Sources: Apple planning biggest back-to-school promo yet

[AppleInsider]

Apple as early as Monday is expected to announce its 2008 back-to-school promotion, which will encourage students to purchase a new Mac through some of the biggest incentives in the company's history, AppleInsider has learned.

Company senior vice president Ron Johnson stoked anticipation of the promo a few weeks ago while addressing some of his retail staff, people familiar with the matter say. Specifically, Johnson is said to have promised that this year's promo would be the biggest "ever" for Apple.

While it's unclear exactly what that means, speculation among those familiar with past promotions believe there's a possibility the Cupertino-based company will tie some of its touch-screen handhelds into the mix -- like the 8GB iPod touch.

Last year's promo offered teachers and students up to a $199 rebate when they purchased a qualifying Mac and either a video iPod or iPod nano at the same time of purchase.

The deal translated into a free 4GB iPod nano, which was then priced at $199. However, participants also had the option to apply the $199 rebate towards the purchase of a pricier 8GB iPod nano or video iPod. The iPhone, Apple TV and refurbished products were excluded from the deal.



In 2006, Apple offered a similar rebate for $179, or the then current cost of a 2GB iPod nano. In 2005 the deal was the same, but good towards a free iPod mini.

In terms of qualified Mac systems, Apple has always excluded the Mac mini from its back-to-school promotions due to its extremely low cost. However, all other Mac systems -- Mac Pro, MacBook, MacBook Pro, and iMac -- have been eligible.

This year, the MacBook Air is expected to join the roster of Macs acceptable for the promotion. Students and teachers will also get to apply their education discounts towards the deal.

On Tuesday, Apple will also be updating some of its retail store planograms, sources say.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[DCJ001]

[paulhkim]

If indeed this back to school season proves to be the best deal yet, I wonder why? Would this have anything to do with Intels chip delay? And unless there's a significant difference from previous years, I doubt it will be a big deal for most Apple users.

[mciarlo]

I really want to know if this is a design program at a university or if this is just the result of Apple's marketing.

[skottichan]

Originally Posted by mciarlo

I really want to know if this is a design program at a university or if this is just the result of Apple's marketing.

Looks a LOT like my graphic design lectures (Ohio State)

[TimUSCA]

Originally Posted by mciarlo

I really want to know if this is a design program at a university or if this is just the result of Apple's marketing.

Its from a university... I don't remember where, but it was confirmed. Plus, there's a few PCs scattered around in there.

[satchmo]

I'm suspicious...looks like a Photoshop job to me.
BTW, the Back to School is a great time to pick up a Mac, but would be better if a new MacBook came out before the promo is over.

[stompy]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

promised that this year's promo would be the biggest "ever" for Apple.

While it's unclear exactly what that means, speculation among those familiar with past promotions believe there's a possibility the Cupertino-based company will tie some of its touch-screen handhelds into the mix -- like the 8GB iPod touch.

You think? Wonder why the touch wasn't included in last year's back to school promo?

[BAF]

It's the The Missouri School of Journalism

[TimUSCA]

http://macdailynews.com/index.php/we...omments/15070/

Missouri School of Journalism. It is common for some schools to require a certain type of computer.

[Booga]

Originally Posted by TimUSCA

Its from a university... I don't remember where, but it was confirmed. Plus, there's a few PCs scattered around in there.

I even see a few poor, underprivileged souls with no laptops at all!

I remember the one guy in my CS lecture back in 1991 that had a laptop, and I didn't like to sit near him because the tapping keys were annoying.

[stompy]

Originally Posted by satchmo

I'm suspicious...looks like a Photoshop job to me.
BTW, the Back to School is a great time to pick up a Mac, but would be better if a new MacBook came out before the promo is over.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the back to school promo always been tied to specific model numbers? Models not on the list at the start of the promo aren't added.

Edit: I was wrong, see Achiever's post below.

[samaster1991]

I'm thinking of buying a MacBook for the first time but now I'm confused. I heard theres a redesign of the MacBook coming out in a few months, so I don't know what to get. The new MacBook which will be more expensive, or get a Macbook during the promo.

[ckelly]

Macs are not *required* -- just recommended.

http://journalism.missouri.edu/under...uirements.html

"Students are encouraged to acquire wireless laptop technology from Apple, which the School has designated as its preferred provider, but students also will have a choice of a Windows-based alternative. Last year, 99.5 percent of incoming students chose the Apple option."

[aaple]

Originally Posted by stompy

Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the back to school promo always been tied to specific model numbers? Models not on the list at the start of the promo aren't added.

Yikes...that would suck if I waited to get the new models and they weren't eligible for the back-to-school thing. Depending on how "big" the promotion is, I may bite the bullet and go ahead and get my MB or MBP (not sure which yet...) because I actually really need a new mp3 player. Might make it worth foregoing the new aluminum Macbook...

