Surface Tablets rumors on pricing and being WiFi-only make their rounds

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Microsoft's Surface tablet event definitely caused a buzz that was dampened a little with the Windows Phone Summit which was held two days later. In a way, Windows Phone 8 took a little wind out of Surface's sails.  While the spotlight has been on Windows Phone 8, there have been a few rumors growing with regards to the Surface tablets which we'll catch up on.

The release date is still up in the air and Microsoft is sticking with the Surface RT being released with the general availability of Windows 8. The Windows 8 Pro Surface would hit store shelves about 90 days after that. Initial availability will be through Microsoft's stores and select third party retailers. Likely Amazon.com, Best Buy, etc.

Price speculation has ranged from $500 on up with the Windows 8 Pro being the higher priced of the two. At this point, pricing is anyone's guess and Liveside.net is seeing the ballpark pricing as $399/$499 (32gb/64gb versions) for the RT Surface and $799/$999 (64gb/128gb versions). We would hope the ballpark is a little smaller but $399 for a 32gb Surface isn't too bad. Is it? In fact, over at Techie-Buzz, Manan Kakkar notes that even at $599 it's a steal compared to an iPad:

WP Central

Oh...there's one more rumor circulating about the Surface's release. Initially, the Surface will only support Wifi connectivity. Bloomberg is reporting that initially the tables will go on sale without a connection to mobile-phone networks. This isn't necessarily a bad thing in that a) it will allow Microsoft to keep the cost down and b) you won't have wireless carriers potentially delaying the initial release. Models with cellular connections would hit the market at some point after the initial release.

You can also read TechRadar's early "review" of the Surface. Overall, they seem to like it.

So...we leave you with two questions. What would be a competitive price for the Surface and is "Wifi only" a serious limitation or not a big deal?

Thanks, everyone, for the tips!

George Ponder
George Ponder

George is the Reviews Editor at Windows Central, concentrating on Windows 10 PC and Mobile apps. He's been a supporter of the platform since the days of Windows CE and uses his current Windows 10 Mobile phone daily to keep up with life and enjoy a game during down time.

