Too much or just right?
This morning Microsoft announced the pricing of the Surface RT tablet, which will come in at $499 for the 32 GB base price with the keyboards coming in extra. If you opt for a 64GB version with a Touch Cover, you’re looking at $699.
So far, reactions have been mixed as most people were expecting something more dramatic for the price (and those earlier $199 rumors of course did not help). We’re okay with the price because we know Microsoft could not undercut their OEM partners who would have surely bailed on making their own tablets if Microsoft was going to exploit their obvious advantage.
But we want to know what you think. Has that $499 price tag dissuaded you from your purchase? Was it in line with what you were budgeting anyway? Take the poll and let us know your decision in comments. Poll closes in 24 hours. Mobile users can jump to m.wpcentral.com to vote on their phone.
Reader comments
Poll – Has the Surface pricing changed your decision to purchase?
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Was in Microsoft mothership in Austin yesterday and not even the 'softies had a Surface RT, so Microsoft is playing it very close to the vest with this entire release season. It was in the slide deck during our partner training but there was not any physical Surface tablets available to play with. They seem to understand how "leaks" occur and know that it's hard to innovate from behind the 8 ball. Seems that only some of the core MS Phone folks and of course the Surface Development folks are being issued these at this point.
On another note, the "Office 2013" software is now being re-titled from within to "The New Office". One of the presenters specifically said that they are re-branding it going forward, which is nice because the 2013 and other "year-branding" tags need to go away as they've done with the OS. The reason is that Office 2013 is being brought fully into the Office 365 SaaS model, so Office will go from an off-the-shelf software package we buy every three years and update via Service Pack a year later to a full-blown constantly updated software-as-a-service offering like 365.
To bring this back to point, in light of this "New Office" knowledge, that pricing makes a lot of sense for the non-power user who just needs apps, internet, and lives in the MS Office world during daily business. By the way, the "New Office" is exactly what a lot of partners have been asking for. Very smart, time-saving, and less need for menus with full Bing integration for maps of addresses and auto-detection of meeting suggestions and coordination. ;-)
I have no problem with the price. For $599, I get a 32GB Surface RT with a nice keyboard cover. I also own a 32GB iPad. It was the same price at $599, but I had to pay another $40 for the smartcover, which doesn't have the keyboard function. The Surface RT is a better deal, and that is even before you consider that you can add storage via SDXC card. I'm assuming that the SD slot will also allow for photo ingest, which is another $30 add-on for the iPad.
The resolution is lower on the Surface than the iPad, but I don't really care about that.
My opinion is that Windows RT will be far more useful than iOS in the near term and long term. Microsoft took a great risk in designing the Windows RT interface, and I plan on rewarding them for it by buying one of these.
Disappointed in the pricing. I would prefer to see post-Christmas price right out of the gate. $499 for a base model without the always advertised with keyboard is $100 to $150 too much. Since Windows programs will not work and WinPhone7/7.5/7.8/8 apps will not work, I expect another app desert initially. At these price points, sales will not be robust, so app developers can say “I don’t get many requests for a WinRT version, and it is just not worth it. We will keep our eye on it though.”
I do not believe any price point above $249 will encourage any iToy fanboi to forgo their beloved iPad 3 upgrade. At the current advertised prices, very few Android phone users will buy a Surface; they will stick with the Android tablet of the day.
At $349 for 16GB with a keyboard I would have preordered one today. At these too high, and will soon come down, price points, I will wait and maybe even pass completely on it.
I honestly thought it would be cheaper if Microsoft wants to make a dent in the current market. Despite an already competitive presence, Google/Android saw fit to offer a tablet rivaling the price and form factor of the Kindle Fire. Not many people other than those with a TON of faith in MS will be willing to drop such a high price on an unknown commodity, especially given Microsoft's recent failure in the MP3 market (how many Zune and Zune HD owners are feeling serious buyer's remorse?) $499 ($599 w/cover) for a tablet with NO established store, NO established app base, and NO established user base???? Nope, I'll wait and avoid another HP Touchpad fiasco. Maybe in about a year or two, after it has had a chance to prove it won't be a flop, but I'm certainly not paying six hundred big ones for a BASE MODEL w/cover right now....
I'm not saying iOS or Android tablets are better, just MUCH less riskier at the moment, especially at this price...
