Apple has had a significant presence on Facebook for a long time and counts more than 500,000 "fans" on its "Apple Students" Facebook Fan page. A year ago, the Guardian UK reported that Facebook users come from families who "emphasize education and going to college." Just the type of customer that Apple is targeting with its huge (and successful) back-to-school promotion that offers a free iPod Touch with most Mac purchases.

It's no surprise then that Apple would put a "Share on Facebook" link on its main Back-to-School promotion page. However, it is one of the first times that I've seen Apple -- a company that is notorious for controlling its message -- use a social media feature like Facebook's "share links" feature to promote something.

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