159 Comments
  • Not a big deal being WiFi only for me as long as the Lumia 800 gets internet sharing soon. The Windows RT version can't be much more than the new iPad we all know that. Pro version can afford to be about a third more expensive again
  • Here here
  • What does Wi-Fi only matter? The Surface running Windows 8 Pro supposedly runs like a laptop, and not many laptops have 3G/4G built in.
  • Agreed. Cellular internet options, at least here in the US, are insanely expensive so that cellular hardware would mostly go unused for me. If I do want something, I'll be happy to USB dongle it.
  • Ya i totally agree, the instant i read wifi only i went, "isn't there a usb port anyways that you can stick a usb sim adapter anyways?" probably cheaper too
  • Big deal for me... U should not rely on another gadget for internet... Make it standard on all models
  • Why pay for 2 seperate data plans when you don't have to?
  • Good point
  • I don't know about the US or UK, but here in Germany I'm using one dataplan for both my HTC Arrive and my iPad.
    I think you guys need to think a little out of the box. In other countries you don't have to pay for two plans to use mobile internet on your tablet and your smartphone. So this won't be a problem. Battery life of those smartphones already is tight, I don't want to sacrifice more of that for thetering. I also don't want to have to use an external stick either. So no mobile Internet will probably be a no buy for me. In my opinion those tablets need mobile Internet. In my case, the Pro Version, I don't want to pay a load of many and still dont have the imo basic elements. In the other case, the RT Version, most of the users are buying those for the basic surfing while on the move. They also don't want to handle with another external hardware. That makes things too complicate for them.
    So why don't offer both? One without, and another more expensive one with the module?
  • But the 4G USB dongle (LTE, or 3G for that matter) could easily be upgraded to "5G" and keep your same Surface! Why bother with hardware internals? German duplex data plans will make you spend, change, configure, etc. a new Surface if they upgrade them, wouldn't them? I also could not care less about Carriers blocking updates, get them straight from MS via wireless, could not get any simpler! So it keeps up with the pace, makes me spend less cost and time, and is way too easy! Even the carrier would give out the “New higher speed” USB dongle for free! (As long as you renew the contract).
  • Even better: do not provide any internet connectivity. That can make it cheaper and people will not waste time surfing. The resources saved by Microsoft can then be spent on developing Microsoft Windows 9, which can depart from any old systems so dramatically no upgrade will be possible. Or necessary, so Microsoft might save time and resources. Even without wi-fi it is going to be much better than iPads or Android devices!! Seriously, guys - get real or you will become history!!
  • WiFi is fine for this reason I don't want it tied to a carrier like att I like freedom. And al those taking about a dongle they also sell those hot spot devices that let 8 people use it and it doesn't need a dongle or USB port and can be cheaper than the built in options that's what I plan on doinging
  • I would personally not buy the cell version as WI-Fi + ATT Nokia Lumia 900 with internet sharing will allow me to use the internet when needed.  For only $20 more I get to share 5gb with surface. Wi-Fi will all I need and the reason I purchase a Wi-Fi only ipad was because I shared that as well.
  • I've got a Lumia 800 which on T-Mobile UK was left behind as far as tethering is concerned. I do have an Android tablet and need to revert to my HTC HD2 or use my wife's wildfire to go online. Adding an extra piece of hardware with its own battery will make life more complicated but MS can try. Instead of being competitive they bet on being innovative. Well, I am quite sure Apple and Google will try being both. MS hasn't learned much from their past failure in the cell phone/tablet world. I honestly wanted both Nokia and Microsoft to succeed, now I can see they may stay afloat but are heading for a niche position selling stuff to their hard core fanboys mainly. I doubt I will be one of them unless by the Autumn they come up with Windows Mobile 8 Lite. I don't care about wiping my phone clean, I have a SkyDrive backup of my contacts guys.
