Rumor: Microsoft Surface RT to sell for $199

Multiple sites are reporting today that Microsoft employees have confirmed the Surface RT tablet will retail for $199, a price that is well below what the general consensus was when the company unveiled it last month.

Allegedly, the price point was revealed during the TechReady 15 conference, an internal event for Microsoft employees of all divisions.

The low price will only apply for the RT version of the tablet, which runs on an ARM-based chip set. Windows 8 Pro models, running on Intel chips, will launch a few months later, likely with a $100 premium, if not more.

At $199, the price is below the analyst and industry insider consensus expectations of $499.

Window's other partners, especially Acer, have been very vocal in stating they believe Microsoft's push into tablets will hurt vendors. If $199 is true, it appears Microsoft doesn't care.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 14 Aug 2012 22:58

i1der

After the nexus 7, I don't think anyone really care for other tablets, the ecosystem has been set... this really gonna suck for Microsoft... too bad, I wish they would came strong again. Time to think about 9!

15.8.2012 09:35 #1

Bozobub

If I can buy the Pro version for $299, you're high, i1der. ^^'

15.8.2012 10:56 #2

i1der

Originally posted by Bozobub: If I can buy the Pro version for $299, you're high, i1der. ^^'
Is all about content, if get Windows tab what apps are available for it and what can you do... beside the obvious browse and use MS app.
I can use all my android phone paid apps on my tablet, I already have the prime and now I got the Nexus 7... I'm saying who really wanna it already got an Ipad or Android tablet and are on that ecosystem... I cant just leave over 100 paid app and buy it all over again in different Ecosystem.

15.8.2012 16:02 #3

i1der

nexus 7 is a Quad core "premium" if you might call for $200 with all Google goodies

15.8.2012 16:06 #4

Bozobub

I know the Nexus 7's specs, thank you.

The Surface Pro is an i5-powered actual tablet PC that runs Windows 8. comes with a detachable keyboard and stand, that can run all current Windows software, possibly for $299, if this article is correct. It also comes with the full version of MS Office (as does the RT version). It can do anything a standard laptop or desktop can.

I already have tons of software that runs in Windows, including many games; even if the Surface Pro has somewhat weak graphics (not sure how powerful they are), I have plenty of games that run fine on crappy integrated graphics, so *shrug*; I'm not worried about a "new ecosystem".

I'm sorry, but - while excellent in its own right - the Nexus 7 simply can't hold a candle to the Surface Pro.

15.8.2012 18:37 #5

ThePastor

The Surface Pro is a compelling offering. It is a full Windows PC, and at a $300 pricepoint will be very competitive.
The Surface RT is just another tablet with a limited ecosystem that is not compelling at all.

With the Surface RT you are going to be stuck in the Windows ecosystem. That means Skydrive, Outlook.com, Live.com ect.
And while Windows has made great strides in these areas they do not even approach the Google ecosystem in terms of variety and functionality.

With the Surface Pro it's simply a notebook with a detachable keyboard. It has all of the features of the tablet but none of the restrictions, since I can run virtually any Windows program.

I wish Microsoft lots of luck with this venture. I really do. I'm very interested in a Surface Pro and can't wait to see what they are like.

Unfortunantly, many people will buy Surface RT expecting it to be a full function tablet that can run Windows apps, but the first time they try to sync their Google Calender they'll be crying...

Oh, Im sorry... Did the middle of my sentence interrupt the beginning of yours?

15.8.2012 20:31 #6

Bozobub

Heh. Yeah, that's pretty much my take on it, too, ThePastor.

The RT tablet definitely won't be able to get me to try working through what I hate about Metro, that's for sure, but the Pro just might...

16.8.2012 00:33 #7

i1der

The information I have is that none of the Surface will be able to run any Windows applications... Will all be same apps for arm and Intel base with Intel bringing better performance and storage. But hey if what you saying is true then even I will be saving for one of these tablets/notebook

16.8.2012 01:59 #8

Bozobub

Your information is incorrect; MS has directly stated that the Surface Pro (NOT the RT) will run standard Windows programs. That's the entire reason it uses Intel, vs. ARM.

16.8.2012 09:40 #9

ThePastor

Yeah, the Surface Pro will just be a slightly under-powered Intel computer running x86 and full Windows 8, with a touchscreen.

Oh, Im sorry... Did the middle of my sentence interrupt the beginning of yours?

16.8.2012 12:52 #10

doveman

This could be really good for my Dad as he needs to a) be able to connect to the WinSSHD server on his home PC with Tunnelier so that he can use his home PC as a proxy when using public Wi-Fi points and b) use RDP to login to his home PC over the SSH link (or when at home just use an unsecured RDP connection from the living room to his PC upstairs).

As most tablets can't run Windows apps, the Surface Pro is probably the only tablet that would be suitable for him. Obviously a netbook is another option but he doesn't really need much of a HDD and more important will probably be the battery life.

17.8.2012 11:35 #11

Mr-Movies

Originally posted by Bozobub: I know the Nexus 7's specs, thank you.

The Surface Pro is an i5-powered actual tablet PC that runs Windows 8. comes with a detachable keyboard and stand, that can run all current Windows software, possibly for $299, if this article is correct. It also comes with the full version of MS Office (as does the RT version). It can do anything a standard laptop or desktop can.

I already have tons of software that runs in Windows, including many games; even if the Surface Pro has somewhat weak graphics (not sure how powerful they are), I have plenty of games that run fine on crappy integrated graphics, so *shrug*; I'm not worried about a "new ecosystem".

I'm sorry, but - while excellent in its own right - the Nexus 7 simply can't hold a candle to the Surface Pro. Ditto !!

17.8.2012 13:09 #12

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