaps they would let you buy a second at full price, and give you a second rebate for a second iPod.

Call Apple tomorrow.

[brop52]

I'm highly doubting Apple will wait until after this promo to update the MB. This is prime time here and they will lose out on a huge market by waiting to update the MB. As time goes on the value of the MB decreases throughout the summer and this is the time where they can make a killing on a new sleek machine and a better value for what you get.

Last summer the iMac was updated in early August. You better believe I got the iPod with it even though it was a new computer. The promo doesn't give out new models of iPods. Only old ones. That's the difference.

[morespce54]

Do you think Apple will ever do a "back to work" promotion? I've been waiting for that since... I graduated! ;)

[BklynKid]

She can return it after the promotion is announced, then rebuy it with the iPod. This is assuming the manager of your local Apple store allows it, but they usually do.

Any good way to get around the 10% restocking fee though?

[apple101]

I have a question instead of getting the iPod can they take $299 off your mac too (plus the student discount) get an additonal discount instead of the iPod? Cause I have an iPod touch allreAdy and don't want a second one

[minik]

I would love to have the iPod nano. It's small and without the touchscreen.

[jvlog]

Sweet i sold my 1st iPod touch to buy my iPhone, so if I ebay both a 1st gen iPhone and an unopened iPod touch i could get the 3G for practically none of my own money, or at least under $100 of my own money not bad.

[brop52]

I have a question instead of getting the iPod can they take $299 off your mac too (plus the student discount) get an additonal discount instead of the iPod? Cause I have an iPod touch allreAdy and don't want a second one

No :rolleyes:

[coldplay]

Sweet i sold my 1st iPod touch to buy my iPhone, so if I ebay both a 1st gen iPhone and an unopened iPod touch i could get the 3G for practically none of my own money, or at least under $100 of my own money not bad.

I think you can only try to resell touch

[Eric Lewis]

well why not the iPhone..isnt an Iphone on a plan going to bring apple more money then an iPod touch?

[brop52]

Sweet i sold my 1st iPod touch to buy my iPhone, so if I ebay both a 1st gen iPhone and an unopened iPod touch i could get the 3G for practically none of my own money, or at least under $100 of my own money not bad.

Don't even think about the price of the notebook/computer you are about to purchase. It's all about the iPhone you can break even for when you pay more than twice as much for the computer. :p

[thechosenmac010]

why would we have to pay for the upgrade?

[Tallest Skil]

You've had to pay for the last two. Steve even said that iPod touch users will have to pay for 2.0.

[L3X]

it pays to go to school in more ways than one

This is a good deal. I'm grateful for my $199 credit last summer when i got my MBP.

[thechosenmac010]

oh i wouldn't have known because i just got my iPod Touch last month

[nidserz]

No, the new equipment is not part of the deal. This deal is meant to clean out inventory of older laptops and iPods...

That is what I meant.
They will probably release new MacBooks after the promo.
I don't see why Apple would include new products in this deal.

"This is definitely for clearing inventory and students will jump on it, as would I." as I said before. Cleaning out and getting rid of inventory.

Sorry if I was confusing!

[bytethese]

Oooh, now you can apply that $299 to higher capacity Touch's? w00t. :)

[MicahFreak82]

I hope the new Mac Books are ready before the sale ends.

i really want a new macbook or macbook pro. Its not like my macbook is not working well. but it is the first release macbook with the 80gb hard drive and only has the intel core duo processor. it doesn't even have n-wireless. so it probably is time for a new computer. and it would be even better it i could use the credit to get a new iphone. then my year would be complete.
wwdc come already.

[Admonitor]

For those planning on reselling the iPods, won't it be hard with the cut up boxes?

[88888888]

Holy crapp!! i'm so stoked!! Greattt!

[kockgunner]

You have to pay for everything up front, fill in a form (picked up from the store or printed from the website), cut out the serial number from the box of the Touch in this case, stick it in an envelope with the form and send it off. In 6 weeks or so the money will appear in the account you give them.

I've done it with a printer and iPod, the printer ended up costing £0 and the iPod nano about £20 I think - it's a very good deal.

aww. do we have to cut up the ipod touch box?

[Goliath]

A great deal- pity it doesn't apply here in the UK. But for those that can take advantage all I can say is congratulations and good luck! :)

[chungmaster]

Dunno if it's been answered already in this thread yet, but can we sign up even if we're not off to college yet? Will they check to see that you are in college? And what happens if you get caught?

