As much as my kids and college professor wife would like to forget, it's almost Back-to-School time, and Apple is making it a little easier with their Back-to-School promotion. College-bound students (and their parents) as well as teachers can save year round with Educational pricing, but now Apple sweetens the pot. The annual promotion covers most Macs, iPads, and since 2013, iPhones.
Mac buyers can save as much as $200, depending on the model, plus get a $100 credit for the Apple Store. iPad Air customers can save $30 off the list price, or $20 off the other iPad models including the iPad mini, plus get a $50 credit for the Apple Store. iPhone buyers still pay the full price, but get that same $50 credit. In this case, purchasing an iPhone is probably a better deal at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, or other retailers.
There are some fine points. To qualify for education pricing or get a gift card, you must be a college student, a student accepted to a college, a parent buying for a college student, or a faculty or staff member from any grade level. They will check in store, but online you basically just select your school.
I got my first start with computers using a Bell & Howell Apple ][ in high school back in 1980. I progressed to the original Macintosh in 1984, at Carnegie-Mellon University, one of the few colleges to have a special deal on the Mac. The first day on campus, I bought my Mac and applied for and got a job at the school's computer store, and I later worked for Apple as their Campus Representative. So for me, Apple and education are a great match. Future programmers, entrepreneurs, and engineers need to start somewhere, and Apple is doing their part to make sure it's on Apple gear.
