Apple Back To School 2011 Deal is only a $100 iTunes Gift Card?

The Apple Back To School 2011 deal has not been revealed yet. The latest rumors point to the launch of this  year's promotion to tomorrow. We still do not know what Apple will offer this year as their Back To School Deal. There are some rumors saying that Apple might offer this year a discount on the iPad when purchasing a new Mac. In the past years Apple offered a free 8GB iPod touch with a Mac purchase. 9to5Mac reports that they heard that Apple will just offer free $100 iTunes gift card to students buying a new Mac. This would be actually a rather disappointing offer. The value of the 8GB iPod touch was over $200.

$100 is better than nothing, but not really something to get excited about. I know from user comments on our ongoing coverage of the Back To School deal developments that many students held off on buying a new Mac until the promotion launches. Some even indicated to go with a Windows laptop if there is not a Back To School deal. Will the $100 gift card push them over the edge to pay the premium prices for Apple laptops?

If Apple would also grant the free $100 gift card on an iPad 2 purchase this Back To School deal would get more interesting again.

Update:
The 2011 Apple Back To School Promotion has officially launched. Students, You get a free $100 App Store Gift Card with your Mac purchase.