[Macsforcollege?]

does it have to be the acceptance letter? i have letters with my school ID and stuff saying Thanks for choosing to attend _______.. hopefully that will be enough.. right??

that would be awsome if it comes with a touch!!! I plan on getting my macbook end of june so now i have to hear about this new design. But if the new design comes out end of july, i might not wait as i want to have a good month to get use to the mac.

[brop52]

For those planning on reselling the iPods, won't it be hard with the cut up boxes?

True, so it may take a bit of a price hit. Technically new still though right?

[illidian]

does it have to be the acceptance letter? i have letters with my school ID and stuff saying Thanks for choosing to attend _______.. hopefully that will be enough.. right??

You will be fine.

Dunno if it's been answered already in this thread yet, but can we sign up even if we're not off to college yet? Will they check to see that you are in college? And what happens if you get caught?

If you have been accepted for the coming 2008 - 2009 school year, you're in the clear. If a person gets caught taking advantage of a discount they should not have gotten, that person must pay the difference between the discounted price and the real price.

[CrzyCanuck72]

as if my campus didn't have enough MacBooks, this will flood it will them

[meagain]

Return it tomorrow

But there's a restocking fee.

I just bought an Air last week. :(

[randomdata]

oh i wouldn't have known because i just got my iPod Touch last month


I think you might be in luck still for a rebate...I believe last year the date of purchase for an IPod or Nano was April 25...so a bit retroactive...maybe it will be the same this year. I am hoping so, because I bought an IPod Classic in late April.

[cthomet]

And then, when the promo is over:

The new MacBooks and MacBook Pros come out! :eek:


Yay! More complaining! :D

agreed. or complaining that the revision wasnt worth the wait and they should have taken advantage of the deal. i have a feeling that will be me :D

is it a pretty much done deal that as soon as the promo is over new macbooks/macbook pros will be released? or as much of a done deal any rumor can be i should say

[deputylove8]

HEhehehehehee.,..will this promo be extended to the new macbooks that MAY be released sometime later this year??hehehehe..I hope soo...hehehehehe..i m thinking of getting the new macbook ...heheheeh..wif they were to extend this promo with the new macbook..i m sold! hehehehe
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[swingerofbirch]

This looks like smart business. Apple gets more iPod touches (and Macs) in the hands of young people, who are forming life long brand to product attachments and who are expected to have relatively higher incomes than their peers who do not attend college.

What I don't get is the guise, or maybe there never was one?

Is the traditional guise of an academic discount that students attending school have less time to work so they have less available income? Or is it because going to school is considered noble and should be rewarded with a discount? Or is it because the tools being sold are known to go to a good cause when they are used for education (a bit of a stretch to say an iPod touch will mostly go to educational use)?

I honestly believe that from a marketing perspective, it's just less sexy to give discounts to young people with limited incomes who work in the services industries. But, if we're going to have variable pricing, I think they're the ones who could use a break the most.

Of course, I'm not saying there aren't people with limited incomes in college. And I'm not saying any company should have variable pricing based on income. I only made that point because one of the few legitimate guises I could imagine for academic discounts is that students inherently have more limited incomes. And if that is the argument, it could be extended to anyone with limited income.

If my more cynical explanation is true, Apple should afford discounts to the best dressed, sexiest customers who will look best out on the street wearing their iPod touches.

[schnb]

A great deal- pity it doesn't apply here in the UK. But for those that can take advantage all I can say is congratulations and good luck! :)

Does anyone know about a UK offer?
I've been getting excited all this time, but only just realised it's probably not the global deal..

[Mr Maui]

I have a question instead of getting the iPod can they take $299 off your mac too (plus the student discount) get an additonal discount instead of the iPod? Cause I have an iPod touch allreAdy and don't want a second one

This has been addressed several times and the answer is "NO".

[Macsforcollege?]

when do you think they would announce this?? 12am? during the afternoon? does it just appear on the site?

[DCSMAC]

its retarted why this doesnt apply with the iphone...wut could they possible lose by allowing you to buy an iphone?

[shen]

What I don't get is the guise, or maybe there never was one?

