Surface RT now available for $199 for schools and colleges

Microsoft has reduced the price of the Surface RT to $199 for schools and colleges. This ARM-based tablet normally retails for $499 for the base 32GB model, so this represents a real discount for educational institutions. Some may take this as a sign that the Surface RT continues to suffer from slow sales.

If K12 or colleges wish to get the touch cover, Microsoft will sell the tablet for $249. This same bundle would normally cost $599. Finally, Microsoft is offering the Surface RT with the type cover for $289, which continues to offer excellent savings for schools.

The offer is available in select countries directly from Microsoft. Schools and colleges in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China (via Digital China), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States can grab the deal.

Microsoft recommends getting your order in early "while supplies last." It could be Microsoft is clearing inventory ahead of a refreshed model or could be trying to turn a poor selling product into a goodwill gesture towards education. It's anybody's guess.