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Apple kicks off ‘Back to School’ promotion with $50-$100 gift cards

apple back to school promotion 2014
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Apple isn’t exactly well known for discounting its products, but it does offer good deals for students, teachers, and their parents now and then. Apple just kicked off its “Back to School” promotion with a slew of discounts and gift cards on iPads, iPhones, and MacBooks.

All incoming freshmen, current college students, K-12 kids, and teachers are eligible for the discounts, as are students’ parents, provided they’re buying the device for their kid. Basic education discounts range from $30 to $200, depending on what product you buy. Apple will also throw in a $50 or $100 gift card, to sweeten the deal.

If you buy an iPad Air, iPad with retina display, iPad Mini with retina display, or just a regular iPad Mini, you’ll get $30 off your purchase, plus a $50 gift card to the Apple Store.  Those who purchase an iPhone may not get the education discount, but they will get a $50 gift card. The deal includes the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5C, and iPhone 5S.

Naturally, discounts on Apple’s Macs are much higher, seeing as these laptops and desktops will actually be used in heavy-duty school work (and are priced higher). MacBook Airs are $50 off and come with $100 gift cards, while MacBook Pros cost $100 to $200 less and include $100 gift cards.

Apple also took $50 to $100 off of the price of the iMac and added $100 gift cards. Mac Pros are the most heavily discounted of the Apple products, with price reductions ranging from $200 to $300 in addition to $100 gift cards. Even so, that promotion won’t take too much off the $3,000-plus price tag.

The Back to School promotion lasts until September 9. After that date, education discounts will still be in effect, but Apple won’t offer the gift cards anymore. The promotion is in effect for all students and educators who buy online or at Apple’s retail stores. Similar discounts are also available in Canada, the U.K., and Germany.

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