Remember the Surface tablets that Microsoft announced last June? The Windows 8 tablets looked very promising, but Microsoft intentionally left out one key piece of information from the announcement: the price. The mystery regarding the price is no more as the Surface tablet with Windows RT is now available for pre-order, starting at $499 for the 32 GB model.
Surface Tablet running Windows RT with a Touch Cover
This price is identical to that of the 16 GB iPad. However, this does not include the touch keyboard cover, an accessory that Microsoft is pushing as a key component of the Surface experience. The Touch Cover brings the total price up to $599 ($619 for a color besides black).
The 64 GB model is priced at $699 and includes the touch cover.
Pre-order pricing for the Surface (RT)
There is also a second version of the Touch Cover available, called the Type Cover. The Touch Cover provides a keyboard but its still all touch based, meaning there’s little to no tactile feedback or button depression. The Type Cover is supposed to provide a more traditional keyboard feel while still maintaining the thin design of the Touch Cover. The Type Cover is priced at $129.99 and doesn’t seem to be available in any other colors besides black.
Keep in mind that this is the Windows RT model, meaning it will come with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT, but will not be able to run “legacy” desktop applications. It is limited to pre-installed apps and apps from the Windows Store.
The full specifications of the Surface with Windows RT are as follows:
- Software: Windows RT, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT
- Storage: 32GB or 64GB
- Display: 10.6-inch, 1,366 x 768 pixels (16:9)
- Processor: Nvidia Tegra 3
- Memory: 2 GB
- Wireless: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
- Cameras: Two 720p HD cameras, front- and rear-facing
- Audio: Two microphones, stereo speakers
- Ports: Full-size USB 2.0, microSDXC card slot, headset jack, HD video out port, cover port
- Sensors: Ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass
- Battery: 31.5 W-h, ~8 hour battery life
- Power Supply: 24W
- Exterior: 10.81 x 6.77 x 0.37 inches, 1.5 pounds, VaporMg casing, Dark Titanium color, volume and power buttons
- Warranty: One-year limited hardware warranty
The Surface officially ships on October 26, the day Windows 8 becomes available.
The Windows 8 Pro model will be available in January 2013. Pricing has not yet been revealed, but it will be “on par with Ultrabook-grade laptops”, suggesting a price point around $800-1000.
What do you think of the Microsoft Surface tablet? Are you planning to order one? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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