Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday began to take pre-orders on its Windows RT-based media tablets and also revealed prices on its first slates. The devices will cost comparably with Apple iPad models, but will not feature advanced ultra high-definition screens.
Microsoft Surface with Windows RT will initially be available in three SKUs: a 32GB version priced at $499, a 32GB version bundled with a black Touch Cover priced at $599, and a 64GB version bundled with a black Touch Cover priced at $699. A variety of accessories will also be available, including Touch Covers in five colors - black, white, magenta, cyan and red - priced at $119.99. Customers will also have the option to purchase a Type Cover in black for $129.99, which adds moving keys for a more traditional typing feel.
Surface will be available for purchase beginning October 26, 2012, at all Microsoft Store locations in the United States and Canada, including in all 34 new holiday stores. In addition, Surface will be available for sale online in eight markets across the world: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States.
While Microsoft Surface media tablets with Windows RT is priced competitively against Apple iPad, they lack high-quality screens as well as optional 3.5G/4G/LTE connectivity. What is important is that the Surface by Microsoft are more expensive than Google Android-based devices, which will likely slowdown adoption of the slates by enthusiasts, who usually prefer not to overpay for their gadgets.
Microsoft Surface with Windows RT operating system features 10.6" screen with 1366*768 resolution. The media tablets are based on Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core system-on-chip with advanced graphics adapter and are equipped with 2GB of RAM, 32GB/64GB NAND flash storage, two 720p HD cameras, stereo speakers and two microphones, will feature ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope and compass. The slates come with 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connectivity and feature full-size USB 2.0, microSDXC card slot, headset jack, HD video out port and cover port. Microsoft includes Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote), Windows Mail and Windows Messaging, SkyDrive, Windows Internet Explorer 10, Bing, Xbox Music, Xbox Video, and Xbox Games apps.
Tags: Microsoft, Surface, Tegra, Nvidia, Windows 8, Windows RT, Apple, iPad, iOS, Google, Android
Comments currently:
6
Discussion started: 10/16/12 01:57:10 PM
Latest comment: 10/17/12 01:27:07 PM
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"they lack high-quality screens"
Really? If high-quality = ultra-resolution, then maybe you have a point, but resolution is hardly the only measure of screen quality.
Don't be surprised if they offer some holiday promotions, too.
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Posted by: bluvg
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Date: 10/16/12 03:52:25 PM]
2.
"enthusiasts, who usually prefer not to overpay for their gadgets."
Nice editorializing, as usual. Apples and oranges. E.g., Android devices don't come with Office.
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Posted by: bluvg
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Date: 10/16/12 03:54:00 PM]
3.
Just time will tell us if its a fiasco or not for Microsoft.
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Posted by: Pouria
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Date: 10/16/12 04:28:55 PM]
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They are priced to fail given that they are not x86 compatible.
You can bet that people will be giving them as gifts for the user only to find out they cannot use their current software.
I think the whole RT thing is due to fail.
Intel and AMD have suitable low power processor cores and decent to excellent GPU cores.
This reminds me of MS Server 3.5.x and 4.x available for DEC Alpha.
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Posted by: fdunn
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Date: 10/17/12 12:22:43 AM]
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