Is the traditional guise of an academic discount that students attending school have less time to work so they have less available income? Or is it because going to school is considered noble and should be rewarded with a discount? Or is it because the tools being sold are known to go to a good cause when they are used for education (a bit of a stretch to say an iPod touch will mostly go to educational use)?

why should there be a guise? why should it be disguised? like many other companies, Apples set their prices, within reason of the market, and chooses their own sale terms. if they feel that a certain target market is a good choice to sell to, why not drop the price to that market.

it is an advantage to Apple to sell to people who are young and therefore will have many more years of buying their products. it is also an advantage to sell to college kids, as they are working to have a higher disposable income in the future. they are easy to sell to in this case because they often need the product. further some of them may well be future developers.

it is a multiple win scenario, and it is right out in the open.
:)

[28monkeys]

Anyone who gives this article a thumb down - > SUXXXXXXXXXXXX!!!

[28monkeys]

This looks like smart business. Apple gets more iPod touches (and Macs) in the hands of young people, who are forming life long brand to product attachments and who are expected to have relatively higher incomes than their peers who do not attend college.

What I don't get is the guise, or maybe there never was one?

Is the traditional guise of an academic discount that students attending school have less time to work so they have less available income? Or is it because going to school is considered noble and should be rewarded with a discount? Or is it because the tools being sold are known to go to a good cause when they are used for education (a bit of a stretch to say an iPod touch will mostly go to educational use)?

I honestly believe that from a marketing perspective, it's just less sexy to give discounts to young people with limited incomes who work in the services industries. But, if we're going to have variable pricing, I think they're the ones who could use a break the most.

Of course, I'm not saying there aren't people with limited incomes in college. And I'm not saying any company should have variable pricing based on income. I only made that point because one of the few legitimate guises I could imagine for academic discounts is that students inherently have more limited incomes. And if that is the argument, it could be extended to anyone with limited income.

If my more cynical explanation is true, Apple should afford discounts to the best dressed, sexiest customers who will look best out on the street wearing their iPod touches.

It is all about doing business. Even the Back to school theme is a good theme to attractive customers. You think Apple does care about students? No...but because they want apple to be EVEN more hype among teenagers, they go for this promotion ( if true). By the way, rumors are a form of advertisement. :)

[fireball360]

this is a great deal. I won't be going to college for a another year now, hopefully they have a deal just like this then. I already have a 16 gb ipod touch, so I would probably sell the ipod and buy a laser printer and an airport extreme.

[Switz213]

Ok, I haven't read anything from this thread, but I thought of this just a little bit ago.

Do you think that in order for Apple to get rid of all of the 8gig iPods, they will be giving them away for free with the Back To School which means they will be dropping the line? Why else would they give a free item that costs 100 dollars more then the nano.

Just speculation...

-Switz

[syavno]

Great deal:

$200 off a MBP + Free iPod Touch + free printer ($100 credit for a $99.95 printer) + a ton of AirMiles reward miles from Amex + even more AirMiles by buying on airmilesshops.ca

Holy Crap! I can't wait till next week! :D:D:D

[88888888]

Great deal:

$200 off a MBP + Free iPod Touch + free printer ($100 credit for a $99.95 printer) + a ton of AirMiles reward miles from Amex + even more AirMiles by buying on airmilesshops.ca

Holy Crap! I can't wait till next week! :D:D:D

You get AirMiles Credit for using amex ?~ hmm i guess ill get a bunch of airmiles tooo :P

[psychboy]

I'm not sure if they'll be doing this for the iPod rebates, but the printer rebates are now entirely online. No mailing. Hopefully they'll keep with the paper-free stuff.

[collegedu3]

Though no news appears under the iPod Nano area in the Buyer's Guide, the iPod nano's do appear to be due for an update. Does anyone have any news on this?

[Matt Winwood]

thank god. I just sent back my custom built mac pro. Suprisingly they gave me no problems returning it... They paid to ship it back too. This completely contradicts what people usually say here when talking about returns. I think I lucked out.

[nnkd]

Though no news appears under the iPod Nano area in the Buyer's Guide, the iPod nano's do appear to be due for an update. Does anyone have any news on this?

I'm thinking they'll be updated in the week following the end of the promotion. Getting rid of current stock of iPods before they launch their new ones in September...?

