Get a Microsoft Surface RT 32GB tablet for $424
That's the first noteworthy discount on Microsoft's controversial tablet. Will it be the last? (Hint: no.)
Microsoft's Surface RT tablet has seen its share of headlines since it debuted in October -- not all of them good.
For example, last month a patch prevented some users from accessing the Windows Store, and before that, the 32GB Surface RT was revealed to have only 16GB of available storage.
Well, hey, bugs are to be expected in any OS, and cheap microSD cards can solve your storage problems. The bigger question: Are you willing to pay $499 for that tablet?
If not, how about this: For a limited time, and while supplies last, Staples has the Microsoft Surface RT 32GB tablet for $424 shipped (plus sales tax where applicable). That's after applying coupon code 99279 at checkout. (Note: The coupon can applied to any Windows desktop, laptop, or tablet.)
What's more, if you grab that deal via cash-rebate site TopCashback, you'll get an additional 5.5 percent off ($23.32, by my calculations), bringing your final price very close to $400. Now we're getting somewhere.
As you know, I've made no secret of my dislike of Windows 8 as a desktop OS, but on a tablet, it's not too shabby. And I'd love to be able to abandon my laptop in favor of a tablet for those occasions when I travel. A Windows-powered model seems most likely to make that possible. (CNET called it "the best productivity tablet yet" -- see the full review below.)
What's more, although the Surface RT has received its share of critical lumps, users seem to really like it. Some 70 CNET user reviews average out to 4.5 stars, and 22 Staples buyers gave it a 4.6-star average rating.
Of course, to really make the most of it, productivity-wise, you'll need either the Touch or Type keyboard cover, which adds $120 or $130 to your total price. Aaargh.
If you can wait a while longer, there's a good chance we'll see even better deals on the Surface RT, especially given that sales numbers are reportedly on the low side.
For now, however, this is the best price to be had. Any takers?
Bonus deal: Roku boxes are the bestest. If you don't own one yet, or you're in the market for another, head on over to Roku to save $10 on the Roku HD, Roku 2 HD, or Roku 2 XS. But here's an even better option, IMHO: Meritline has the refurbished Roku 2 HD with HDMI cable for $64.99 shipped.
Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.
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