As if students needed any more reasons to procrastinate and waste time gaming instead of studying, Microsoft is set to re-introduce its “buy a PC, get an Xbox 360 free” deal – another great offer in the Redmond-based Windows maker’s push to get as many of the consoles in living rooms as humanly possible.
The software company ran a similar deal last year, and from 20th May, students will be entitled to a free Xbox 360 if they purchase a PC. The deal is applicable only to those residing in the United States or Canada, with American students required to spend $599 or more on a PC to get a free 4GB Xbox 360 console, while studious folk in Canada will need to fork out $699. Not sure if that’s in line with the current exchange rates, but the rest of the world is used to America getting the cheapest deals.
The deal kicks in early in Canada, on May 18th, and is likely to woo students from both sides of the border. With the revelation that one third of mobile gamers play whilst they’re supposed to be studying or taking notes in class, it’s not too surprising that Microsoft sees students as a viable target for its flagship console.
Steve Ballmer’s company has been on a pretty significant sales push of its Xbox console of late – recently offering a subscription model whereby consumers pay $99 up front, and a monthly fee for 24 months, inclusive of Xbox LIVE Gold access for the duration. While the console is free in this case, many will purchase additional control pads, Kinect sensors and other peripherals, as well as, of course, the games, so the move will still put plenty of money in the Microsoft war chest.
The student deal can be redeemed through the primary U.S. retailers, such as Best Buy, Dell.com, Fry’s Electronics, HPDirect.com, Microsoft Stores, and NewEgg.com, while those in Canada can get their free Xbox sweetener by purchasing a PC or laptop from Best Buy, Dell.ca, Future Shop, Staples or The Source.
With Windows 8 on the horizon, you may want to hang fire before going in and spending your money, but even so, it’s a pretty good deal, and given that most students should only be using a few programs outside of MS Office, any mid-range computer should see you safely through.
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