Lastly, I am so sick of "R & D costs" excuse. That's the same rubbish the oil insdustry force-feeds us to keep gas prices ridiculously high. If a drop of rain falls in the gulf or a camel sprains its toe in the Middle East, they must raise prices to offset possible future losses. Yeah right. Pure rubbish. If our engineers have gotten so incompetent that we must now pay an army of them to come up with one single innovation, it's no wonder jobs are scarce and salaries aren't what they used to be. It's because the quality of worker has diminished greatly, yet their salary demands are higher than ever. Not only that but they are manufacturing these things for pennies on the dollar in China and acting like it costs a fortune to build them. Inflated prices for cheaply produced products. The only ones who can stop this madness is US. That's why I will get a Nexus 7 for $200 this year and might look at a Surface next year... possibly.... Safest bet.
I was figuring on $499 with a keyboard
I know people are bashing on how expensive the touch cover is, but having watched the keynote a bunch of times and all the videos, there is a lot of R&D and prototyping that went into this thing. I mean damn anyone else remember how bad these portable keyboards used to be? Like those weird cloth keyboards.
I dont know why people complain about the price... I mean look at apple IPads you dont dont get SD or USB slots. The only thing better is the screen res which i really dont care about and Im sure most dont. Apple lovers lined up for it and still paid big $$$ so really whats the diff?
If it works for you get it. Simple really.
When I buy a device like this I am looking for something to take almost everywhere. I brought my laptops almost everywhere, and they weighed a lot more than the surface. I expect to bring it even more places...
And I need it to be the best it can be, because it is a tool I am constantly using; a big part of my life. Price points would not deter me from getting one device vs another unless the price difference was at least 200 or 300$. If I find a better hybrid that cost more than surface I'll be happy to pay for it. Right now surface seems the best though.
The iPad is cheaper. When they are on sale at Microcenter you can get one for $449. The base price should have been $399. Poor marketing strikes again. Without a price incentive, they won't sell enough to grab market share from the Android and Apple tablets. What ever happened to the Microsoft that would price their products cheaper than the competition to provide incentive to buy their products?
crrap price! because the RT will be a useless device! it doesn't have any RT app and probably will never have some apps, just like WP doesn't, also can't run photshop etc..... so RT is a big FAIL ......................... I'm waiting for the PRO version, to run x86 apps period!
Yeah, cause I run Photoshop on an iPad and an Android tablet. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING!?
Trololoolololololol! Idiot.
I have to admit that I am somewhat dissapointed with the price. If the $499 version had included the Touch Cover, I would have been perfectly happy. However, I can understand why they priced it as such. Looking at other manufacturers pricing on their RT tablets, I'm sure it would have ruffled way too many feathers of Microsoft's OEM's if they had priced it much cheaper than their offerings.
Having said that, I still put in my per-order. But, I went with the $499 version so I unfortunately won't be getting the Touch Cover, which definitely stinks. I am super excited to get it though and can't wait to get my fingers on it!
It's about $100 cheaper than I expected, but still too rich for my blood. As far as I'm concerned, no tablet (not even Surface) is worth more than $200.
$499 is way too much. If MS doesn't want to piss off their partners then don't make a tablet. $399 should have been the price. I would have pre ordered 2 right now. For the $499/$599 price people will stick with apple for a)known quality and b)apps.
For me I'll stick with my iPad3 until Nokia comes out. Missed opportunity. But that seems to be a theme with MS.
Well not everything can be cheap. Can't believe people expected it cheap.
I think it's reasonable pricing. They want it to compete with the iPad on quality and not just playing the "well this one's cheaper, get it instead" angle of the kindle and nexus. I was obviously hoping for it to be cheaper (350 was probably my sweet spot) but it doesn't make me want one any less. I'll just have to wait a bit longer to save up.
I've been watching the Surface since it was first announced hoping it would be cheap enough to crush those crappy Android tablets and the iCrap, unfortunately it doesn't seem cheap enough :(
IMO the touch cover should be included with all versions and the price should be the same as the one that has no cover, even then its a bit much. I think i'll wait a while or see how much the Pro will cost.
As for people saying the RT is useless, you're right... for now. Yes the RT can't run x86 apps but with MS pushing Windows 8 like crazy, the app store will grow very quickly. I can see many apps being ported to 'that thing formerly known as Metro' as they will run on both PCs and tablets. Great from both a developer and a users view.
