Want the new Microsoft Surface Pro 3? Exchange your MacBook Air.
Microsoft currently offers a very attractive trade-in program for MacBooks Air users and offers them up to $650 in-store credit when they trade-in their device for the Surface Pro 3. The promotional program will run until July 31 in retail stores in U.S. and Canada.
The announcement was posted on Microsoft's web site saying that the offer is available for users of "select" MacBook Air products. This hinted that, just like other trade-in programs, some units may not receive the full price and some could be rejected. Microsoft did not provide guidance on which models can be traded and how the credit will be granted to the user.
The offer aims to lure more Apple users to make the switch and choose Microsoft products. The Cupertino-based tech giant has long dominated the tablet market and Microsoft wants to take a bite on Apple sales.
On the other hand, Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is a tablet-laptop hybrid aiming for the MacBook Air and iPad Air. The device received favorable reviews from tech critics and reviewers. When the tablet was announced last May 20, Microsoft boasted that the Surface Pro 3 is lighter compared to the combined weight of the two aforementioned Apple devices.
Meanwhile, Channelnomics cited three reasons why the trade-in program of Microsoft may not be a good idea after all. First, the program is available only in the company's retail stores. Unfortunately, the offer is not available to its retail partners and resellers such as Best Buy and Staples.
Squashing Apple's MacBook Air sales may not be an advantage for Microsoft since other PC manufacturers like Lenovo, Acer, Asus, HP, and Dell have their fair share in the market. Lastly, Microsoft needs to further widen the availability of the Surface Pro 3 and strengthen its position in the market in order to attract more potential clients.