  • Fix this app it keeps crashing when there's a tile update
  • I completely agree w/Jay. All the places I go to already have free WiFi. And if I'm not in a WiFi hot spot, then I have my wp7's internet sharing. This all so awesome!
  • And on T-Mobile UK it hasn't yet. I am quite disappointed with Nokia's not enabling it by default, the initial battery disaster and poor sound quality (both problems were rectified later but why were they there in the first place?). I am quite disappointed with MS semi-abandoning Lumia 800 and if I stay with them I don't think it's gonna be on any of Nokia phones for me. They can probably still win me over persuading MS to give my Lumia WM8 Lite or sth like that. WM 7.8 is too little and too late.
  • I like the pricing here I come 128 GB if it's true
  • WiFi only is how I like it and $500 for 32 would as the highest I will go if they want me to get it on launch.
  • I wouldnt want one with mobile anyway. Can always find wifi or tether to my new wp8 phone if needed.
  • ipad + power book or ultrabook price is MUCH HIGHER than a single win8 tablet that does both things.
    ipad is a losing proposition if you care about money.
  • I like WiFi only. I can tether with my phone and save the extra data package.
  • WiFi only is great idk about the rest of ya but I really don't want to pay for another overpriced data plan and the prices sound like there on par with all the other tablets out there so not a deal breaker. But as we all can agree cheaper helps us all :-D
  • Wifi only doesn't matter.. it has a USB port.  If you want 3g\4g, use a dongle.
    Price will be 499/599 32/64 RT, and 899/999 64/128 Pro versions.
    These are just my guesses.  The pro versions could be even more expensive, but I don't think they can afford to have any higher prices for the RT then what I listed.  Plus the Keyboard\Covers are going to be extra.
  • Your dead on. Next iPad will be 32gb $499. Surface accessories will be extra, im thinking $69.
  • http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/about.aspx
     
    scroll down a little... By the way it is written I think the keyboard is definitely included with the surface
  • Maybe, but the fact they're showing it in a range of colors implies accessory.
  • Well, since this will only be availible at MS Stores and MS Store Online perhaps you will be able to chose the color you want when you make your purchase.
  • Yes, true about purchasing the color you want. Would be even better if hey would just include the color you want at the time of purchase, rather than having to shell out extra for he color you want.
  • It was discussed already that the keyboard will come with the Surface, not extra and the color choice is there with no charge, this is done to be competitive with ipad and other tablets. Now with pricing it'll be even more competitive so they will drive the prices down to about 399 for the basic model and probably around 599 the Pro. This will make their product even more competitive and it will drive the market down. Since there is only WiFi, this is the best solution for not just profit but marketing, This is the only possible way for the Surface, Win8, and MS to make a big splash in the world of electronics and change the way we compute, making them the #1 choice again for all your electronic needs, plus who can forget the new WP8 and the next years release of Xbox 720 making them the best ecosystem one step at a time! Then again this is my opinion lol.
  • I am glad it is WiFi only. I'll tether via lte in my 900 of I want cellular. Given that most other 32 GB tabs launch between $499-$599 I think $399 is tremendously fair. At $799 I just may get a pro though. All depends on heat and battery life.
  • $399 for a 32gb RT would get my money, more than that and I'll have to wait. 
     
