Microsoft cuts the price of Surface Pro by $100

Microsoft’s Intel i5 powered, Windows 8 Pro packing tablet, the Surface Pro is now on sale at the Microsoft Store, $100 off both the 64GB and 128GB models.

Arguably, this is not a “get everything off the shelves” price reduction, but when prices start to get marked down it means that a successor may be in the wings, or Microsoft just wants to add some allure for folks getting ready to go to school.

We do not know if the Surface Pro has had any sales issues that its cousin, the Surface RT had (now deeply discounted). The Surface Pro appeared to have a much stronger launch thanks to the fact that it had the full version of Windows 8 Pro installed, and came with a stylus to boot.

The trade-off was significantly less battery life, but that did not seem to be much of a compromise for folks that wanted portability coupled with full-PC power and functionality. The Surface Pro also shows of a nice 10.6-inch 1920x1080 display.

The 64GB model now starts at $799 and the 128GB version starts at $899. There is also an option on a bundle package of including Office Home and Student 2013, 2-year warranty, TypeCover, INCIPIO sleeve and Surface Pro Screen Protector for $309 (normally $479). Taken together, that still puts the price range within other equally capable Windows hardware from other OEMs, but it is not stratospheric pricing.  By itself, the Surface Pro tablet is a worthy consideration amongst all the premium tablets, none of which arguably offer the depth or breadth of options a Windows machine can provide. 

If you like the new price of the Surface Pro, but are balking at the accessory bundle, and still want or need Office, look into Office 365 Home Premium, which includes all the apps, plus an extra 20GB of SkyDrive storage, 60 minutes of Skype calls each month, and perpetual updates for $99 per year.  That subscription lets you use it on up to 5 computers at once plus web-access to Office on-Demand from any connected computer.

The sale on the Surface Pro is in effect until August 29th and right now, is only being offered in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

source: Microsoft Store