Microsoft’s upcoming Surface series of tablets (TQ was on it) is a foray into the unknown for the software giant as they attempt to offer world class hardware in an increasingly competitive industry. Although the device has considerable promise and inventive functionality (screen cover/keyboard combo, anyone?), very little has been discussed regarding the device’s price points.
With the October 26 release date fast approaching, Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer discussed tablet pricing during an interview with the Seattle Times. In said interview, Ballmer described the Surface as “a very competitive product from a features perspective” that will be priced within the $300 to about $700 or $800 sweet spot”.
This news should not be a major surprise to most given that the tablet industry’s current standard setter is Apple’s iPad, which are priced between $399 and $829 depending on version and storage capacity.
According to the good people at TheVerge, the base level pricing does not factor in the potential for Microsoft to offer subsidized pricing if users register for an Xbox Music account.
Either way, the next few months are shaping up to be extremely interesting for the company that Bill built. The tablet’s official release date is directly in line with the company’s other major 2012 launch, its updated operating software Windows 8. The OS will launch on the same day as the tablets it will power and presents Microsoft an opportunity to offer a truly integrated hardware/software combination that only Apple can boast. New Windows 8 powered Nokia smartphones are also expected to launch in November (TQ was on it), making this a busy time of year for the company.
Although news of Microsoft’s foray into hardware and devices had some of its key partners a little less than happy, it is a move that makes sense given how important and lucrative the industry has become over the past few years.
SOURCE: TheVerge
PHOTO: Business Insider
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