    Lack of mobile data is no big deal at all, either share on your phone or purchase a mobile hotspot and be just as happy.
  • Ya right. iPad 16GB is $499.
  • iPad is overpriced. You can get netbooks for $500
  • And yet other large manufacturers struggle to match the iPad price points. Don't fool yourself - the iPad is more aggressively priced than you think.
  • I know I'm dreaming, but that is the price of would take to get me personally to bite. I also think something drastic has to be done to break into the tablet market ot else its doomed. With low rez screen it may be possible? Still hoping anyway as i want this to do well.
  • I am dreaming too. Would bite without question at 400
  • Adding mobile wireless only allows the carriers to gouge you with ridiculous data plans. Thats why I have tethering on my phone plan which amount to basically the same thing so why complicate the tablet side?
  • Its got a USB port. Therefore WiFi only is not an issue. Dongles!
  • When did they say the keyboard cover was being included for free? At $399 I would camp out for it.
  • I doubt that WiFi would be a problem, so many phones can make hotspots now. I would go 64gb RT
  • is this a joke? a tablet is used mainly ofr mobility reasons...another bad mistake after abandoning windows mobile users and windows phone 7 users. there is something wrong in microsoft
  • Say what now?
  • What the fúck is your problem? If you want cellular data use a dongle or tether.
  • my windows phone cant and i dont want rely on another device. they should make another sku.
  • Sorry, had to quote myself... "the 4G USB dongle (LTE, or 3G for that matter) could easily be upgraded to "5G" and keep your same Surface! Why bother with hardware internals? Duplex data plans will make you spend, change, configure, etc. a new Surface if they upgrade them, wouldn't them? I also could not care less about Carriers blocking updates, get them straight from MS via wireless, could not get any simpler! So it keeps up with the pace, makes me spend less cost and time, and is way too easy! Even the carrier would give out the “New higher speed” USB dongle for free! (As long as you renew the contract)"...
  • There's always one bad egg
  • Trolling on a fanboy site means people are getting scared of us!
  • I don't think aznable-r knows how computers work.
  • Is this a joke?......is that he's dumb
  • I agree... Tethering with mobile drains battery... Dongle is lost or forgotten... At least by me. Pro users need this and so do normal users... MOBILITY
  • Shut up idiot
  • agreed, MS thinks it's the 90's and it's them plus a little bit of insignificant competition - do they want to go the Nokia way and struggle? They should learn the MS Office/OpenOffice.org/LibreOffice lesson better, success is not something they need to take for granted. Not spoiling your customers, forgetting the "give them more than they expect" rule will bite. Apple fanboys are more determined to overlook Apple's weaknesses, MS and Android supporters want quality of both the product AND the services and MS treats their customers a bit too harshly - look ar the Vista/7 trick. Did it pay? I doubt it. VISTA SP3 would gain so much customer loyalty.... It's so simple - you care for me, I trust you, you want to milk me - I will look at what your competitors have to offer. Once again - it's not the 90's anymore with little competition, weird command-line Linux, a niche MacOS customerbase etc. You'll probably learn that truth the hard way, Microsoft! You won my support with WM 7.5 but have lost a lot of it practically abandoning the support of Lumias.
  • They did not abandon the Lumias, get some reading comprehension
  • WiFi only, don't want anything else. I will be buy Pro, anything less than $1000 works for me. Will probably get 2.
  • Why 2?
  • He wants to connect it end to end like the courier. ;)
  • I know I'm buying one for myself and one for the wife
  • How exactly did WP8 news take the wind out of Surface?
  • I dont understand this either.  It is the same company and both products are expected to work with each other. 
    Odd speculation there.  They also mentioned how it would work with the surface a few times during the presentation. 
  • For me, i already pay a ton for my cell , i would of gone wifi only anyway..
     
