Microsoft Will Offer Surface RT to Schools for $200

Microsoft's Surface tablets aren't exactly cheap, but Microsoft is looking to offer schools a discount on the RT version of the computer. According to a brochure posted to ZDNet, the discount for educational institutions will bring the price of the 32GB Surface RT down to $199, while the addition of Microsoft's Touch Cover will bring that up to $249. Swapping out the Touch Cover for a Type Cover will bump the price to $289.

Available for K12 and higher education institutions, it seems Microsoft isn't quite ready to make things official yet, as the brochure that was previously available online has been pulled. Schools in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China (via Digital China), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States will be able to avail of the offer. ZDNet reports that there is no requirement for a minimum number of units per order.

Microsoft's 32GB Surface usually costs $499. It packs an Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset as well as 2 GB of RAM, a 10.6-inch 1366 x 768 (148 ppi) display, two cameras (both 1.2-megapixel with auto focus in the rear), USB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.0, and Windows 8 RT. Microsoft just recently expanded availability of the Surface RT to Mexico Korea and Thailand.

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17 Comments Comment from the forums

gruntlord6

This actually seems like a really good deal for schools. I have no idea what the Ipad pricing is for K12, but I would imagine it is a lot higher then $200. Having a cheap alternative tablet that is a recognized brand for schools is good news.
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whiteodian

Sounds like they are trying to burn through old inventory in preparation for the newer models that should be released 3-4 months. Still, how productive can one be on a Surface RT? What kind of Apps or what-not will these schools be using I wonder. I suppose if they can view their books in a PDF viewer and take notes that would be sufficient. I might buy one for my GF if it is available.
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jcoultas98

I guess you have to dump the turd off on someone... Might as well be the US taxpayers.
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jcoultas98

I guess you have to dump the turd off on someone... Might as well be the US taxpayers.
Reply
whiteodian

This was a double post due to me refreshing the page. Tom's your comment system sucks.
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vmem

smart marketing... make kids grow up with the your tablet interface and they'll buy your product later down the road...
Reply
vmem

10999896 said:
Sounds like they are trying to burn through old inventory in preparation for the newer models that should be released 3-4 months. Still, how productive can one be on a Surface RT? What kind of Apps or what-not will these schools be using I wonder. I suppose if they can view their books in a PDF viewer and take notes that would be sufficient. I might buy one for my GF if it is available.

While I don't like the surface RT, they're plenty productive. it comes with the RT version of MS office (it's a slightly watered down desktop version without advanced functions like macros etc). it runs an internet browser just fine, and has most of the basic apps and lets you view PDF. honestly that's all you need for a school kid.
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jaber2

Most of these students wouldn't know what MS is since they would be using android devices to surf the web and play games.
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bllue

Good idea to bring real tech to the student's hands instead of the Ipads they get now
Reply
WithoutWeakness

10999896 said:
Sounds like they are trying to burn through old inventory in preparation for the newer models that should be released 3-4 months. Still, how productive can one be on a Surface RT? What kind of Apps or what-not will these schools be using I wonder. I suppose if they can view their books in a PDF viewer and take notes that would be sufficient. I might buy one for my GF if it is available.

This is the best tablet that kids in elementary through high school could get. It comes pre-loaded with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It can also handle PDF's, play video, and has 2 options for attachable keyboard covers. It does all the basics that any other tablet can do but comes with the standard Microsoft Office suite that every child should be exposed to. I'd much rather my hypothetical kid was given one of these to do his/her school work on than an iPad or Android tablet. Having a legitimate Office suite and a Type Cover for less than $300 is way better for school children than other options.
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