Surface 3 Debuts with a Surface RT/2 Trade-In Program

Microsoft’s new Surface 3 tablet is available for purchase starting today in the United States and nine other markets. So no surprise there, but here’s some good news: if you have a Surface RT or Surface 2 tablet, you can trade it in for up to $150 towards a Surface 3 in select markets.

“I’m happy to report the wait is over,” Microsoft’s Brian Hall wrote in a post to the Surface Blog. “Surface 3 is now on sale in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States!”

As I wrote in my Surface 3 review a few weeks back, Surface is “the right combination of performance, capability and durability, … a device that provides the best of the successful Surface Pro 3 at a more affordable price. Surface 3 is a fine choice for students of all ages, mobile professionals, or anyone else looking for the ideal balance of mobility and functionality.” In other words, I’m a fan: Microsoft got it right with this one.

So you can buy Surface 3—and all of the announced accessories, including the Surface Pen, Type Cover, and Surface 3 Docking Station—now in those nine markets. And starting May 7, Surface 3 will be available in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom as well.

Here’s what’s available.

Surface 3 (2 GB RAM/64 GB storage) – $499

Surface 3 (4 GB RAM/128 GB storage) – $599

Surface Pen (gray, blue, red, black) – $50

Surface 3 Type Cover (black, blue, red, bright blue, bright red) – $129

Surface 3 Docking Station – $199

Of those accessories, only the Type Cover is truly necessary, as it transforms the Surface 3 into a truly credible Ultrabook. But the Pen will be interesting to note-takers, like students, and of course the Docking Station can transform Surface 3 into a decent desktop PC. Be on the lookout for bundles, too. I know that Costco in particular has some affordable Surface 3 bundles.

Microsoft can also help you save some money if you have a previous generation Surface RT or Surface 2 tablet, and if you live in the United States (including Puerto Rico) or Canada: the firm is offering a time-limited trade-in offer by which you can get up to $150 towards the purchase of Surface 3.

Of course, you may be able to better elsewhere. I checked on the trade-in value of a Surface 2 with 64 GB of storage and a touch cover. Microsoft is offering $150 towards the trade. Gazelle is offering about the same–$151—but Amazon will pay over $200. So be sure to shop around.

(If you’re a student, check out the Microsoft Store education offer, which provides 10 percent off Surface 3 and various accessories.)

And if you want to celebrate Surface 3 in person and live near a Microsoft retail store in the US (including Puerto Rico) or Canada, head on over at 4pm local time to join in the party.