A sign is highlighted on the wall during the launch event of the new Microsoft Surface Pro 3 in New York May 20, 2014.
A sign is highlighted on the wall during the launch event of the new Microsoft Surface Pro 3 in New York May 20, 2014. Microsoft Corp on Tuesday unveiled a larger but lighter version of its Surface Pro tablet as it ramps up efforts to make an impact on the mobile computing market and counter the popularity of Apple Inc's iPad and MacBook Air laptop. Reuters/Brendan McDermid

Microsoft has cut the price of all four Surface 3 models by US$100 (AU$141). The base model of the tablet is now available at US$399 (AU$561). This promotional offer will last for longer period of time than the previous deals, until Feb. 20.

According to Neowin, the tablet has been discounted thrice in the past two weeks. In mid-January the 128GB variant of Surface 3 was retailed with US$150 (AU$212) off, followed by a US$100 discount on the same model which ended on Jan. 31.

Previously, in early January, Microsoft offered a free Type Cover worth US$129 (AU$182) with the Surface 3 tablet. The current offer is valid for all Surface 3 models with any hardware configuration and connectivity option. Additionally, users can also get an extra US$30 off on Docking Station if it's bundled with the tablet.

The Wi-Fi only models of the tablet with 64GB/2GB and 128GB/4GB configurations will be available at US$399 (AU$561) and US$499 (AU$702) respectively. On the other hand, the Wi-Fi and 4G LTE variants with similar configurations are priced at US$499 (AU$702) and US$599 (AU$842) respectively.

The frequency of deals indicates that the company is trying to clear its remaining stock. This move by Microsoft is also fuelling rumours that the company may come up with the next generation of Surface 3.

Related: Microsoft plans to build underwater data center

A report by Business Insider mentions that in the holiday season last quarter, Apple’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro outsold Microsoft's entire line of Surface tablets. A preliminary data from International Data Corporation (IDC) shows that Apple sold over two million iPad Pros as compared to 1.6 million Surface devices.

The IDC report also specifies that most of the Surface devise sold in the last quarter in 2015 include the “Surface Pro and not the more affordable Surface 3.” This also indicates the Microsoft may discontinue the Surface 3 tablet. However, there is no official announcement on the same.

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