Darren Weaver/Business Insider
Microsoft Surface Studio
The gist of the program is that, when you buy any Surface, you'll have the option to enroll in a 24-month repayment plan at 0% interest. Every 18 months, you'll have the option to trade in your Surface for the latest and greatest model. Microsoft is hyping the plan as perfect for back-to-school PC buyers.
The plan encompasses every model of Surface, including the Surface Pro tablet/laptop hybrid, the Surface Studio PC, the Surface Book high-end laptop, and the new student-focused Surface Laptop.
You can enroll in Surface Plus from Microsoft's online store, or at the physical Microsoft Stores. As an added benefit, Surface Plus will also get you a 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy on your Surface, as well as a year of free in-store technical support.
It's very similar to the iPhone Upgrade Program, which Apple has been operating since 2015. It's also much like AT&T Next or any number of other carrier-specific smartphone upgrade schemes.
Notably, Microsoft is also extending the Surface Plus program into businesses: In addition to the Surface laptops and desktops, business customers will also have the option to finance the Surface Hub 55-inch conference room mega-tablet. For an extra $8.25 per device per month, Surface Plus business buyers will also get the Office 365 suite.
Microsoft's Surface laptops are extremely choice, but they also carry a premium. With PC competition so fierce, Microsoft is getting creative in ways to make the Surface more affordable - and to make students and individual buyers pause before buying a new Apple Mac.
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