Microsoft Surface tablets: latest updates, prices and release date
Microsoft Surface tablets continue to hog the limelight. Here we discuss its latest updates including price and release date
The entire tech world is excitedly awaiting the launch of Surface tablets. Microsoft is set to bring the devices into stores soon after the official unveiling of Windows 8 on October 26. Both the Surface RT and Surface Pro – respectively to run Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro – have gained rave reviews. The devices are going to be the first tabs to hit stores with the Windows 8 out of the box. Samsung, Asus, HP and many other companies have also announced their devices for the firmware. Here we check some facts about the Surface tablets.
Microsoft Surface Tablets: Prices
Microsoft is still mum about the prices of its Windows 8 tablets. The company has not said anything officially about the prices. However, CEO Steve Ballmer gave us a vague hint. Talking to The Seattle Times, he just mentioned that Surface tablets would be priced between $300 and $800. It clearly shows that the Surface RT will start from around $300 and the Surface Pro from about $800.
“If you look at the bulk of the PC market, it would run between, say, probably $300 to about $700 or $800. That’s the sweet spot,” Ballmer said. The prices look affordable, indeed. But, it is quite clear that Microsoft seems to have no plan to compete with Google Nexus or Amazon Kindle Fire by pricing its Surface RT version below $200.
Student Friendly Tablets
There is a talk that Microsoft’s Surface tablets are going to be the best student-friendly tablets in stores. The devices may take the place of iPads as the best gadgets for students, especially the higher level college students. Microsoft has designed its new tablets with the capability to support Microsoft Office, OneNote and other student friendly programs. Other attraction points like an advanced Internet Explorer, powerful processors and rich Metro-style UI will add to the power of Surface tablets.
“There is little doubt that Word and Excel are two of the most important productivity tools used by college level students. There are no if, ands, or buts about it; students need productivity applications on tablets to make them worth the investment. Thus far, the productivity software on both Apple and Android tablets is second best by a long shot,” comments Examiner.
Surface tablets Vs Microsoft OEM tablets
It is definitely a dilemma that Microsoft is to take on its OEM partners with the Surface tablets. Major tech makers like Asus, Lenovo, HP, Samsung and others are about to bring their versions of tablets for Windows 8. Most of these companies are not contented with the Redmond software giant’s strategy to sell its own tablets. The Chinese firm Lenovo recently stated “we don’t like Microsoft providing hardware.” Acer also wanted the Windows maker to “think twice” regarding its plan to sell own tablets.
Those firms are awfully waiting for Microsoft’s prices of the Surface tablets. Of course, Microsoft can make enough money through licensing its new OS to the third party device makers. Therefore, OEMs fear that Microsoft will sell its Surface tablets for subsidized prices. The firm can compensate the loss through the sales of the OS and other programs.
The company chief previously described its foray into the hardware as an inspiration for OEM partners. But, afterward, in the company’s SEC filing, it admitted the risks involved in it. “Our Surface devices will compete with products made by our OEM partners, which may affect their commitment to our platform.” But, still now, we have no idea what a decision the company has taken to tackle the tight spot.
Final Words
Anyway, we are much near to get the Surface tablets from Microsoft. The devices will hit stores soon after the arrival of Windows 8, which is slated for public unveiling on October 26. It is sure that Surface tablets will herald a new revolution in global tablet market. We are going to get a new platform, the Windows apart from Apple iOS and Google Android in the growing market.
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