12 Days of Deals, Day 8: Surface 3

On the 8th day of 12 Days of Deal, my true love gave to me, a Surface 3. With a $75 Microsoft Store gift code. Type Cover and Surface Pen sold separately.

Note: This deal is only available in the U.S. and Canada, sorry.

Surface 3 with $75 gift code

Price: $499 to $699, depending on model

Description: With the 10-inch Surface 3, get the perfect balance of performance and value (Type Cover and Surface Pen sold separately). For a limited time, get a $75 gift code within 7 days of purchase.

Specs: 1.6 GHz, quad-core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor, 2 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage or 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage depending on model, 10.8-inch 1920 x 1280 (3:2) ClearType display, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, LTE (on some models), one USB 3.0 port, one miniDisplayPort, microSD card reader, microUSB port for charging, Windows 10 Home.

Weight: 1.37 lbs

Color: Magnesium silver

Key features: No crapware or useless fluff.

My take: As I noted in my Surface 3 Review, Microsoft has hit the right combination of performance, capability and durability, with 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. Just remember that the price does not include a Type Cover ($130) or a Surface Pen ($60).