    I am considering the Pro, hopefully it is south of $700 :)
  • "would have" or "would've" not "would of"
  • I agree, that price would be great, and WiFi all the way!
  • LOL, dongles, might as well go with USB modem. Only worth $399 if is WiFi only. For $599 I would expect 4G and multi network support (ATT, TMO, Sprunt or Verizon).
  • Agreed... But your price is unreasonable... This isn't only an iPad killer, but a MacBook killer:)
  • Nice!
  • I am already thinking “5G”, so the USB 3.0 MICRO dongle would make me save time (configuring a new Surface), money (why change Surface when Carriers upgrade speeds?), and the hassle of Carriers blocking OS upgrades. iPad/Android 3G/4G is so 2010sh!  
  • WiFi only works. I carry a midi device of I need connectivity. For 32gb, $399 is fair. I would hope to see the high end pro version go for less than a grand to get the geeks out in droves.
  • $399 is a good price for the 32gb RT. An Acer Android 32gb tablet with a Nvidia Tegra 3 is the same price
  • For the sake of my wallet, Wi-Fi only is just fine. :) It's SO EASY to burn through data on 4G, and another device that does it would be a nightmare for my pocketbook.
  • Me. Never bought a tablet so this would b my first, say 345.99....wifi only
  • I only want WiFi. If I can get the 64GB RT version for 599 or less, I'll jump on it
  • Wifi only is fine with me. No need for extra expenses when I can use my cell phone for tethering. I will go with the Pro unless my pocket is not deep. he he he
  • It has USB ports built into it, data anywhere can be had by tethering or data stick. Plus my internet company is building out a wi-fi network so I can get free access anywhere soon.
  • Pro is my next laptop. So excite, bummed about that three month delay.
  • wifi only all good for me
    i made the mistake already before when I got an iPad with 3g. never used it because I already had a mifi device from work. Now, I have a 4g mifi from work as well as ICS on my Lumia 900 (sadly also the feature that has caused celldata/wifi connection issues).
    anyway, pro version please!
  • I'm great with haveing WiFi only.  Don't need another wireless plan.  I'll go as high as $599 for the 32GB if indeed the case is included.  If not then it needs to be $499.  But then again when you consider that it has Office 2013 bundled then I think it's still a bargin at $599 vs the 32GB iPad.
  • Personally I'm planning on grabbing an RT and a Pro when they come out.
  • I was wondering about that myself. A Wi-fi Surface Pro for home and if Nokias delivers like I think they will then a Nokia RT might be in order as well.
  • Yep. Me too. Rt for personal use, pro I'll get my boss to pay for. Guess rt also support multiple users, which I find a big problem with andeoid/ipad - need to be able to share the device, but not my email account, nor my windows store credit card.
  • The Surface comes with a USB port, why lock into expensive carier contract when you can buy a USB 4g dongle and use it. Gives you the freedom of also switching cariers especially when abroad. I wouldn't buy a built-in 4g tablet even if MS offered one.
  • No big deal. I was just going to tether it to my lumia 900
  • No worries about the 3G as long as you have a USB port you are good to go with an mobile internet stick from the provider of your choice.
  • Oh hell yeah... $399.00
  • I'd go WiFi only and tether to my Lumia 900 because I wouldn't want to pay for another data plan. I'd be willing to pay $1,000 for the 128Gb Pro.
     
