Microsoft is borrowing an idea from Apple to get more people on its Surface PCs (MSFT)

pulse

August 1, 2017 5:31 PM

Microsoft has a new installment payment plan for the Surface line of PCs that will let you upgrade every 18 months.

Today, Microsoft unveils Surface Plus — a new payment plan program for purchasers of the Microsoft Surface line of laptops and desktop PCs.

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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