News
Apple launches Back to School promo with $100 Gift Card
By Charles Starrett
Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Thursday, June 16, 2011
News Category: Apple, iTunes
Apple has officially launched its annual Back to School promotion. Unlike past years, which saw the company bundle a free iPod with the purchase of a qualifying Mac with Education Pricing, Apple is now offering a $100 Gift Card under the same conditions. The Gift Card can be used on the iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore, or Mac App Store, although the focus of the promotional materials is on the latter. Qualifying systems include the company’s MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro laptop computers, as well as its iMac desktops. Full terms and conditions are available here.
The switch to a Gift Card instead of an iPod may indicate a sea change at Apple, as the iPod + Mac promotion ran for six straight years, beginning with an offer of a free iPod mini, then changing to include an iPod nano, and eventually adding the iPod touch. The change is also notable in that Apple has also traditionally used the promotion as a tool to help clear out iPod inventory prior to its annual music event, traditionally held in early September.
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1
I’m glad it’s finally announced as we waited hearing that this offer was coming. A gift card makes more sense as we’re loaded with iPods/Touches&Phones;. My daughter will appreciate the credit line for new music and apps.
Posted by drakebullet on June 16, 2011 at 9:50 AM (PDT)
2
More flexible, obviously, but also worth much less. If you are “overloaded” with iPods etc. you could always sell the free one (you’d make about twice this gift card amount even on eBay or Craigslist). I hate to take the cynical route but this seems like a money-making plan.
Posted by Clint on June 17, 2011 at 7:52 AM (PDT)