Ten things Mum and Dad should know.

1. A Mac is the perfect computer for life on campus.

With a Mac, students have a competitive edge at university. That’s because they are more productive, more creative, and more connected to their academic and extracurricular life. With a bulletproof operating system, the ability to integrate effortlessly with Windows PCs, and pre-loaded digital media software, a Mac is also available to every university student at a special education discount. What more could you ask for?

2. Microsoft Office runs on a Mac.

A Mac can run everything a student needs to be productive: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Entourage. In fact, Microsoft has put additional features in the Mac versions that don’t exist on Windows. For more information on Microsoft’s products check out www.mactopia.com.

3. Learning on a Mac prepares students for the “real world”.

A Mac can help a student thrive in any course of study. Mac OS X is based on industry standards, which means students learn skills that can be used on any operating system. More importantly, the Mac provides the freedom to innovate. Instead of worrying about fitting in, students can choose the platform that allows the greatest professional and personal expression, flexibility and growth. And if you need special help, Mac OS X offers innovative solutions for those with vision, hearing or other disabilities, ensuring that everyone can have a customised computing experience.

4. Apple offers industry-leading support.

Because Apple creates the hardware, operating system and many built in applications, Apple computers are truly integrated systems with vastly superior support. So Mum and Dad can rest easy, safe in the knowledge that your computer technology is guarded by 90 days of telephone support and one year of service coverage at an Apple Authorised repair centre. And, with the AppleCare Protection Plan, you can easily extend your coverage any time you want. The AppleCare Protection Plan extends your coverage to three years from the computer’s purchase date, covering your hardware, the Mac OS and Apple applications such as iLife.

5. Students save cash on selected Apple products.

Students enrolled in or accepted to qualifying higher education institutions are eligible for substantial discounts on selected Apple hardware and software. For details on discounts extended to students, visit the Apple Store for Education. And if you’re looking for financing, we’re committed to making purchasing options as flexible as possible.

6. A Mac is loaded with everything you need.

When comparing prices with our competitors, make sure the Windows machine you’re pricing has the same features. Take a look at the extensive list of software and hardware included on a Mac before drawing any conclusions. iLife, Apple’s award-winning suite of digital media applications including iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb,¹ is pre-loaded on every Mac. For similar applications on a PC, you’d have to spend hundreds of pounds.

7. iPod is a learning device.

iPod is more than just a music player. Students can use iPod and Griffin’s iTalk voice recorder to record lectures, keep track of their appointments with a built-in calendar, and back up essays and class projects on gigabytes of hard drive space. Plus iTunes² is more than just music. In addition to having instant access to countless songs, iTunes users can search for the best podcasts on the planet.

8. The Mac has Intel inside.

Faster processing speeds, longer battery life, better compatibility. All of this is made possible by Apple’s partnership with Intel, announced in 2005. Every MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac mini ships with an Intel chip inside, delivering high performance and exceptional value.

9. Apple notebooks are the best way to connect.

Mobility, particularly in the age of wireless connectivity, is central to campus computing lifestyles. And while a desktop system will certainly do the trick, most students find that the freedom and flexibility of a notebook computer serves them better through their years at university. A quick glance at the competition reveals that MacBook and MacBook Pro are the best wireless notebooks in the industry.

10. Apple is happy to answer any questions you have.

You can visit any retail Apple Retail Store to test-drive the latest Apple technology. We’re sure you’ll agree that the Mac gives students the competitive edge to get ahead in their studies.