Microsoft has come up with a winner this year with the release of the Surface Pro 3, a hybrid which is essentially a tablet but is powerful enough to be a laptop replacement when equipped with the available keyboard. The company offered the device at a discount during the holiday season, but those who missed it need not fret because Microsoft Store is extending its sweet deal.  For those who want to pick up the 12-inch tablet-laptop hybrid, it is being offered with an educational discount, which slashes 10 percent from the device's original price. 

According to the website, the offer lasts until Jan. 5. With this offer, consumers will be able to take home the Surface Pro 3 for the following prices. Microsoft also throws in a free sleeve for every purchase.

• 128 GB / Intel Core i5 - $899
• 256 GB / Intel Core i5 - $1,199
• 256 GB / Intel Core i7 - $1,399
• 512 GB / Intel Core i7 - $1,799

These discounts on the device only intensify the ongoing rumor that its successor is already in the works. Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is speculated to arrive next year and will feature a 13- to 14-inch screen display, Intel Core M chips or Broadwell processors, more than 8 GB RAM, and Windows 10. However, this should be taken with a grain of salt as Microsoft has not confirmed this rumor as of the moment. 

Since its inital release, the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 has challenged Apple's MacBook Air.  Among its benefits and likeable features that cannot be found in Apple's device are its touchscreen, stylus pen, detachable keyboard, and Windows 8.1 OS and apps. These great features are enough to encourage Mac users to try out Microsoft's offering. And to help consumers make the switch, Microsoft has put up a website named "Making the Switch" that gives a detailed explanation on the transition process from OS X to Windows, equipped with tips and tutorials in using the Windows OS. Microsoft promises smooth transfer of files from Apple's desktop OS and iCloud to its storage systems.