The upcoming tablet may actually be pretty expensive

Oct 12, 2012 12:45 GMT  ·  By

Speculations on the Microsoft Surface tablet continue to reach the WWW as we get closer to the official launch of the device.

Sameer Singh, an analyst with India-based consulting group Finvista Advisors, revealed in a blog post that Microsoft’s very own iPad killer could actually be pretty expensive, hinting at a price tag similar to the one of a new computer.

Based on an in-depth analysis of the hardware components to be installed underneath that gorgeous case, Singh said that Surface could be priced between $399 (€308) and $499 (€385), while the Pro version could go as high as $899 (€693).

While a $399 price tag is very likely, the analyst however emphasizes that the overall cost of the product could skyrocket if a Microsoft keyboard is included in the package.

Details on the keyboard remain scarce at this moment, but previous rumors hinted that the Surface tablet would be shipped with a so-called revolutionary keyboard measuring only 3mm. While this indeed sounds great for Microsoft fanboys, it could also be some very bad news.

It’s a new technology, so the overall production cost could be very high, and as a direct consequence, the keyboard may actually be very pricey. In the end, the Surface package could have the same price as a new computer, the analyst hints.

The Surface tablet will officially see daylight later this month, during the Windows 8 launch event that will be held in New York.

More information will most likely emerge in the next few days, despite Microsoft’s efforts to keep everything private and away from the media.