Microsoft no longer restocking Surface 3 tablets

Dropping the less expensive Surface 3 would leave only the pricier Surface Pro, Surface Book, and Surface Studio models available.

Allen Ngo, 11/02/2016

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As previously reported, the Surface 3 tablet is moving closer and closer to the bargain bin. Microsoft has yet to officially comment on the matter, but the fact that the Surface 3 is no longer available through the Microsoft online store across most regions worldwide is telling of its impending fate. Resellers and other stores are running low on Surface 3 inventory as well, so users still in the market for the tablet may want to pick one up quickly.

A final stop in production of the less expensive Surface 3 may indicate that a direct successor could be coming. This is looking less likely as Microsoft could also be providing more breathing space for other OEMs to occupy the budget-mainstream Windows tablet gap such as the Lenovo Miix 510. The lauded but aging Surface Pro 4 is another high-end alternative if users want a pure Surface experience.

Killing off the affordable Surface 3 would further cement the Surface series as a premium-only brand. The Surface Studio AiO, for example, will retail for $3000 USD when it launches early 2017. The Surface Pro tablets are some of the best Windows tablets currently available and are a high recommendation on our Top 10 lists.