Microsoft Offers Free Xbox 360 With Select Windows 7 Notebook Purchases

For most people around the country school has either just let out or still has a little while to go before getting out. That makes the new back-to-school offer from Microsoft a little pre-mature perhaps, but it is an interesting offer. Microsoft is offering students buying a new Windows 7 computer at $699 or more a free game console along with the deal. The game console offered is a 4GB Xbox 360. Microsoft says that there is a wide variety of computers to choose from to get the deal.

The special offer will kick off on May 22 and similar offers will come to Canada and France soon according to Microsoft. "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."

Microsoft says that you can buy any kind of PC as long as it meets that $699 price point. It recommends a few systems though like the Samsung Series 9 and Dell Inspiron 14r. To get the deal the buyer has to list an .edu email address when buying online or show a Student ID to a participating retail location. It's not noted if the Xbox will be on hand and given to the buyer when they purchase in stores or not. I suspect the Xbox will be mailed to the buyer later.