[Deven]

This just might be enough for me to forgo waiting for the MB/MBP update to just get a free touch. I really want aluminum and LED backlight too though! Choices!:mad:

[Petey07]

I'm not sure if they'll be doing this for the iPod rebates, but the printer rebates are now entirely online. No mailing. Hopefully they'll keep with the paper-free stuff.

That happened with me when I did rebate for tmobile, I submit the info online, but they still want you to send the UPC coding by mail. Hopefully this is different.

[Baffles]

Just saw a commercial on TV saying Mac is #1 on college campuses or something. Then PC was like hey you're supposed to be cheering for me, and the cheerleaders start cheering "PC is #2!"

[audiophile42]

This looks like smart business. Apple gets more iPod touches (and Macs) in the hands of young people, who are forming life long brand to product attachments and who are expected to have relatively higher incomes than their peers who do not attend college.

What I don't get is the guise, or maybe there never was one?

Is the traditional guise of an academic discount that students attending school have less time to work so they have less available income? Or is it because going to school is considered noble and should be rewarded with a discount? Or is it because the tools being sold are known to go to a good cause when they are used for education (a bit of a stretch to say an iPod touch will mostly go to educational use)?

I honestly believe that from a marketing perspective, it's just less sexy to give discounts to young people with limited incomes who work in the services industries. But, if we're going to have variable pricing, I think they're the ones who could use a break the most.

Of course, I'm not saying there aren't people with limited incomes in college. And I'm not saying any company should have variable pricing based on income. I only made that point because one of the few legitimate guises I could imagine for academic discounts is that students inherently have more limited incomes. And if that is the argument, it could be extended to anyone with limited income.

If my more cynical explanation is true, Apple should afford discounts to the best dressed, sexiest customers who will look best out on the street wearing their iPod touches.

I do think that is an interesting argument. I however think it has more to do with the fact that students are much more likely to be looking for a new computer/laptop. I'd also venture to say that students as a group tend to be more price sensitive/have a higher price elasticity (see, them fancy college classes pay off :p ) than some other groups, due to the fact that many are on a restricted income and have restricted time to work.

And yes there are always exceptions to any argument, and we're making broad generalizations. But if there is a large demographic of people that are actively looking to buy new computers, and those people are also sensitive to price, wouldn't it make sense to offer discounts and/or incentives to get them interested in your products? So I wouldn't say Apple is doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. Sure it helps students, but they are still making money and generating new business.

This goes down a different road, but something that should also be considered. I picked up a PowerBook G4 when I was entering into my freshman year of college, with an educational discount. I've since converted 4 people to buy MacBooks or iMacs. I got into Macs thanks to a $300 discount on my laptop, and now Apple has 4 new customers that are likely to continue buying their products in the future. And I'll be buying a new iMac with my edu discount next week. A discount on what should certainly be viewed as an overpriced computer at the time (the G4's were expensive for what they were hardware wise), got Apple 5 repeat customers in return.

[Kirbitz]

1. This deal is more than enough to convince me to switch to a mac from a pc
2. One of the best hockey games I've ever seen is on right now.

what a good night :D

[yancey47]

HAHAHAHAHA!!! WHOOPS! Just bought a new Imac a week after they came out with an education discount! Oh well... no regrets. Who could've seen this coming? Plus, it's still an AMAZING machine.

[Baffles]

Does this go live at midnight, or 9am or what?

[Eidorian]

I wouldn't start complaining about when it goes live until after 9 AM EDT.

[Baffles]

Not complaining, just wondering. I'm not buying for another month or so anyhow.

[chapel321]

This is a very sweet deal!!!

[Petey07]

I wouldn't start complaining about when it goes live until after 9 AM EDT.

the store in my area opens at 10am.

[johnnyt]

Granted that there have been rumors of redesigned MacBooks for some time. But is there any precedent that Apple has this promo in order to clear out inventory? They've had this "back to school" promo at least since five years ago when I took advantage of it as an undergrad.

[Kirbitz]

When the deal goes on, im assuming that they'll change the front screen from the new iMac picture to something dealing with the deal right?

[winterspan]

This looks like smart business. Apple gets more iPod touches (and Macs) in the hands of young people, who are forming life long brand to product attachments and who are expected to have relatively higher incomes than their peers who do not attend college.

What I don't get is the guise, or maybe there never was one?

