Computers:

Whether shipping off to college or still in high school, most students need a computer or laptop for doing research, writing papers and keeping in touch with friends and family. This might be one of the most expensive items on the list, but student discounts on laptops are in season.

"(These) are the super-hot computer months," says Cyrus Shepard, founder of GlobeStudentDiscount.com. "It's laptops galore in August and September."

Through Apple, college students with a ".edu" email address can get one desktop computer, Mac mini and notebook per year for up to $200 off, along with two discounted software titles. Some printers carry a $100 rebate. Teachers and faculty from kindergarten through college are also eligible for these computer discounts.

When buying products under the discount, through Sept. 20 Apple is offering a $100 gift card for applications, music and book downloads. And if you purchase an Apple laptop from StudentRate, you'll get 3 percent cash back.

With all the Apple options, Dell decided to up the ante this year. Along with getting a discount laptop, Dell will throw in a free Xbox 360. And unlike Apple, Dell offers its education discount to high school students.

Printers, ink, paper and other goodies are also available at discounted prices through Dell. Several of the big products are deeply discounted for students, such as the Inspiron 15R-2nd Generation laptop, which has been cut from around $1,100 to around $740.

Click on another image to check out more ways to save.

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