[Foo2]

Originally Posted by samaster1991

I'm thinking of buying a MacBook for the first time but now I'm confused. I heard theres a redesign of the MacBook coming out in a few months, so I don't know what to get. The new MacBook which will be more expensive, or get a Macbook during the promo.

Historically, Apple has been very good about making incremental, not radical, improvements in new models. The most important characteristic--performance--almost never jumps much. The biggest recent exceptions would be when the Quad G5 was introduced, when the Mac Pro was originally introduced, and arguably when the 8-core Mac Pro was introduced. It's much more difficult to make such major strides within the confines of a laptop form factor and energy profile.

I'd say, if you're ready to buy, buy while you can get more for your money (i.e., a MacBook and iPod for the same money as a slightly newer MacBook alone).

[Achiever]

Originally Posted by stompy

Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the back to school promo always been tied to specific model numbers? Models not on the list at the start of the promo aren't added.

No, not necessarily. Last year, I utilized the back to school deal to pick up a new Aluminum iMac, which was not released until August. I purchased in September, shortly before the deal ended. Got my free iPod & printer discount. That model iMac was not available for several months after the deal was announced/began. I have to believe the laptop refresh expected in August will include this. The REAL question is whether or not the discount will apply to refurb computers. This might prove especially valuable once the laptops are refreshed and old model refurbs drop even further in price.

[stompy]

Originally Posted by Achiever

No, not necessarily. Last year, I utilized the back to school deal to pick up a new Aluminum iMac, which was not released until August. I purchased in September, shortly before the deal ended. Got my free iPod & printer discount. That model iMac was not available for several months after the deal was announced/began. I have to believe the laptop refresh expected in August will include this. The REAL question is whether or not the discount will apply to refurb computers. This might prove especially valuable once the laptops are refreshed and old model refurbs drop even further in price.

Thanks for the correction, I knew model numbers were listed on the rebate form, but now that I've looked it up, those were just iPod model numbers.

I think I can help with the second part, "are refurbs included in the promo?"

Unless they change the promo from the last 2 years, refurbs won't qualify. Here's the text from the 2007 rebate form:

"PRODUCT ELIGIBILITY: This offer is available only on purchases of new products. All Macintosh computers and the Configure-to-order versions of these products are eligible, except for Mac mini. The iPod products listed below are eligible for participation in this offer. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS OFFER, BE CERTAIN THAT THE PRODUCT YOU PURCHASE HAS ONE OF THE APPLE PART NUMBERS LISTED BELOW. IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN, PLEASE ASK YOUR SALESPERSON TO CONFIRM TO YOU THAT YOU ARE PURCHASING A PRODUCT THAT IS ELIGIBLE UNDER THIS OFFER. 2GB iPod nano, iPod shuffle, Mac mini, Apple TV, iPhone, and refurbished products are not eligible."

[YTV]

Originally Posted by TimUSCA

Its from a university... I don't remember where, but it was confirmed.

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL. Thanks for that late breaking info Encyclopedia Brown.

[internetworld7]

Originally Posted by ckelly

Macs are not *required* -- just recommended.

http://journalism.missouri.edu/under...uirements.html

"Students are encouraged to acquire wireless laptop technology from Apple, which the School has designated as its preferred provider, but students also will have a choice of a Windows-based alternative. Last year, 99.5 percent of incoming students chose the Apple option."

Sweet.

[Fleshman03]

I LOVE that picture. Feels like the lecture halls at my university. (USF!)


Why would Apple push the touch? Isn't that the iPhone with training wheels? A 16gb iPhone (IDK if they will still make 8gb after wwdc) would be AWESOME. And... Apple can afford to give larger discounts b/c they can recoop some cash over the 2yr contract.

Just thoughts.

[aaple]

Originally Posted by Fleshman03

I LOVE that picture. Feels like the lecture halls at my university. (USF!)


Why would Apple push the touch? Isn't that the iPhone with training wheels? A 16gb iPhone (IDK if they will still make 8gb after wwdc) would be AWESOME. And... Apple can afford to give larger discounts b/c they can recoop some cash over the 2yr contract.

Just thoughts.

Not everyone has AT&T or wants to risk unlocking an iPhone. And it's $100 less.

If it's included in the promo, I'm getting one.

[teckstud]

Is that Air U?

[Ireland]

That image makes me want to sex with girl

[Galley]

Originally Posted by Ireland

That image makes me want to sex with girl

Pretty much any image makes me want to do that.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by stompy

You think? Wonder why the touch wasn't included in last year's back to school promo?

Wasn't Touch introduced after the promo ended?

