Just this week, Microsoft launched the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 in its attempt to revitalize its tablet brand. We won’t know just how well that effort worked out until next quarter, but it looks like Microsoft is trying to clear stock of last year’s models to make room for the new.
If you were to check out the Microsoft store this morning, you’d find that the original Surface Pro that was released earlier this year has had its price reduced to $699. The tablet originally retailed for $899, but had its price dropped to $799 back in August.
With this latest price drop, Microsoft is making it more tempting to pick up a Surface Pro. After all, the Surface Pro 2 doesn’t really have that much of a leg up on its predecessor. The only real difference is that the Surface 2 has a Haswell CPU which increases battery life. Outside of that, they are pretty much the same. So for $699, you get what amounts to a mid-level Ultrabook that can handle whatever basic computing tasks you throw at it. It also comes with Windows 8 Pro so you’ll be able to use whatever desktop applications you want on it.
As for Windows 8.1, the original Surface Pro is compatible with Microsoft’s latest OS. It brings with it a number of new features for both consumers and enterprise users.
If the original Surface Pro still costs too much for you, you can grab an original Surface for $349. It’s also compatible with Windows 8.1, but its reliance on Windows RT means you can do less with it.
[Image: Microsoft Store]
[h/t: The Next Web]