Is the traditional guise of an academic discount that students attending school have less time to work so they have less available income? Or is it because going to school is considered noble and should be rewarded with a discount? Or is it because the tools being sold are known to go to a good cause when they are used for education (a bit of a stretch to say an iPod touch will mostly go to educational use)?
*Snip*


I think you are over thinking this one. Students most likely get educational discounts because it is assumed they are on a tighter budget because of having to take out loans for tuition and/or not being able to work much, if at all, during the school year, and companies want to encourage (or be seen doing so) the pursuit of higher education. Also, It is probably seen somewhat as a "sacrifice" to be rewarded.



As far as not offering the discount on iPhones, it makes much more sense to me to only allow the rebate to apply to the iPod touch models. They know that many people who end up with an iPod touch will eventually end up getting an iPhone at some point. This will occur because they will not only be impressed with the device, but they will also become accustomed to the interface. Not to mention that after the launch of the App store, I'm sure many also will become dependent on unique 3rd party software that gets developed for iPhone OS.

So, in other words, Apple will be spending roughly $125 (or whatever the component/production cost of the 8GB iPod touch is) per Mac sale. However, giving away iPod touches:

* Increases sales of high-margin Mac computers by luring potential switchers over, and also pushing existing Mac owners "over the edge" toward upgrading.
* As a direct consequence of the increased Mac sales, it increases sales of Apple sold software applications, OS upgrades, and Hardware accessories.
* Increases sales of 3rd party software from the iTunes App store
* Increases sales of Apple sold iPod accessories
* Creates many potential iPhone customers by introducing them to the Mobile OSX interface and software platform

In other words, I think this is an excellent promotion that should easily result in a net profit increase over the long term taking into account all these "side-effects" of the promotion.

[nux]

i live in Asia.. does this offer valid here?
im buying my MBP next month.. :rolleyes:
and im still a student..
really hope that this offer is valid here too..

[minik]

It goes live.

Linky (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?node=campaigns/back_to_school&cid=AOS-US-iTunes07Q3-iTunes.BTS_060308)

Buy a Mac for college, and get a free iPod. Terms apply.

[arn]

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/06/03/013640-freeipod.png

image seen in iTunes Store. Doesn't link anywhere yet. iPod Touch in the photo.

arn

[Petey07]

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/06/03/013640-freeipod.png

image seen in iTunes Store. Doesn't link anywhere yet. iPod Touch in the photo.

arn

look good!

[coldplay]

It goes live.

Linky (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?node=campaigns/back_to_school&cid=AOS-US-iTunes07Q3-iTunes.BTS_060308)

Buy a Mac for college, and get a free iPod. Terms apply.

not yet in US est.

[kwfl]

so we are not gonna get it in the UK?
i cancelled my order 3 days ago just to have this one, and now it might not happen. What a fool.

[neoelectronaut]

Okay guys, question.

I graduated this May with my associates Degree, but my parents aren't allowing me to buy a computer until my job kicks in.

I hope to god that I can still use my student discount within the next few weeks.

[bov]

awwwwwww man i'm 1 year too late. bought my MBP last year :( an iPod Touch would be awesome, its alright tho, i have my 80GB iPod

[vendettabass]

so we are not gonna get it in the UK?
i cancelled my order 3 days ago just to have this one, and now it might not happen. What a fool.

we'll get it later on, can't remember when it started last year but I got my iMac & iPod in September

[Kirbitz]

we'll get it later on, can't remember when it started last year but I got my iMac & iPod in September

from what ive read in this thread it seems as if it goes to mid September?

[skwoytek]

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/06/03/013640-freeipod.png

image seen in iTunes Store. Doesn't link anywhere yet. iPod Touch in the photo.

arn

I just clicked it and there was an actual link... Clicked again and it went to the generic store page. Clicked it about a dozen more times and it finally went back to the Back-To-School page, so I took a shot.

[ljkyser]

You can see it here: http://store.apple.com/1-800-780-5009/WebObjects/EducationIndividual.woa/9374007/wa/PSLID?nnmm=browse&mco=AC194EEA&node=campaigns/back_to_school&wosid=Sc4tlEUDHoUk2ld0cyw1VBH6y42

I just clicked it and there was an actual link... Clicked again and it went to the generic store page. Clicked it about a dozen more times and it finally went back to the Back-To-School page, so I took a shot.

[jamestammy]

Yea, it's true! Get a iPod Touch 8GB for free. It hit the Apple site at 2:15 am MST.

