Did Microsoft Just Make Apple’s Back to School Promo Look Silly?

By

Windows-7-laptop

For the first time ever since the dawn of mankind, Microsoft has done something worth recognizing. Let us forget for a moment about Windows and all its other mistakes, and focus on its new back to school promotion that makes Apple’s look a little bit silly.

Apple traditionally offers a free or discounted iPod to students who purchase a new Mac during its back to school promotion, and although this year’s promotion is yet to launch, we’re guessing the giveaway will be a free iPod touch.

But who wants an iPod touch when you could have a free Xbox? If you go for a Windows 7 PC (worth over $699) instead of a Mac, you get a free Xbox 360 4GB Arcade console.

The promo runs from May 22 to September 3 and you don’t even need a rebate for your free console: online shops and other PC retailers will provide the console straight away to students buying a PC using a .edu email address, and Best Buy and Microsoft stores will accept student ID.

Of course, the problem with this promo is the Windows PC. Who really wants one of those? For me, this deal is only good for those with a budget, who can’t really afford a Mac anyway, and can get a PC and console for $700. At least when the PC (continually) crashes you have a console to play one.

Which one would you go for? Is a free $200 gaming console really a better deal than a free $200 iPod that can play games and more? And is a free Xbox enough to persuade you to go for a PC instead of a Mac? Let us know what you’d rather have in the comments.

[via Electronista]

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.