Iowa City Press-Citizen
June 9, 2008
Apple Store coming to UI
University to be part of campus store program
Brian Morelli
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Some of the coolest electronic gadgets out there will be a little more accessible for people connected with the University of Iowa next week when a new Apple store opens on campus.
MacBooks, iPods, iMacs and Apple TVs will be in stock, but the popular new iPhone will not be available at UI.
“We are part of Apple campus store program, which is different from Apple retail stores,” University Book Store director Richard Shannon said, noting the iPhone is not available through the campus program.
Three hundred square feet inside the Iowa Memorial Union Book Store will be devoted to Apple products beginning Tuesday, the first day of orientation.
The store will have a range of laptops, several models of iPods, display computer models and accessories for Apple products.
“We will have the full line of Apple products in stock, except the iPhone. And, if we don’t have it, we will be able to order it,” Shannon said.
Students, faculty and staff can receive discounts ranging from $50 to $200 for some products because the store is part of the Apple education program, Shannon said. However, because it is a campus store, people not affiliated with UI cannot purchase any of the Apple products, even at regular retail rate.
Faculty, staff and students will be able to charge products to their university ID card, but there will be a $200 limit.
“As a general rule when you keep it at $200, you don’t run the risk of running up thousands of dollars,” Shannon said. “We are very conscientious about looking for students that are overcharging.”