We finally have a release price from Microsoft concerning its highly anticipated Surface tablet, thanks to a leak. The purported device, which is slotted to release on October 26th (next to the Windows 8 operating system) will run at a base price of USD $499.99. This model will feature an impressive 32-gigabytes of space, but will only run a 1280 by 720 pixel 10.6 inch display. This is twice the storage space of Apple’s “low end” 16-gigabyte iPad, but its resolution pales in comparison to that of the iPad HD.
The base model for the Surface Tablet will not come with the “keyboard cover” (that can be seen in the picture above), although sources stated that you can have this accessory with the base model for the price of USD $599.99. That’s approximately a USD $100.00 hike for what seems to be just the added cover accessory. There has been no word as of yet if the keyboard cover will be available to purchase separately or if it is a package deal only.
There will also be a top-of-the-line model that will boast 64 gigabytes of space and will slide in at the pricing mark of USD $699,99. Analysts are also suggesting that this pricing structure hints at the fact that there may not be any cellular capabilities for the new Surface Tablet. As it currently stands, consumers and critics are expecting the Surface to have a WiFi-only enabled Internet hook up, meaning that the tablet will be tethered to WiFi hotspots, instead of featuring the freedom to roam with 3G or 4G.
This may be a tough sell for Microsoft, who has been desperately trying to break into the tablet industry. The company has already expressed in past press releases that it plans to “battle Apple on all consumer electronic fronts.” And it is definitely attempting to battle their iPad line of products with what seems to be a well put together and modernized tablet. However, the price point still leaves a lot to be desired. Although it has the extra storage space, it doesn’t have near the resolution that the iPad HD does, yet it’s still dropping into the market at a starting price of USD $499.99. Add a keyboard and you’re paying another USD $100.
If Microsoft truly wants to bring the fight to Apple, I feel as if their pricing point needs to be lower. And with Apple gearing up to release its iPad Mini at a much more affordable price point, it could very well trounce Microsoft’s efforts instantaneously. We won’t have to wait long though, as both of these products will release to do battle during the Holiday season.
Photo Source: Microsoft