  • Wireless is not needed.. I know people who have ipads and non of them have a 3G one.. As for price.. I would think being $50.00 or $100.00 less than iPad would be the best way to go.. Also, I been very critical about this.. Microsoft should come out with marketing that makes sense to show why having surface will make things better than the competition..
  • Pro for me $800-$1000 would be ok don't really care about WiFi only, there are so many ways to connect.
  • $999 for 128 GB with keyboard would be good, but I bet it is more like $1200. $450 for 32 GB RT would work and I bet it is within $50 of that. I plan to get the pro or something like the yoga, will wait til not are out. If they make a 7" RT tablet for less than $300, I will be all over that
  • WiFi only not an issue, I rather to spend my $ to get a separated MiFi device to share the internet connections for my pad and notebook, sometimes for my phone too
  • Wi-fi only is fine, and 599 is ok IF it comes with the keyboard
  • I just want to know about NFC. Especially so, after the WP8 demo.
  • It has NFC.
  • Where did you hear that?
  • LIKE THE iPad a Future version will get 4g LTE so no biggy
  • I'd op for the wifi model only anyway. No way am I paying extra for a whole nother data plan.
  • Perfectly fine and prefer wi-fi only. I'd buy a pro 128 GB at 999 in a heartbeat. At 799, I'd get one for the wife too.
  • WiFi? Only planned on using at home. 32g? Plan on streaming only. Only Metro apps? Barely use desktop programs as it is. Needless to say I'll be getting one day one.
  • No competition no matter what the price. Office makes it a work computer, not a toy.
  • Since Office is on the cheaper RT and not on the Pro, doesn't seem likely the Office included with RT is just the same starter version on other new pc's?  Or have I missed the part where it is also on the Pro?
  • The version of Office on the RT is the full version of Office Home and Student which includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint and OneNote.  That's pretty much a $100 value right there.  This and the keyboard cover makes the SurfaceRT a bargin at $599.
  • I went out to look for more info on the RT version, thanks for the push.  I wonder why they won't include a free version for the Pro, though I suspect irritated hardware partners demanding it for their devices as well might explain it.
     
     
  • The devices look great, the prices Might be ok, Depending on where they sit finally.
     
    I really want the numbers, Video card, what type of support for devices, battery life.... REAL WORLD battery life results.
     
    If these devices hit and they last 2 hours...they aint worth it...
  • They will be equal to the iPad if not longer
  • Like I said, real world.  If you have ever been a road warrror with a notebook and a PDA on the road, you would know what I mean.
     
    "Claiming" it will be like the iPAD and actually lasting as long with good use is another story...
  • I'll be honest with you, I would expect the battery life to be a bit shorter since I would be using it for more the reading news articles and playing games......ie ipads and current tablets.....i be doing all of the above plus productivity :-D
  • No probs with wifi only, will probably get the Pro and tether it to my WP8, how does that sound? :)
  • So is it confirmed that the cover comes bundled now?
  • If those prices are true, this will do crazy well.  I would be really surprised to see that pricing however, but who knows.
     
    And yeah WiFi only for me, just get a USB modem if you want a carrier service.
  • My only concerns are when i can buy one and UK availability. Got a feeling some markets will be left out to pacify OEMs.
  • I have an iPad that is 3g enabled if I want and every time I've rebooted it I still see the no sim card inserted notice:) In other words, I regret buying the 3g version as I've never needed to use it. In a pinch I've used my Focus as a hotspot but that was maybe once or twice in over a year. 500$ or less for the rt version is a steal. Around 1000$ for the pro and its officially an ultrabook killer. Saying iPad killer seems like an irrelevant comparison to be honest. The capabilities are far beyond what an iPad can do in all aspects.
  • Until we see the next iPad of course. I can't see apple taking the steps Microsoft has regarding their OS to create a truly universal ecosystem though. iCloud is as far as they'll take it right now
  • Wasn't there something about Jobs (or maybe Cook) saying that full OS on a tablet was a bad idea and MS would fail? If memory serves
  • $399 for the 32gb Surface RT?!?!? SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!
  • This.
  • I doubt that it will be coming at that price.  I'm thinking $499 is the best we can hope for.  That said, If it did come at that price I hope they make enough to keep up with damand because that thing would sale like crazy.
  • GIVE ME WI-FI ONLY PLEASE! I hv enough bills already...
  • I think those prices sound good, I'm ok with WiFi only. Think I might go pro
  • @$599 This thing is almost dead in the water (I don't care if it has 32GB of memory - you can give it 16 GB since it has mSD (or SD?) expansion.  Office replacements for tablets is a $20-30 feature (Docs to Go, etc) not $150 like full Microsoft Office on Win 8 Pro Version.  If it's really $599 it will be dead in the water for the consumer (and you can get a low end ultrabook at this price) and maybe it will have some success for business (but they will most likely go for the Win 8 Pro version @ $799-$899.  I would be very interested in this @$399-$499 - @ $599 no interest - couldn't care less about integrated mobile data (although a lot of people are buying the 4G iPad).  Let's not forget about the iPad 2 @ $399 - this is also a competitor and don't forget about Apple's strategy of going down market (3GS, 4, 4S and now "new" iPad @ $499 and iPad 2 @ $399).  Everyone needs to look at this from a business and consumer perspective and when a business buys Thousands (or even Tens of Thousands of units) then $50-$100 makes a big difference AND for consumers these items are going to be side by side in Brick and Mortar (think Best Buy) stores for people to look at.  Hope it starts @$399 (even if the keyboard is separate).
  • Stop talking like a cheap loser
  • Wow, what a bunch of useless babel.
  • LOL.  Grownups with work to do use Office.  If you want to write a term paper on your iPad, then, yeah, I guess you have alternatives.
  • I think its going to be chaper :) But  It needs 3G/LTE support  Matter of Fact All Windows 8 (tablets, phone, PC)  Need 3G/LTE support  Maybe MS might partner with AT&T
    And release it for cheaper :) It's still a great product Regards,
    Based_Graham@twitter
  • It really dosen't but I'm sure the OEMs will release tablets with 3G/LTE.
  • It does not need cellular data, ever heard of tethering?
  • Surface tablet is so twice better than crappy useless ipads. Finally a tablet I can do my work like using a desktop. I have feeling surface will make big sales this holiday season.
  • Wifi is at the most time ok but think about : your laptop have only WiFi too. U can connect it with a mobile stick from o2 because there are USB ports :)
  • These WiFi only articles are being perpetuated by the carriers who won't be able to foist their outrageous data fees on people.  As the table shows, this will be a steal for anyone with a semblance of intelligence.  I can't help the sheeple who will buy the iPad blindly.
     
