Microsoft Surface Tablet PCs running Windows 8 were announced in June 2012, and the company will start shipping them in October this year. (Image credit nationalturk)
Appearance of pre-order for Microsoft’s upcoming tablet PC Surface on the website of Swedish online retailer Webhallen has generated heated debate on the Internet. Reason for this is the price the company is asking which ranges from 1 to 2 thousand dollars (depending on the specs of gadget).
Surface, announced by Microsoft in June, will be the first computer, produced under the brand of Redmond, WA based company. Until now, Microsoft has sold only software, video game consoles and peripherals under its own brand.
Webhallen has listed the price of entry level Surface tablet, powered by ARM-processor running Windows RT, equivalent of 1005 to 1436 dollars (for versions with 32 and 64 GB flash memory respectively). Tablets with higher model processor Intel Core i5 running Windows 8 Professional are being booked for USD 1867 to 2154 (with 64 and 128 GB of memory).
Microsoft has not announced the price of Surface tablets, stating only that it will be comparable with ARM based tablets from its competitors, as well as ultra books.
Most commentators maintain that these prices by Webhallen in no way will allow Surface to compete with any tablet in the market, be it Apple (iPad 3 in Sweden costs 631 to 1033 dollars), or with ultrabooks, many models of which with comparable configurations are priced under one thousand dollars.
Microsoft officials in response to inquiries have refused to comment on the cited pre-orders and price.
Webhallen has not specified from which store it got the price of Surface. Some commentators suggest that the retailer, whose name has been highlighted on various forums and media around the world, has succeeded in running an inexpensive and effective advertising campaign.
As earlier reported, release date of low-end Surface tablet in the U.S. has been fixed as October 26, 2012 simultaneously with the official launch of Windows 8 whereas the second tablet would be launched three months later.
Swedish retailer Webhallen is taking the pre-orders as per this price list with specs and delivery dates. If these prices are to be believed, then MS will hardly be able to enter this highly competitive market. (Image Webhallen)
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