Earlier this morning, Apple sent reporters invitations to its annual iPod media event, scheduled to take place this year on 9 September. Apple also sent many of its educational customers, such as myself, a marketing email to remind everyone that their back-to-school promotion, in which educational buyers receive a free iPod with the purchase of a Mac, ends on 8 September.

It's no secret that Apple's back-to-school promotion is designed to help them clear out their inventory of old iPods before the holiday shopping season arrives along with revamped iPods. I do admire, however, how ruthlessly Apple runs the promotion. The very day after their back-to-school promotion ends, new iPods will almost certainly be unveiled. Such is the consumer electronics industry.