Microsoft (MS) today gave students a reason to turn their backs on Macs by announcing a new offer to help promote the computers running the company’s Windows 7 operating system. From May 22nd, students who buy a new Windows 7 PC will also receive a 4GB Xbox 360 for absolutely nothing.
Apart from the obvious ‘PC manufacturers are struggling’ angle, it’s worth looking at whether the move is also a way to shift current Xbox 360 inventory in readiness for a new console.
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 isn’t expected to be superseded for a good few years yet, and with the console only receiving a facelift recently it’s doubtful what the company could change within the current hardware specifications.
It’s also clear PC Sales aren’t so hot in this ‘post-PC era’ – are brands such as HP and DELL beginning to feel the pinch in a market they previously dominated?
Microsoft Corp. today announced a new offer for students who purchase a new Windows 7-based PC. Starting May 22, students buying a new Windows 7-based PC priced at $699 (U.S.) or more will also get a free Xbox 360 4GB console. Students will be able to choose from the wide range of stylish, powerful and innovative Windows 7-based PCs to find the one that’s right for them based on the features, color, size and price they want. The offer is available at participating retailers for current students in the U.S. while supplies last. Similar student-focused offers will be coming soon in Canada and France.
“A hot new Windows 7-based PC with a free Xbox 360 is the ultimate productivity, social and entertainment package for students,” said Kathleen Hall, general manager of Windows Marketing at Microsoft. “In one shot, with this great offer, Microsoft is giving students everything they need for a successful new school year.”
Today’s Windows 7-based PCs come in a wide variety of styles, sizes and colors, and many new PCs boast built-in Blu-ray drives, 3G connections and leading-edge technologies, such as 3-D displays and multitouch-capable screens. With more than 1 million devices and apps that work with a Windows 7-based PC, students’ smartphones, printers, digital music players and cameras will work with their PCs with ease right out of the box. With the addition of Microsoft Office 2010 for Home and Student with OneNote, students can create presentations for class, take and organize digital notes, manage group projects and assignments, and easily stay on top of class schedules. And with an Xbox 360, students can not only have fun gaming but also can enjoy a range of entertainment options, including streaming videos, sports, music and more.
To take advantage of this offer, students or parents must provide valid student identification as defined by the participating retailer.
(Via: CrunchGear)
