How to qualify for Apple's education discount - and get a $499 MacBook Neo for school

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Earlier this year, Apple unveiled the MacBook Neo , a competitively priced MacBook, at a private NYC event. ZDNET got a first look then, and we've since reviewed Apple's first budget laptop that's punching the market with color and no-fuss features.

While the Neo is the most affordable MacBook ever, regularly priced at $599 , students should be aware that Apple offers educational discounts that take $100 off the regular price, making the laptop even more enticing. You just need to know how to obtain the offer.

Also: MacBook Neo review: My biggest concern with Apple's near-perfect budget laptop

While there's still some time before the new school year begins, those purchasing for colleges, which usually start earlier than K-12 schools, may want to start making a decision on their hardware soon.

Here's what you need to know about getting that educational discount from Apple.

Apple says its education pricing is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels.