The MacBook Neo’s influence continues to ripple through the PC industry this week.
as discovered by The VergeMicrosoft has introduced a new initiative ‘Microsoft College Offer’. Now, U.S. college students can get 12 months of Microsoft 365 Premium and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate free with the purchase of an eligible PC and a free custom Xbox controller.
As announced in a blog post, Microsoft said top PC manufacturers have signed on to participate, including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Microsoft Surface laptops are also eligible (but are now significantly more expensive).
Microsoft 365 Premium typically costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year, while Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $29.99 per month. However, the Microsoft College Offer promotion is only available to new subscribers. If you are already subscribed to either service, you are not eligible for this benefit.
“Microsoft typically runs back-to-school discounts on laptops during the summer, but it’s unusual for the company to launch a sale this early,” writes Tom Warren. “This timing feels like an early response to the $599 MacBook Neo and $100 discount Apple is offering to eligible students in the US.”
University life is fulfilling in every sense of the word. A full schedule, a full inbox, and full expectations. The pressure to keep up, stay productive, and always be “on” is real. Windows has made it easier to prepare for everything college has to offer, from job searches and exam prep to game nights and downtime with friends. Starting today, eligible U.S. students can take advantage of the Microsoft College Offer for free, which includes more than $500 in added value on top of deals on select Windows 11 PCs.
9to5Mac’s opinion
The MacBook Neo is an incredible value at a list price of $599, but it’s an even better deal for educational buyers, starting at $499.
I don’t expect this “Microsoft College Offer” to change much at all. Even if you think Microsoft 365 Premium and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions are good value, there’s still a difference between these PCs and the MacBook Neo, both in terms of overall quality and price.
Additionally, the free Microsoft 365 Premium offering may be controversial for some college students. Many universities in the US offer “free” access to their students (or free access to equivalent services that should be used instead).
What do you think? Let us know in the comments section.
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