Microsoft is offering a free Xbox 360 console to students who buy a Windows 7 PC for over $700. The deal will be available in the US between May 23, 2011 and September 3, 2011. The company also noted it will be bringing the offer soon to France and Canada as well. Retailers may have additional specifics for the deal and end dates vary per store (details to follow).
If you want to buy online, you'll need to purchase your new PC through one of Microsoft's participating retailers such as dell.com or hp.com. Of course, you can use microsoftstore.com as well. To get the deal online, you must have an .edu email address.
If you don't have an .edu email address, or you prefer to check out your PC in person at a store, check out Best Buy or any Microsoft Store retail location. To get the deal in person, you need to bring your Student ID.
Here's the official text describing the offer:
Get a free Xbox 360 4GB console with the purchase of a Windows 7 PC $699 or more, at participating retailers in the US from 5/23-9/3 or while supplies last. Verification of student status required. See participating retailers for full details.
Microsoft says you can buy any kind of PC, as long as it's over $700, but the company does specifically recommend the HP Pavillion DM4, a light thin laptop that is only 1" thin, or the Samsung Series 9, a computer that has been described as looking like it is about to rocket off the runway. Ever since October 2009, Microsoft has offered the Windows PC Scout service, so you may want to start there to pick your new PC.
Windows 7 lets you stream music, TV, and more from your PC directly to your Xbox 360. Microsoft should have offered this deal ages ago, and it shouldn't be limited to a specific timeframe.