5/26/2015

Microsoft sale slashes $150 off Surface Pro 3 model

Microsoft is again putting the Surface Pro 3 on sale but only one specific model.Sarah Tew/CNET
Those of you interested in Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 can save $150 off the price but only if you're game for the midrange model.
Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 website shows only one edition for sale -- namely the 1.9GHz Intel Core i5 model with 256 gigabytes of storage and 8GB of RAM. Normally selling for $1,299, that version is now up for grabs for $1,149. The other four models that remain at their normal retail prices, ranging from the 1.5GHz Intel Core i3 with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM to the 1.7GHz Intel Core i7 with 512GB of storage and 8GB of memory.

Microsoft has been promoting the Surface Pro 3 as a viable alternative to a traditional laptop, such as Apple's MacBook Air. This high-end edition offers a 12-inch screen and runs on an Intel Core processor. All Surface models come as standard tablets but can be used as laptops via the Touch Cover or Type Cover keyboards. To better compete against rival tablets as well as laptops, the software giant has been keen to sell the Surface Pro 3 by offeringperiodic discounts and trade-in deals since last year.
The sale is valid now until May 23, providing there is enough inventory in stock. Customers in the US can purchase the discounted model either online or at Microsoft's retail outlets. Beyond the current sale, each Surface Pro 3 comes with a free sleeve worth anywhere from $20 to $40. That deal lasts until July 1.
In April, Microsoft introduced the Surface 3, which starts at $499 and is a variation of the Surface Pro 3, with a smaller 10.8-inch screen and a lower resolution. The company is also expected to roll out the Surface Pro 4 this year, potentially already outfitted with Windows 10, which is due to hit the market this summer. Last year, Microsoft announced the Surface Pro 3 in May and then launched the first models in June.