If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly laptop suitable for educational pursuits, writing, or casual web browsing, the current sale on an open-box Microsoft Surface Laptop SE is definitely worth your attention. Right now, it’s available at $189.99 on StackSocial, a significant decrease from its original price of $378.99. For comparison, Amazon lists it for approximately $20 more at this time. Buying an open-box item means you won’t be getting it directly from the factory seal; these devices may have been previously displayed, returned, or simply taken from shelves. Consequently, packaging may show signs of wear; however, each laptop is thoroughly tested, reconditioned, and comes with a one-year warranty.

This model features an 11.6-inch display and is powered by the Intel Celeron N4120 processor, accompanied by Windows 11 SE pre-installed—a variation tailored specifically for educational settings. Its lightweight and portable design makes it perfect for students or anyone needing a device that can easily accompany them throughout the day. While the display lacks high resolution and a touchscreen, it serves its purpose well for users who prefer traditional keyboard input. The estimated battery life boasts up to 16 hours, although practical usage may yield a few hours less, especially when multitasking with multiple tabs or streaming videos. Although it won’t handle intensive applications, the 8GB of RAM and 128GB SSD provide ample performance for basic tasks such as video conferencing, document creation, and light streaming. However, it may not be the right choice for those requiring applications beyond the Microsoft Store or engaging in heavy multitasking.

While the laptop does not offer luxury design or cutting-edge specifications, it delivers a reliable and functional computing experience with commendable battery longevity and adequate performance for everyday tasks. For less than $200, it’s a sound investment.