As reported on The Verge.
Microsoft is discounting its Surface Pro tablet this weekend, following heavy reductionsto its Surface RT costs recently. The 10 percent price cut to Surface Pro reduces the cost of the 64GB and 128GB models by $100 each in the US. Not all regions appear to have Surface Pro price cuts just yet, but the US, Canada, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are all showing price cuts on both models.
The Surface Pro pricing follows a 30 percent price cut on Microsoft’s Surface RT tablets recently. The software maker took a $900 million hit on Surface RT in its latest quarter, but Microsoft appeared to be focusing its price cuts and write-down on just the Surface RT tablet. The wording on Microsoft’s Surface site appears to suggest the Surface Pro price cut is permanent.
SURFACE 2 ON THE WAY?
Microsoft recently hinted at refreshed Surface RT and Surface Pro models. The company is expected to refresh Surface Pro with a Haswell processor, and Microsoft has been testing Surface devices with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 processor. We’re told that Microsoft is planning several new accessories for Surface, including a battery-equipped keyboard cover that the company has previously teased. Newaccessory colors are also expected soon.
We’ve reached out to Microsoft to clarify its price cuts, and we’ll update you accordingly.
Update: Microsoft has confirmed to The Verge that between August 4th and August 29th customers in Canada, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the US will pay $100 less for Surface Pro. “We’ve been seeing great worldwide success with Surface RT pricing and keyboard-cover promotions over the past several months and are proud to offer Surface Pro at more affordable prices starting today.”