Tech giant Microsoft is launching a new program that will allow interested customers to try the company's new Surface Hub large-screen PC for 30 days without buying it. This is an interesting new program for Microsoft in its bid to market the Surface Hub and allow users to experience its features to the full potential without shelling out some money.
This new Microsoft program is a first of its kind, and no such program is offered for other Surface branded devices. The Microsoft Surface Hub is available in two screen size options: 55-inch and 84-inch. The computer is designed to be the centerpiece of a conference room, and it can be used for collaboration, digital whiteboarding, and video conferencing.
Microsoft Senior Director of Windows and Devices Group Julia Atalla said that the Surface Hub was off to a good start. Microsoft reported that the company received 600 Hub customers from its launch and is expecting to have more than 2,000 customers before the end of the year.
On the other hand, Microsoft's new Try-and-Buy program has a catch. According to PC World, the program is only open to business customers through resellers. The program is not open to average users who just want to have a Surface Hub experience for free.
According to PC Mag, the Microsoft program will give out five Surface Hub devices for 30 days to each qualified business. On top of that, there is a small fee that will cover shipping and installation costs. The reseller will be the one to determine the cost of shipping and installation. Microsoft added that the program will be limited in the United States and will be made available in Europe soon. The program will be expanded to the Asia-Pacific at a later date.
For interested users who want to try the Surface Hub, the device is available for purchase to average users. The 55-inch model costs $8,999, while the 84-inch model with 4K support costs $21,999.