Microsoft has launched its Surface All Access programme in a bid to make it easier, and cheaper, for customers to move to its Surface range of devices and supporting software.
Subscription plans, which run for two years, are tier-based and offer access to the Surface range of hardware, as well as Office 365 and extra support services.
Rather than an ongoing contract, the All Access programme provides a means for customers to pay off the cost of the hardware over two years, at which point they stop paying for the device. It essentially replaces Microsoft's previous finance programme, which it scrapped rather abruptly in September.
Its biggest selling point is that it actually works out cheaper to purchase hardware and software through the programme, as opposed to buying it outright. For example, the entry-level subscription offers the lower-cost Surface Go, as well as all the software extras for $24.99 per month, costing around $600 in total (which would otherwise cost nearer $700 if you bought everything individually).
Surface Pro bundles start at $47.87 per month, which includes a Type Cover, while the Surface Laptop is available for $46.63 per month. The $150 per month tier will nab you the Surface Studio bundle.
The plans will all come with extra support too. Microsoft explained All Access will include "world-class protection, in-store training, and dedicated customer support," lasting for the first year. This doesn't include any help with third-party software and you'll need to pay $49 for any accidental damage claim you want fixed.
Microsoft has offered the scheme in different flavours over the last few years as an attempt to sell more Surface devices. But this iteration comes with the company's Office 365 productivity suite too, which is currently available by itself for $10.99 a month.
If you want to take advantage of these pay monthly offers, you'll need to apply for a Dell Preferred account first, but if you get through that process, you'll be able to take advantage of the more affordable purchase plans.
All of the new Surface bundles will be available in two weeks (October 16th), while those wanting to buy the most premium Studio plan will have to wait until mid-November. Unfortunately, All Access is only available in the US at the moment and the company hasn't said whether the plans will be coming out elsewhere just yet.
