What is the likelihood that the iPad will be subsidized with the Back to School Promo

[Aboo]

Hi Folks,

Like many on here, I am still on the fence about getting an iPad. It sounds like and looks like a really cool device, but is it really worth 500 bucks? So I was wondering, since in the past few years, Apple has been giving out free iPod Touches during the back to school mac purchasing program, I wonder if Mac buyers would be able to use the rebate towards an iPad (i.e. pay the difference between the promotional item and the iPad).

Obviously, a definitive answer is not going to be known, but speculation is the essence of such rumor sites, so speculate on.....

 

[chstr]

perhaps, since they are targeting students with etextbiooks

 

[mrgreen4242]

I was wondering about this on Friday. Will they be giving discounts on an iPad with purchase of a computer, or giving a discount on an iPod with purchase od the iPad, or nothing at all? It fits in right between these two lines of products, and I find the last option (not a part of the back to school promo in any way) the most likely scenario. Just a guess.

 

[smiddlehurst]

It's an interesting question isn't it, do they classify the iPad as an iPod or a computer (or in a category of its own with neither Back to School or Education discount applying)?

My gut feeling is that they should class it as a computer and allow education discounts the same way they do on all their OS X machines. That'd help build up the install base more than the Back to School program would and get devices into the hands of a userbase who're going to show them off to friends and spark sales. But who knows really, all we can do is wait until they hit the Apple store for order.

 

[4DThinker]

Some predict the iPad will steal sales of the Touch. Looks like another reason to give one away with a macbook or powermac purchase. For buying an ipad they should throw in a Shuffle.

 

[QEII Student IT]

Some predict the iPad will steal sales of the Touch. Looks like another reason to give one away with a macbook or powermac purchase. For buying an ipad they should throw in a Shuffle.

To make a product that fits between the smartphone and the laptop, it's going to affect the sales of both. People who were interested in the iPod touch might now save for an iPad, and people who were saving for a MacBook might now feel that an iPad would still do what they need, for less cash.

I think the sales of the iPad will determine it's marketing fate. The huge-selling iPod touch gets bundled with things and often given away in competitions but the poor-selling Apple TV for example rarely receives any marketing expenditure or promo deals.

 

[Sussman]

I hope the iPad will be included in the back to school promotion. $299 iPad with the purchase of a mac... I will be buying a mac mini + iPad if that is the case.

 

[miles01110]

Maybe at some point, but considering the BTS promo is essentially an inventory-clearing stunt, I don't see it happening with the iPad any time soon. maybe in a few years.

 

[qtx43]

but is it really worth 500 bucks?

It's only worth $500 if you have a use for it, it does have some weaknesses. I do a lot of reading on the web and fiction and technical books, and I don't like laptops at all, and I'm not excited about eInk either, but the iPad's form factor looks just about perfect. For those few things alone it will be worth it to me, and other apps will be gravy. I don't think it will be very productive for actual work, for typing things in, but I guess you can use a bluetooth keyboard or the dock. But a real computer or laptop is more useful.

I wonder if Mac buyers would be able to use the rebate towards an iPad

I think there's a chance. Even if sales are great, Apple can probably crank out as many as needed, and still make some money. I suppose it all depends on Steve Jobs' marketing strategy for the coming years.

 

[Aboo]

Maybe at some point, but considering the BTS promo is essentially an inventory-clearing stunt, I don't see it happening with the iPad any time soon. maybe in a few years.

LOL, I was actually thinking along these lines. That being said though, if as some speculate, the iPad comes with an educational discount, I don't think we will be seeing it as a part of the BTS promo....

 

[reddevils9119]

I hope the iPad will be included in the back to school promotion. $299 iPad with the purchase of a mac... I will be buying a mac mini + iPad if that is the case.

I would totally be doing the same. I'm kinda stuck between the two... I'd like to have the mac mini for a media center type computer, but the iPad would also be nice to have to chat with friends and things like that without having to have my laptop on 24/7. It's a tough call...

 

[greygray]

I don't think it'll be that early, as they are still doing the iPod touch education offer along with the Macbooks.