14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft will soon launch the Surface Pro and the RT in some new European markets, but the hefty price tag is still causing controversy across the world.
Many pundits are actually wondering whether the price tag isn’t actually one of the main reasons of the slow uptake recorded by the device until now.
But as far as Tim Coulling, senior analyst at Canalys, is concerned, the $999 (€775) starting price for the Surface Pro makes sense.
He explains that the Surface Pro has what it takes to replace a notebook and an iPad, so the overall costs for business people would actually be lower.
"It runs on a Windows 8 operating system so there is access to legacy applications and that is why it's priced higher than the iPad. Microsoft wants customers to pay a premium for a full Windows experience," he told The Channel.
"The vast majority of business people use an iPad and a notebook, so it will probably be cheaper to have one Surface Pro when they upgrade devices. IT managers will look to replace iPad with Pro because the OS is easier to manage and is familiar," he added.
The Surface Pro will soon go on sale across Europe, with the United Kingdom and Germany among the countries to receive the device before the end of this month.
No details have been provided on pricing until now, but the device will be available in the same two models as in the United States, Canada and China.
Buyers will be allowed to choose from 64 GB and 128 GB models, but also from a limited list of accessories that include Touch and Type Covers, mice and a series of adapters.
Pricing in the United States starts at $899 (€699) for the entry level model, while the 128 GB version is sold for $999 (€775). No Touch or Type Cover is included.