     
  • These WiFi only articles are being perpetuated by the carriers who won't be able to foist their outrageous data fees on people.  As the table shows, this will be a steal for anyone with a semblance of intelligence.  I can't help the sheeple who will buy the iPad blindly.
     
     
  • I would pay around 1000 for the Pro version, and around 500 for the RT version. If the pro versions was cheaper I would definitely be happy though too :D
  • Planning on the 64 gb Pro myself. $899 would be lovely, $999 would be acceptable. With some pain I'd spend $1,099. I doubt they'd do that, though. The change to quadruple digits makes a huge shift in consumer perception. I'm largely hoping they go the game console route and sell at a small to negative profit margin, as it would be nice for me, and furthermore, push more W8 units into homes. Realistically MS has enough money to do that, and it would be good for MS, though perhaps not their OEM partners.
  • That's the thing though MS dosen't have to sell alot of these surface tablets because there will be other models on the market.  MS will sell these exclusively through the MS Store both online and brick and mortar and will consider them premium units.  I think $599 for the SurfaceRT is a good premium price.  To much for you? Then you can still buy the cheaper Acer, Nokia or Toshiba model.  On the high end with the Surface Pro you'll have tablets from HP, Dell and Asus.  Plenty of choices and price points.  Well, that's my thoughts on it anyway.
  • People seem to be forgetting that there will be other Windows8/RT tablets on the market.  These will come at different price points, sizes, and with/without 3G/LTE.  The sucess of the Windows 8 Tablet doesn't rest on MS alone.  I think they will do quite well this holiday season.
  • Personally, I don't care about cell. WiFi is fine. Additionally, as long as it's not more than base equivalent of iPad I wouldn't feel "bad" as I'm sure to enjoy the interop between the rest of my windows/ xbox/ wp7-8 investments.
  • Wi-Fi only. And from reading the comments, I can see many agreeing as well. Internet sharing on Windows Phone has made this simplier, too.
  • I'd love to see a 16GB version for $299. I'd buy like 4 of those, 1 for living room, 1 for bed room, 1 for the bathroom and 1 for the guest. Might have to rely on Xbox hand and voice gestures for the bathroom one. :/
  • Can someone please tell me why CNET reports Microsoft news? All they do is post negative articles. Today's article is title, "MICROSOFT SURFACE CRASHES VIDEO GOES VIRAL"! I'm sure they put it out there as well. I've seen many product introduction where Steve Jobs had issues when demoing ipads, etc. So this is nothing new, so other than hatred, I can't figure out why they're so negative toward MS
  • Just a bunch of haters.
  • The current version of Windows 8 does crash alot; It has completely crashed on both my laptop and my desktop for no reason. Hopefully this will be addressed before the final release.
  • It crashes a lot for me as well, but none of it is actually the OS's fault. Mine crashes because of the graphics driver I have. Same thing happens to my brother and he has a better model than I do. ATI needs to fix their Win 8 drivers. Those are the only crashes I have seen.  Who's your GPU from?
  • Were you using a laptop with adequate specs? I'm using a latitude 1310 & XPS 15Z without issue on both consumer preview & release candidate. Inadequate hardware could be your issue
  • This is so much more than an iPad. In so many ways. I just hope the general public sees this. They need to advertise the hell out of this and windows phone 8. I think Microsoft and the carriers were waiting for this. Even the manufacturers. This changes everything. Microsoft has the potential to lead the tech world. IOS looks pathetic next to windows OS.
  • $399 or $499 if it really wants to compete seriously. If so I would consider buying one $599 no way.
  • Wow! I think that is some seriously aggressive pricing. If Microsoft sells the 128gb for $1000 I will be the first in line. My small business could really take advantage of what they could potentially do.
  • wifi only is not an issue at all for me, would not buy a serparate 3G plan for it anyways so fine if first surface models are wifi only.  Will be buying one first day the PRO model is released.
  • WIFI only? That's great....
    Its not like most WP7 don't have the "Internet Sharing" ability is it.... And more likely WP8 will have the same. Plus, as like many others said; there are plenty of free WiFi hotspots. Either way, the prices seem to be a steal in my eye!!!
    And with the amount of people who I know have said they're eager to get off the Apple bandwagon since both Surface AND WP8 has come out
  • WiFi hotspots are becoming more ubiquitous by the day. Don't need inbuilt 3/4g in the Surface.
  • No way in hell I'm getting another data plan. Carriers can suck it. WiFi for me. :)
  • WiFi only is perfect. No need to pay for another data plan. My main question, is Microsoft looking to make this an international release or just sold in the US like the Zune. I'd pick up a Pro 128 if released in the UK.
  • Pricing needs to be comparable to the iPad 2, because it doesn't have the screen of the new iPad.
    I don't get why companies produce tablets that match the iPad price. Everyone knows that you pay a premium for Apple hardware, so putting something out at the same price point is never going to be a winning stategy. You only have to look at Android tablets to see this.
    The other problem is that the app store for the Surface is going to look pretty weak at first against the iPad.
    So I think the 32 GB RT model needs to be $399 at the most (same as the iPad 2) if its going to gain any traction.
  • Agree with the comments on WiFi only. I'm in Singapore and the standard data plan here is 12GB/month, of which I use less than 1GB. Internet sharing works perfectly on my HTC Mozart so I'd cerainly have no need for a 3G option.
  • I have LTE-capable WiFi sharing on my Lumia 900, so I'm good with the lack of cellular data for Surface (or any other tablet or laptop, for that matter).
  • WiFi-only is what I want. I will be selling my Macbook Air & buying the Surface Pro.
  • I will buy the pro definitely worth it. No need for an iPad or Android tablet there only media players & they will never be an actual computer.
  • I'm getting this!! As long as it read flash drives, u don't need much on board memory. They sell tiny USB drives the size of Logitech's micro receivers...
  • Please, please n please again, we don't want any cellular chip inside. We'll tether or use USB dongle. For once save us from the carriers.
  • Pro version should have cellular. If Im paying that much more, and waiting 90 days, launch it with at least one mobile carrier.
  • Surface RT: $399-$529
    Surface Pro: $ $699-$829 Lack of WiFi for initial release is not a deal breaker.
  • I do not feel happy
  • Regarding extra dataplans for a LTE/3G connectivity...
     
    In Denmark where i live, you can split your data (10GB usage pr month) from your phone to an extra simcard for $4.99 on my subscription ($60), and if i choose an more expensive subscription the extra simcard is free (20GB). So I would consider a 3G/LTE option, for being connected all the time, not thinking of thethering my Lumia 800, and the battery drain going with it...