Microsoft Surface Pro 3: As Prices Drop, Surface Pro 3 Becomes More Versatile With New Apps

With the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 on the horizon, Microsoft has dropped the price of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 and added new apps to make the tablet more versatile. Having dropped the price of a new Microsoft Surface Pro 3 to £579 in Great Britain (about $860 in the U.S.), it currently retails for about $799 for a comparable 64GB model in the U.S.

Microsoft recently introduced a PayPal bundle for the system to make it more versatile for small business owners and allow them to create a Point-of-Sale (POS) that is mobile. A special bundle for the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is available in the Microsoft store. Although the card reader is an add-on, the PayPal app for the bundle is free.

Angela Lean, Senior Manager of Microsoft Surface, discussed the bundle with Beta News.

“As part of Microsoft stores’ commitment to providing outstanding choice, value and service for small businesses, starting today, US-based small business retailers will be able to purchase the complete POS solution including Surface, the PayPal Here mobile card reader — download the PayPal Here app for free — and specific point of sale hardware accessories at full line Microsoft stores. This not only allows customers to see and experience the full PayPal Here for Surface POS solution set-up before they buy, but also gives them an easy go-to support resource for once they implement PayPal Here and Surface in their own businesses.”

What remains to be seen is whether or not small businesses will embrace this option, as some businesses may have concerns about security. Microsoft has decided to offer a lock and stand as part of the bundle to protect the point-of-sale.

Another option available for Microsoft Surface Pro 3 users is the Adobe Creative Cloud. Adobe offers a version of Illustrator that now works on the Microsoft Surface Pro 3. It includes a free 30-day trial so users have ample opportunity to try the new features as the keyboard can be removed, and users can work with this software while using the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 as a tablet.

Microsoft has also decided to launch a trade-in program for the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, making it easy for users to upgrade from older devices. The trade-in program allows users to apply up to $650 towards the trade-in.

Do you think that the new apps added to Microsoft Surface Pro 3 make it a better way for small businesses and users to get their work done? Is this a system you would use in your small business?

[Photo Credit: Surface]