In September, Microsoft began selling refurbished models of its Surface Book laptop and Surface Pro 4 tablet, offering buyers 15% savings compared with buying brand new. But the cost of its refurbished devices has fallen further since then - and as part of its Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotions, buyers can save even more.
That may prove particularly appealing to those with the most modest budgets. Since Microsoft discontinued its lower-end Surface 3 tablets, the cheapest new device in its range is the Surface Pro 4, which starts at $899 - although that starting price occasionally drops as low as $749 with the company's regular deals.
But you can currently grab a refurbished Surface Pro 4 for as little as $549, or a refurbished Surface Book from $1,059.
Here's what's on offer in the Surface Pro 4 range:
| Model | Price (new) | Usual refurb price | Current refurb price | Savings vs new |
| Intel Core m3 4GB RAM / 128GB SSD |
$899 | $639 | $549 | $350 (39%) |
| Intel Core i5 4GB RAM / 128GB SSD |
$799 * | $729 | $679 | $120 (17%) |
| Intel Core i7 8GB RAM / 256GB SSD |
$1,599 | $1,359 | $1,099 | $500 (31%) |
| Intel Core i7 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD |
$1,799 | $1,529 | $1,299 | $500 (28%) |
| Intel Core i7 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD |
$2,199 | $1,869 | $1,499 | $700 (32%) |
| * Note that this new model is usually priced at $999. | ||||
...and here are the options available in the Surface Book range:
| Model | Price (new) | Usual refurb price | Current refurb price | Savings vs new |
| Intel Core i5 8GB RAM / 128GB SSD |
$1,249 * | $1,149 | $1,059 | $190 (15%) |
| Intel Core i5 + dGPU 8GB RAM / 256GB SSD |
$1,499 ¹ | $1,489 | $1,299 | $200 (13%) |
| Intel Core i7 + dGPU 8GB RAM / 256GB SSD |
$1,899 ² | $1,789 | $1,599 | $300 (16%) |
| Intel Core i7 + dGPU 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD |
$2,499 ³ | $2,299 | $1,899 | $600 (24%) |
| Note that the prices listed above for new Surface Book models are promotional deals until November 28. These new models are usually priced at: * $1,499 | ¹ $1,899 | ² $2,099 | ³ $2,699 |
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Microsoft's store listing for the refurbished Surface Book models somewhat overstates the savings that you can expect over a new device. For example, it claims that you'll save $440 on the entry-level Surface Book - but that doesn't take into account that it's currently offering $250 off that brand new model; so in fact, the difference between the new and refurbished models is far smaller, at $190.
The additional savings on the refurbished Book and Pro 4 models ends today, November 28. But even after those deals have ended, the refurbished models will still offer chunky savings compared with the cost of buying brand new. The refurbished entry-level Pro 4, for example, is usually priced $260 (29%) below its new counterpart.
Microsoft emphasizes that Certified Refurbished Surface devices "undergo a rigorous refurbishment process", adding that each device:
- is screened and tested to be fully functional.
- is reloaded with the Windows operating system and software updates.
- is put through a thorough cleaning process and cosmetic inspection.
- is repackaged with appropriate manuals, cables, and power cord in a new box.
All Certified Refurbished Surface devices include a one-year limited warranty, and buyers have the option of also purchasing an extended two-year warranty, along with accidental damage protection.
Source: Refurbished Surface Pro 4 / Surface Book (Microsoft Store)
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