Best thing to do is wait a few months. See how well Windows 8 takes off (should be much better in the tablet market) and if RT still looks like a toy, see how much the Pro costs. If prices havn't fell or the Pro costs too much, there are always alternatives (but none that look as sexy as the Surface :P)
Who give for me couple bucks
Thanks Microsoft I'll have a surface tablet but I can't afford the keyboard.
I think the 300 $ prize point would have been in the impulse buy territory. I wouldn't say the 599 is unfair or too high, but it certainly makes the decision of buying one a more deliberate one. I probably wil wait and see what the OEM will come out with. I like the Lenovo Yoga. Let's see if other OEM have similar ideas.
I just paid for the RT what I was hoping to pay for the PRO, but I have no real concerns as this will not replace my laptop for my "computing" needs.
The tablet is specifically for my entertainment needs such as web browsing, Xbox SmartGlass, playing games, watching Netflix etc....
When I want to do programming or graphic art or even word processing, I have a very powerful laptop with a Quad core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM to handle the task.
Yup. If I wasn't going to buy an iPad at that price why this? I suspected this would happen which is why I wish there was a 16gb version. I don't need that storage I have Netflix. Everything is on the damn cloud.
HERE IT GO...
In the box
Surface with Windows RT and Office Home & Student 2013 RT Preview2
Black Touch Cover
Power supply
QuickStart Guide
Safety and warranty documents
BLACK TOUCH COVER IS INCLUDED!! THE COLORED ONES ARE OPTIONAL... WHY CANT THEY MAKE IT AN OPTION TO CHOOSE COLOR U WANT DAMN THIS ARE THE SMALL LITTLE THINGS I HATE ABOUT MSFT...
for $599
Where the hell is my 16 gb $399 version?!?! People who want to use the device for media consumption and are less focused on productivity will be fine with a lower capcity. The "money left on the table" here is really at the low end.
There is no money on the low-end, just ask Amazon, they break even on th Kindle Fire. There is no profit at $200...
No. I'm still getting a 64GB RT, I've paid almost the same price for both my WP devices.
I wanted one, but I really expected it to be cheaper. £249 was my expectation given the price of the Nexus 7.
No change in my decision. I was going with a windows 8 pro so I know the price is going to be expansive.
The crappy thing about this is that I can't go back to the ipad 3 because I sold it and banned Apple. I was hoping that this would be either priced less or had a super high resolution.
So unless the Ativ tab 10.1 is $399.99 or less, I might have to wait until 2013 for the Nexus 10. That really sucks because I wanted a tablet again in time for the winter.
So there's no battery charging unless you purchase a battery charger as an accessory? Tell me it ain't so Joe. :P And no Outlook in the Office 2013? Ever? Hmmm....
Way too much, I could just buy an iPad for that price.
Ordered 4 64Gb versions in the family, its absolutely worth it for the specifications. Office, keyboard, USB, etc. etc.
The $499 with cover would have been a maybe from me. Paying $599 for the 32GB with the cover is a deal breaker. If they have a reasonable price for the Pro, I might buy it.
Already preordered mine! 32gb, 10.6 inch screen with Microsoft's newest OS, seems reasonable when comparing to iPad's entry 16gb model. Apps will come.
I voted yes,
At $300 or less, i probably would have just went for it, but at $599 for it with the keyboard i'll just wait to see what the pro offers.
Right now i have more need for a new laptop than i do another tablet, already own an asus eee pad and hp touchpad. So at $300 it would have been a low risk purchase, at $600 i'm not ready to jump on it.
I know the pro will be pretty expensive, but that's the one I want...
Since there's no Lumia tablet yet, this one would be perfect.
Lowest pre order US price $499. Lowest UK pre order price is £399. Converted from US to Uk surface would cost £310. Where did the extra 90 quid come from. Stuff that. I'm going for another make now. Might even be an iPad!
could have possibly been some kind of tax or fees. That's what I've been hearing.
Add this to the long list of fantastically designed Microsoft products that will be appreciated by just a few people because of poor marketing and pricing.
Where is the: "I was only ever going to consider a Surface Pro" option in the poll?
I am convinced to get one...the Surface Pro.
Surface RT itself isn't attractive for me as it lacks legacy program support. My netbook has them, but I will like something lighter. So Surface Pro it is.
I do not even want office, I'd rather get it $100-$150 cheaper without office please.