[natec]

Hey Apple- here's an idea! Come out with your new/updated products in May/June to actually be able to sell them during the "back-to-school" shopping season. I can't count the number of times I've had to try and convince students to hold off their purchases until August/September so that they don't end up buying models in the last month of the product-life....

The problem is that students want to buy their new computers near the start of the summer when they have time to play around and get data transferred and software installed. And it sucks that they are stuck buying old models for a crappy discount that is negated when you pay sales tax (compared to Amazon.com) and get an iPod, which most students already have...

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by Ireland

That image makes me want to sex with girl

...or with computer.

[webmail]

There is a reason they are discounted. It's so apple can get rid of excess inventory.

What's the big deal? Why do you tell people to wait? You're students needed a 2.6 vs. a 2.4ghz laptop? It's not worth the discount that they have the absolute cutting edge, besides it will be replaced again before christmas so waiting doesn't matter it will STILL BE replaced in 3 months time.

It's only small things that don't matter. Especially for students.

If it matters to you, you are a mac nerd, wealthy, or a person who has convinced yourself your laptop is old every month.

[gabberattack]

Originally Posted by stompy

Thanks for the correction, I knew model numbers were listed on the rebate form, but now that I've looked it up, those were just iPod model numbers.

I think I can help with the second part, "are refurbs included in the promo?"

Unless they change the promo from the last 2 years, refurbs won't qualify. Here's the text from the 2007 rebate form:

"PRODUCT ELIGIBILITY: This offer is available only on purchases of new products. All Macintosh computers and the Configure-to-order versions of these products are eligible, except for Mac mini. The iPod products listed below are eligible for participation in this offer. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS OFFER, BE CERTAIN THAT THE PRODUCT YOU PURCHASE HAS ONE OF THE APPLE PART NUMBERS LISTED BELOW. IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN, PLEASE ASK YOUR SALESPERSON TO CONFIRM TO YOU THAT YOU ARE PURCHASING A PRODUCT THAT IS ELIGIBLE UNDER THIS OFFER. 2GB iPod nano, iPod shuffle, Mac mini, Apple TV, iPhone, and refurbished products are not eligible."

Does anybody know if the monitors are included into the offer too (or just the computers) ? I might need one soon.

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by ckelly

Macs are not *required* -- just recommended.

http://journalism.missouri.edu/under...uirements.html

"Students are encouraged to acquire wireless laptop technology from Apple, which the School has designated as its preferred provider, but students also will have a choice of a Windows-based alternative. Last year, 99.5 percent of incoming students chose the Apple option."

Thank you for the link.

Have forwarded it to a few 'friends' and have added it as "Another (subtle) reason to select Mac' list for my clients and students.

[Abster2core]

The fellow leaving. Possibly a student on his way to have his PC…

Originally Posted by DCJ001

And the guy smacking is forehead on the opposite side of the room soon to follow.

[zanshin]

When I think about how damn hot those J-school classes were with MU always trying to cut costs on AC, and then think about factoring in the heat of 100+ MB/MBPs and the smell of unwashed frat boys still reeking of Vodka and vomit from the night before, I'm suddenly very glad I'm old.

[stompy]

Originally Posted by JeffDM

Wasn't Touch introduced after the promo ended?

Yes, around the same time the promo ended. The AI writeup made something of the idea that ** gasp ** the touch might be included in this year's promo. That was just my snide way of saying that if the touch shows up on the 2008 list, it really shouldn't be a surprise.

[stompy]

Originally Posted by gabberattack

Does anybody know if the monitors are included into the offer too (or just the computers) ? I might need one soon.

If 2007 is any indication, no. Here's the 2007 back to school promo page, still available on Apple's website.

[whositwhatnow]

Big news one word "touch"

[seek3r]

Good thing I noticed this, just canceled an order for a new MP (sold my old one this week), I can wait a few days if it looks like I'll get a free iPod thrown in :-D

[mizzou22]

Hey I was in this class and I thought I would clear some things up. This is a Journalism 1010 class at the University of Missouri. These are, for the most part, freshman. The J school at Mizzou requires all freshman to have Macbooks. This is not photoshopped at all or anything like that. Our teacher said the previous class period that it was cool to look at all of these Macbooks and he said he wanted to take a picture so he told everyone to bring their laptops to the next class period, hence the pictures.

GO TIGERS!!!!

[FecalAndroid]

Talk about cheapening the brand. What happened to all this talk about the exclusivity of apple products?

[aaple]

Just noticed a new article at Macrumors that is confirming that students will be able to get the iPod Touch 8GB for free with the purchase of a new MB/MBP/MBA.

My question is, do you think they'll let you use the rebate towards the purchase of a 16GB or 32GB Touch?