Microsoft Clearing Out Refurbished Surface RT 32GB at $170 (Updated)

Remember when Microsoft wrote-down a giant $900 million charge due to Surface RT inventory adjustment? (Translation: Microsoft had too much inventory of unsold Surface RT left that will be forced to be sold at lower price point). Apparently the same applies for MSFT's supplies of refurbished Surface RT models because Microsoft's Outlet store on eBay is selling them at a massive 43% off discount: refurbished 32GB Microsoft Surface Tablet is now only $169 with free shipping.

Here's whats available from their outlet store:

Update 6/20/14: So after hundreds of thousands of units being sold at the $169 price point, Microsoft finally ran out - but wait, there's more. The deal is back this week. Looks like Microsoft just can't get rid of these inventory fast enough. When the deal is expired, the 32GB Surface RT is priced around $200. Beyond the 32GB and 64GB model, for only $30 more you can get the 64GB model WITH a keyboard cover. Not too shabby.

Early spring cleaning? Why not, even if we're still in the Winter months. Microsoft had attempted to unload these during 2013′s Black Friday weekend at the $199 price point to minimal success (number of units sold didn't break the 10,000 mark on the eBay store count). Another 25% off for a flagship device from just about a year ago? We're not sure if that's a good thing for Microsoft, but you can now experience Windows 8 RT on the cheap.

The Windows 8 RT Surface originally debuted on October 26th 2012 for $499. Sales fell stunningly short as mentioned. Now with the successor Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 in place since Ocotober 2013 (and currently at harder-to-find stock level), it's probably time to clean house on the original under-performing unit.

At $169 it's a good price to bite at. Not only is it the lowest ever by $30, but it's significantly cheaper than buying for $279.99 at Best Buy in brand new condition (Microsoft's regular store sells a new 32GB model at $349, refurbish unit MSRP is at $299). The units they're selling today on eBay have been restored into fully working condition from the manufacturer and one of the rare part is that it includes a 1 year warranty from Microsoft (most refurbished goods will have a 90 day warranty only).

Is $170 the price point to move the Surface RT off the shelves? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.