I'm not even looking at surface now, I'll wait on iPad Mini prices I guess as I really wanted a smaller screen anyways. Not even been a valid rumor of upcoming 7-8" surface tablets so this may have never been for me. At a lower price with a xbox music sub or somehting I'd have got one just because. Looks interesting, but at this pricing I'll never get one.
Tried convincing work that as the IT guy I should get one for testing to see if we could try it as a company. Price was too high for that even lol, below $300 I can get whatever toy I want - above that I usually need a reason at least and I can't come up with a good one so far for RT. No apps for things I could actually use it for.
Ordered 64GB. Hoped it would have been less, but I was sold at announcement.
I'm in the boat that the touchpad should have been included in every box. I just feel like they missed an opportunity to make this thing THE must have gadget of the year, whereas at its current price it will be just a successful product launch. Sure that's fine and good, and I didn't expect the 199 price, but $500 should include the cover. That cover should be something everyone associates with Surface. Now it's just an addon.
"I'm in the boat that the touchpad should have been included in every box."
You mean the Touch Cover. For a moment I thought you were saying an HP Touchpad should be included with every Surface, LOL!
Hah yeah touch cover. I actually have an HP Touchpad too which may be why I said that to begin with. I still really want a Surface but I may have to wait it out and see how this unfolds against other things in the market. Include the touch cover at the $499 and id be ordering one today. =/
I have a Touchpad as well ;-)
With free office web apps, im not sure "baked in office" has the same $100+ selling point as many commenters are saying
Its going to delay my purchase, I set aside $400 for it so far, so maybe after Christmas.
For £250 (about $400) I can get a full Windows 7 tablet, upgradeable to Windows 8.
Why would I get this over that? Price tag not nearly justified.
Because, it isn't optimized for touch or Windows 8?
Upgradeable, so yes, it will be optimised then.
It's the Acer Iconia Tab W500 if you're wondering.
Problem is, we all got really aroused by the $200 rumor. The actual price (altho reasonable) is giving us all blueballs
..sorry for the ladies out there
What idiots believed that the Surface would ever be priced at $200? Amazon is selling Kindle Fires for $200 at break even. And the Surface has improved harware over that. Do the math.
Why would MS sell the Surface at possibly hundreds of dollars loss per unit?
No need to be so loud. Here, a simple Bing search will refresh your memory. It was a rumor that got a lot of attention - http://www.bing.com/search?q=surface+for+%24200+rumor&FORM=IE8SRC
Pre-ordered mine, bazinga!!
Yeah, looking at the specs this is not for me... I already have iPad 3 (64Gb + 3G) and Surface RT is nowhere as good as that. I'll keep waiting for Surface Pro.
Out of good surprices: BT 4.0, microSDXC support (originally it was rumoured to be only microSD), two microphones, stereo speakers
Out of bad: low resolution, shitty rear camera, lower battery life, only USB 2.0.
Final bit - Microsoft website states following about included Office 2013: "not for use in commercial, nonprofit, or revenue generating activities". WTF?
How is a 720p HD rear camera on a tablet bad? It's a camera on a tablet that shoots in High Definition. Haveing rear camera's on tablets is debatable anyway. 8 hours isn't low battery life. That's a work day's worth of battery life. Unless, you meant lower than the iPad. Also, the Office disclaimer has always been there. I'm not understanding your complaint there.
Yep, changed my mind 100%. Not buying a Surface, for sure.
I was hoping 399$ without cover :(
Too high for me when Google Nexus is $199...I will wait for a touch ultrabook with W8 Pro instead
This.
disappointed. For 500 and 600 this tablet is 100$ overpriced considering the following points. The apps are not there and for someone to purchase this over the pad is not happening. (the masses not Pl on this site, work with me ok) Second, office preview? Office Preview? Are they kidding me. And charging this price without the touch covers which they have been promoting heavily is a mistake when entering a market, which they are with tablets. I can see ppl justifying the pro version for whatever the price will be because it is a full blown pc,but not the RT tablet. I think this is going to be a fail. I'm going to wait for the review and for the price to drop. I'm mostly waiting on the price to drop though, because for me idc about apps as much, I mean I had a windows phone for over a year I obviously don't care about apps.
Now that I think about it, I'll most likely wait for a while to see what Nokia comes out with. At those prices I'd prefer to upgrade to WP8 sooner and check out an RT tablet later.
