Apple Launches Back to School Promo - No Free iPods

Apple has launched its annual Back to School promotion. Historically, the deal has allowed students, parents and faculty members to acquire a Mac and get a freebie, such as an iPod touch. This time around, Apple is offering a $100 gift card for spending on the Mac or iTunes App Stores.

“Buy a Mac for college and get $100 to spend on the Mac App Store. Get lots of apps for your studies. And even more for your study breaks,” reads the advert.

In the past, qualified buyers could get a $200 mail-in rebate towards the purchase of an iPod touch.

“When you buy a new qualifying Mac with Apple education pricing from June 16, 2011, through September 20, 2011, you’ll get a $100 Back to School Card to use on the Mac App Store, the App Store, the iTunes Store, and the iBookstore,” Apple now states.

So what’s a ‘qualifying Mac,’ you ask? Well, the company’s top-selling computers, of course.

We’ll have you hard-learning students know that the white MacBook is still in the promotion. It costs $899 ($100 off its original retail price), and if you count in the $100 bonus for App Store spending, this is quite the deal for every student in need of a portable Mac.

Next up is the MacBook Pro starting at $1,099, which actually saves buyers $200.

Students looking for more portability have the option to get a MacBook Air. This offer only slashes $50 off the computer’s retail price.

Also considered a qualifying purchase, the iMac starts at $1,149 and saves buyers $100.

“With the Mac App Store right on your Mac, you can find apps for studying, doing assignments, and getting organized,” Apple’s promotional material adds.

“And, of course, for playing games. The best part? You can download them to your Mac and start using them right away,” Apple concludes.