[amoda]

Just wanted to confirm that it's up and running in the Canadian education store too. It's on till Sept 15, giving enough time to find a buyer for my laptop! :D

[avigalante]

Also confirming that link is live!

Apple really hit a homerun on this...

[vendettabass]

wow.. free printer too! this offer is crazy! - BRING IT TO THE UK :D

[JG271]

The printer rebate offer has been around for some time now.
I wouldn't expect anything this big in the UK though, last year in the US it was money off an ipod, but here it was a free nano, if you bought anything except the mac mini.

[Project]

so we are not gonna get it in the UK?
i cancelled my order 3 days ago just to have this one, and now it might not happen. What a fool.


We ususally get it but Apple UK are always late to update the store, so just give it a few hours

[devz3ro]

We ususally get it but Apple UK are always late to update the store, so just give it a few hours

Hmm, first post here, Is it eligible for NZ too? if it's slow for the UK site to update, surely New Zealand and Australia will be included on this deal, right?

[macthetiger85]

Unlike previous offers - this is just for nano and touch - you cannot use 199 or 299 credit on iPod classic or iPhone

199 for any nano (thus free) or 299 rebate on any touch (thus free 8GB)

http://images.apple.com/promo/pdf/BTS08_TCS.pdf

[big duck]

They were doing this last october, and I bought my iMac hoping for a free iPod nano.

I read on the apple website (uk) that the offer applied to colleges.

But when I went to the store they either said the offer wasn't on in Britain, or that it means universities (they used the american term on the British site). I can't remember which they said.

IS this offer on in the UK? This year I'm going to Uni and want a mackbook, and I'd love a free ipod.

[Project]

They were doing this last october, and I bought my iMac hoping for a free iPod nano.

I read on the apple website (uk) that the offer applied to colleges.

But when I went to the store they either said the offer wasn't on in Britain, or that it means universities (they used the american term on the British site). I can't remember which they said.

IS this offer on in the UK? This year I'm going to Uni and want a mackbook, and I'd love a free ipod.


In order to get the free iPod last year I had to show them my university card

[ak87]

is it eligible in Malaysia? In Malaysia there's only a reseller store. And I cant find Apple store online for Malaysia. If it's not eligible, is there a way for me to get this promotion? For example, if i buy online or at a country that is eligible with this promotion, will they accept my University ID?

[gazfocus]

is it eligible in Malaysia? In Malaysia there's only a reseller store. And I cant find Apple store online for Malaysia. If it's not eligible, is there a way for me to get this promotion? For example, if i buy online or at a country that is eligible with this promotion, will they accept my University ID?

The only way to buy from a store outside your country would be to travel to that store. You cannot do it online.

However, they will not accept your university ID because the offers are specific to universities in that stores country, so you wouldn't qualify.

You could always ask the reseller store about the promotion and see what they say?

[Wolf04]

How would you be able to get the free iPod Touch and a free printer because both rebate forms require you to send in your Mac UPC label and receipt. Ok, with your receipt, you can make a copy or ask for two copies from the store but what about the Mac UPC label?

[jacob23]

Did anyone else read the Terms and Conditions (http://images.apple.com/promo/pdf/BTS08_TCS.pdf) for the offer and notice that a "17-inch iMac" is excluded from the offer??? Hmmmm....:D

[afaggion]

If i could get a deal like that i would enjoy going to college!

__________________________________________________
:apple: Macbook 2.16 Ghz

[Martin C]

Did anyone else read the Terms and Conditions (http://images.apple.com/promo/pdf/BTS08_TCS.pdf) for the offer and notice that a "17-inch iMac" is excluded from the offer??? Hmmmm....:D
Thanks for the link--that's pretty odd.

[johnnyt]

Did anyone else read the Terms and Conditions (http://images.apple.com/promo/pdf/BTS08_TCS.pdf) for the offer and notice that a "17-inch iMac" is excluded from the offer??? Hmmmm....:D

Do you think, based on this, they will re-release a 17" iMac?

[k2spitfire88]

Do you think, based on this, they will re-release a 17" iMac?

Very interesting. I wonder how it would sell if they did reintroduce it. On the other hand, I am very excited about this deal, as i have wanted a touch for sometime, as well as my mb i will be buying this summer. Sounds sweet to me.