14 DAY TRIAL // Redmond-based software giant Microsoft is nearing the launch of its own tablet PC running under the Windows 8 operating system, namely the Microsoft Surface.
The device was unveiled to the world back in June, and is set to arrive on shelves on October with the Windows RT version of the next-gen platform loaded on it right from the start.
The device has received a negative reaction from hardware partners, many of which are concerned that it would spell trouble for their business, especially if priced affordably.
Microsoft did not offer specific info on the cost its tablet would land on shelves with, but recent rumors suggest that it could be priced starting at $199.
That’s the Windows RT device we’re talking about, since the Intel-based version will be much more expensive.
Even so, the Windows RT Surface would indeed pose significant threat to rival solutions, especially if priced as rumored.
None of Microsoft’s partners has unveiled info on the price tag Windows RT tablets would arrive on shelves with, but some suggested that these devices would run for around $300, Bloomberg reports.
Tablets powered by Windows 8, on the other hand, should go for somewhere between $600 and $700, just as netbooks would. After all, they do offer almost the same processing capabilities.
In an attempt to grab as much market share as possible for Windows 8, Microsoft is reportedly set to have the Windows RT Surface available at more affordable prices, at least this is what DigiTimes notes.
The Windows RT Surface tablet is set to hit shelves in October this year, while the Windows 8 Pro-based model will land only in early 2013. No specific info on the cost of that model has emerged so far.
Microsoft has yet to confirm any of the rumors on Surface’s cost. All that the company has said so far was that the tablets would be priced in line with already available slates, or in line with ultrabooks, in the case of the Windows 8 Pro version.