Alomex,
Here is a piece of AAPL's new.
More Than 5000 K-12 Schools Across the Nation Sign Up for Apple's Power of 10 Program. Registered Schools Seek Local Participation in Power of 10 Program to Increase Available Funds for Computer Technology in the Classroom
CUPERTINO, Calif., Dec. 9, 1997 17:24 PRNewswire -- Apple Computer, Inc.(Nasdaq: <FONT COLOR="red"><A NAME=Hilite>AAPL</A></FONT>) announced today that more than 5,000 K-12 schools have registered for participation in the Power of 10 program -- one of Apple's most significant investments in education in recent years. Encouraging communities to "earn together and learn together," Apple will credit 10 percent of the pretax purchase price
of each computer purchased directly through Apple's Power of 10 program to any qualified public or private non-profit K-12 school in the U.S., as specified by the purchaser.
Any parent, friend or general well-wisher can participate in the program, and all funds designated to each registered school can be used by that school to acquire new products on Apple's education price list, software solutions or staff development programs.
Effective today through Dec. 20, 1997, Apple will also provide one
QuickTake 200 camera to the designated, registered school when two purchasers designate the same school to receive credits from Apple based on purchases through the Power of 10 program. Purchases must be made by Dec. 20, 1997 and the Power of Ten Coupon must be received by Jan. 10, 1998 for the designated school to receive a QuickTake 200 camera.
Macintosh: The Preferred Computer in the Classroom
"The number of schools signing up for this program signifies not only the need for computer technology in the classroom," said Mike Lorion, vice president of Education for Apple's North America division, "but also the strong desire to have Macintosh computers in the classroom. The ease-of-use of the Macintosh platform provides the most positive learning experience for students and teachers."
According to a 1997 paper by IDC on Understanding the Total Cost and Value of Integrating Technology in Schools, the Macintosh's ease-of-use not only increases student and teacher effectiveness but Macintosh computers also rated superior in ease of developing curriculum, teaching and conducting research on the Internet. Similarly, the Macintosh received higher marks for ease of learning hardware and software, creating multimedia, and speed of learning.
"Cost of ownership is always a priority for schools when evaluating classroom technology," said Lorion, "and Macintosh technology is the most affordable and easy-to-support platform in education. Apple's Power of 10 program gives communities an opportunity to equip their schools with the best computer technology -- at no cost to the schools."
"We also understand the budget constraints faced by school districts large and small," added Lorion, "therefore Apple is providing schools with creative and inexpensive materials to help them launch their own grassroots Power of 10 campaigns."
Promotion Power for Schools
Once a school registers to participate in the Power of 10 program, a "Power Pack" is sent to the school administrator. The "Power Pack" includes "back-pack mail" to copy and send home to parents and creative materials to produce promotional banners, flyers, and ads. The "Power Pack" also includes awebsite kit.
Promoting the program at the local level is essential to its success, as there is no limit to how much a school can receive in funding, as designated by purchases by parents, friends, organizations and general well-wishers. After the promotion ends on Feb. 28, 1998, school administrators will be notified of the total dollar amount designated for their schools, and will have until June 15, 1998 to allocate the funds toward new Apple products, software solutions and/or staff development programs.
"Power of 10 is another imaginative innovation from Apple, the maker of user-friendly computers," said Murray Gell-Mann, Nobel Laurate Physicist and AppleMaster. "There are few tasks as urgent as improving the quality of our children's education, and computers keep playing an increasingly important role in learning at school and at home."
Parents, educators, friends, business partners and general well-wishers can call 800-POWER OF 10 to purchase products available through the Power of 10 promotion. Buying directly from Apple, purchasers will receive a coupon with the product that allows them to designate any registered public or private non-profit K-12 (elementary and secondary) school in the U.S. to be credited with the dollars representing 10 percent of the pretax purchase. The promotion ends Feb. 28, 1998.
Special Computer Loan Program
Apple has also considered the cost for the consumer. To ensure that parents and friends in all income brackets have the opportunity to participate in the Power of 10 program, Apple has created a special computer loan as part of the Power of 10 promotion. From now until Feb. 28, 1998, Apple is offering this unique computer loan to qualifying parents and friends who would like to participate in the Power of 10 program.
With a first-year introductory rate, the Apple Computer Loan is a
low-interest rate loan with a 5-year term and no prepayment penalty. Any Power of 10 qualifying purchase over U.S. $1000 is eligible for the special promotion rates. Those interested in the Power of 10 Apple Computer Loan can call 800-POWEROF10 and ask to speak to a representative about the special loan program.
The ten "power tools" available for purchase through the Power of 10 promotion, include one model from the following Apple product lines:
- Power Macintosh 4400/200
- Power Macintosh 5400/180
- Power Macintosh 5500/225
- Power Macintosh 6500/250
- Power Macintosh 6500/300
- Power Macintosh 8600/300
- PowerBook 1400c/133
- eMate 300
- Multiple Scan 15AV Display
- Multiple Scan 1705 Display
Product photos, prices and specifications can be viewed at the Power of 10 website: apple.com or requests for such information can be made by calling the program hotline: 800-POWER OF 10.
Apple Computer, Inc. ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II, and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Apple is now recommitted to its original mission -- to bring the best personal computing products and support to students, educators, designers, scientists, engineers, businesspersons and consumers in over 140 countries around the world.
If you are considering the purchase of an Apple product through the Power of 10 program, you can call 800-POWER OF 10 or visit the program website at: apple.com. More information on the AppleMasters can be found at applemasters.apple.com
NOTE: Apple, the Apple logo, eMate, Macintosh, PowerBook, Power
Macintosh, and QuickTake are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.
SOURCE Apple Computer, Inc. For additional information visit Apple's website apple.com callll Apple's Media Helpline at 408-974-2042, or contact Cara Lewis at our PR agency, Niehaus Ryan Group, Inc., 650-827-7052.
CONTACT: press, John Santoro of Apple Computer, Inc., 408-974-9641, or santoro.j@apple.com; or Cara Lewis of Niehaus Ryan Group, Inc., 415-827-7052, or cara@nrgpr.com, for Apple Computer, Inc.
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