Microsoft Promotion Gives College-bound Students Free Xbox 360 with Purchase of Windows 7 PC

Are you a PC gamer who is looking to upgrade and often wonders what the deal is with consoles? If you are on your way to entering higher education then you are in luck as, starting May 22nd through September 3rd, Microsoft will be running a promotion that allows students who purchase a Windows 7 desktop or laptop worth $699 or more to receive a free Xbox 360 4gb bundle.

The promotion, valid at Dell.com, HP.com, Best Buy (both online and in-store), and the Microsoft Store lands you the free console should you have a valid .edu email address. If you choose to visit Best Buy in person you'll need your student ID handy. Piece of advice though: buy online so you can avoid sales tax if that's an issue in your state. In whichever retailer you choose each will have specific instructions on how to redeem the offer.

The offer is currently only available to students in the United States but fret not neighbors to the north and overseas: Microsoft says that the promotion will be opening in Canada and France "soon."

Personally I find that this would be a great opportunity for Playstation 3 owners who would like to see if the grass is greener on the other side. Not that I'm judging.