Apple Announces 2012 Back To School Promotion

Apple has officially joined Sony and Microsoft in the fight for back-to-school dollars. Today launching the company's annual back-to-school promotion with discounts for, students, parents and school faculty members when they purchase a Mac or iPad.

Unlike Sony and Microsoft, who are both offering deals for gaming consoles, Apple is offering qualifying customers buying a Mac with Education pricing a $100 iTunes card good for music, movies or apps - while those buying the iPad will get a $50 card.

Based on what Apple says on its website, the deal applies to MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, iMacs and both versions of the iPad -- there's no mention of the Mac mini and Mac Pro.

To qualify for the Back to School Card offer and to get special pricing on a Mac at the Apple Online Store for Education, 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. You must also buy before the September 21st cut off date.

For those with several students there is a maximum of four (4) cards per household may be obtained for the purchase of (2) qualifying Apple Computers and two (2) qualifying iPads. For more details visit the Apple Back to School 2012 landing page.

Sony launched their back to school promotion late last week offering customers a free PS3 or PS Vita with a Sony Vaio Purchase while Microsoft is offering customers a free Xbox 320 with qualifying PC purchase.