Sony Copies Microsoft, Offers Free PlayStation for Students
Students and faculty who purchase specific VAIO models will receive the PlayStation 3 or one of three other "gifts."
Recently we reported that Microsoft was offering a free 4 GB Xbox 360 to students who purchase a qualifying Windows 7-based desktop or laptop. The offer began Sunday, May 20 and will be available while supplies last at Best Buy, Fry’s Electronics, Dell.com, HPDirect.com, Microsoft Stores and NewEgg.com.
Now Sony is offering a similar deal for students with its own set of perks and limitations. The perk consists of four free ptions rather than just one: a 160 GB PlayStation 3, a Wi-Fi only PlayStaton Vita, $200 off the customer's choice of PlayStation gear, or 8-percent total savings on select VAIO PCs. The latter option is ideal if the student only needs a PC.
The limitation is that Sony's offer is restricted to twenty-two VAIO desktops and laptops. These range from the 13.3-inch VAIO T Series custom Ultrabook, the 24-inch VAIO L Series custom desktop PC/TV to the 15.5-inch VAIO S Series laptop. As indicated, some of these can be customized whereas other models are sold as-is. Prices start at around $700 for the customizable models.
To get the free consoles or gear, customer simply enter specific eCoupon codes at checkout. This likely means the promotion isn't being offered in local brick-and-mortar stores or anywhere else outside Sony's own online storefront.
For more information about the new student promotion from Sony, head here. All models ship with Windows 7, making them eligible for the Windows 8 Pro upgrade for $15 once the new OS starts shipping later this year.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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kcorp2003 buying an ultrabook soon. if they offer something i like. i guess i'll pick up the psp vita with it :)Reply -
11796pcs Would it be possible to qualify for both deals if you bought the correct laptop? That would truly be awesome.Reply -
dauntekong LOL yeah they're copying Microsoft... but with better deals... PS3, PS Vita, Discounts, Gift Cards... Thats what you call a deal... Microsoft needs to have better perkies to beat this.Reply -
pacioli TheFlyingFishWhy offer 8% savings when I could sell the PS3 on ebay for a lot more than that?You get the 8% savings too...Reply -
badaxe2 Wondering if they ever said "Microsoft copies Sony: Xbox Now Offers...Reply
HDMI
Slim console sku
Wi-Fi
Web browser
HD Classics
Cloud Storage"
to name a few. They'd probably also add a standard HDD, internal PSU, Blu-ray, free online play, free apps too but that's getting carried away... -
DRosencraft Sony did the same deal last year (only PS3 though) after MSFT announced their Xbox deal, so was expecting this for a while. If they've got a nice computer to buy, why not pick up a game system or $200 in games/gaming gear at the same time? Unfortunately, for me anyway, Sony doesn't seem to be selling any of their 16.4" laptops, which were their largest screen notebooks. Unless that changes, I'll be passing on this little deal.Reply