As eager fans gear up for the rumored upcoming release of the Surface Pro 4 later this year, Microsoft has just knocked $100 off the Surface Pro 3 for the rest of this week.

Whether it's to move current inventory or to get people excited for the Surface Pro line of tablets once again, it seems that the sale is working as an effective promotion for Microsoft who has been enjoying some good press lately with the reveal of Windows 10, cross-platform apps, and more than they've previously been known for in the past.

The five versions of the Surface Pro 3 that are on sale include the Intel Core i5 128 GB edition for $899, the Intel Core i5 256 GB edition for $1,199, the Intel Core i7 256 GB edition for $1,449, and the Intel Core i7 512 GB edition for $1,849. Interestingly enough, the entry-level Intel Core i3 64 GB edition's price hasn't budged from $799.

In addition to the $100 discount on these models, Microsoft is also throwing in a free protective sleeve for the tablet. You can find the offers on Microsoft's online store or at select retailers across the country until Saturday, February 7.

But if you're willing to hold out for a few more months, Microsoft is expected to announce the new Surface Pro 4 to replace the already popular Surface Pro 3.

The Surface Pro 4 is expected to feature a higher-resolution display in a choice of two different sizes in an 8-inch and 13-inch model. The 8-inch version is rumored to be called the Surface Pro 4 Mini and be available as a less expensive and more portable alternative to the larger tablet.

The Intel Core M processor is expected to power the full size version, which would be especially beneficial as it features a fanless technology that allows cooler operation in a less bulky design. The Surface Pro 4's RAM is expected to hit 16 GB but other than that, not much else is known about internal specs.

The operating system, however, is almost certainly going to be the highly anticipated Windows 10 which will act as a more effective bridge between desktop and mobile devices. While the Surface Pro 4 is expected to launch with Windows 10 installed, it may even be the flagship product the launch right alongside the operating system and help show off its capabilities.

For this reason, the Surface Pro 4 is expected to hit stores right around Fall or Winter of this year, although no official confirmation has been made on a launch date. 

Microsoft is riding the wave of a successful fourth quarter in 2014 with an eight percent revenue growth over the same time last year. Of course, the holiday season and the growing success of the Xbox One had a lot to do with this, but Microsoft also acknowledges that the company's Surface Pro revenue grew 24 percent since last year. That's an impressive momentum that Microsoft can grow even further if the Surface Pro 4 is as much of a hit as the Surface Pro 3 was last year.