I wouldn't mind the $499 price tag if it included the keyboard like previous reports said. To be fair, it's still $100 cheaper than the 32GB iPad, but when you throw the extra cost for the covers...
I think I'll wait until the Intel Surface is released to buy one.
I paid more then that for my 32gb touch pad on launch day 600 plus 100 for geek squad so I hope no one complains too much about the pricing 500 is a great price for a tablet
I'm really not trying to be a buzzkill to Microsoft fans, but how is this a better option than the lenvono lynx? For $150 more you get the pro version with twice the battery life (when docked with keyboard). What am I missing? Is it because of the Microsoft brand name? Just surprised there is not much talk about the lynx.
The hardware is compelling.
The OS is amazing.
If they have the apps, this thing is still going to work.
Not to mention: the time is right. The holidays are around the corner. It comes out early enough for first buyer feedback to ignite the other potential buyers.
It's probably a win for Microsoft. And even if the price is too high for some, this will simply redirect them toward another Windows 8 OEM device.
Not buying. Too expensive
I'm definitely in for getting one, just have to check out a couple side by side comparisons in the Microsoft store. There are several great options being thrown out but I would definitely have to say the surface is a strong contender for me right now. As for as the additional add -on keyboard I will probably do the same test it out first and go from there. A lot can be said for having a tablet with a keyboard always present and one that requires little effort to remember to bring along with you, nice move having it double as a cover. That alone justifies the price but function will be the deciding factor. And in regards to possibly getting a kindle fire hd instead of a surface that's not going to happen already tested one out and while it is intriguing not worth the investment.
Im more interested in what Nokia will bring to the table!
Im with you I'm not in a rush for a new tablet and I've been dying to see what Nokia is going to do
It does not deter me from purchasing, but it does defer my purchase. Had it been slightly lower, I would have purchased on launch. I imagine that there are a significant number of people who find themeselves in the same place.
Too much for me.
Yup. I'll wait for the price to drop next year when the Surface 2 comes out. $399 is my limit. In fact, I'd pay for a $399 16 GB version if they had one.
Not at all. One RT for the holiday, one Pro afterwards.
Sure has put the brakes on me
9" Kindle Fire HD with 1080x1920 resoution w/32GB is $383
I guess a gen 2 surface with equal 'retina like' screen resolution would make me move, but the keyboard accesorier is heavily advertised as IF its part of the package...but its not..it $100 more.
Does anyone believe the BOM for a keyboard is 1/5the the price of the entire tablet? MS might be kill some excitement with the $100 add-on ( how is this different from iPad?) as their advertiment leads people to believe its part of the package.
They should put a disclaimer at the end of the commerical with the obligatory fast talking spokersperson.
There is a disclaimer at the end of the commercial that says, "Colors sold separately. Apps from the Windows Store."
This pro is a real steal.
If we are going to judge the price on stupid internet rumors, then I choose to believe in the $999 fake price that Swedish webhallen put on their site a couple of weeks ago. And judging from that price then $499 is a real bargain :-)
I'm getting a surface, as soon a they show up in Sweden.
Only looking at the pro for myself. But I'll have to handle it first hand before I decide to buy one for my fiancé
Poll may be compromised, because some people are voting "Yes" thinking they are saying "Yes, I am going to buy a Surface".
This pricing is certainly within $100 of what I expected. I wish it were lower for market share expansion purposes, but I suspect there is pent-up demand for Windows tablets that will keep demand high through the holidays.
Then those people can't read. I voted no because I will be getting my surface rt. It's still a better device and value then the iPad.
Price is not horrible but it won't deter people from getting/upgrading iPads. Sorry MS, but Apples ecosystem is just too large. I may skip this and use the money towards the Pro.
Yep.
The price isn't what detered me from the Surface. I need a sturdier docking solution than the device provides. I don't always have a tabletop surface to work from.
You can use the Surface on your lap.
That kickstand and softkeyboard will no hold the device upright on anything less than a tabletop
And you will be setting up your docking station on a pile of rocks? Nonsense complaint.
I gotta feeling it's gonna sink like the Zune player Like it or not Apple has this market cornered. A billion more apps. They both are quality products. Why would the average consumer pick the Surface? Microsoft should've used their Xbox strategy and under cut Apple. This is how Microsoft built buzz with the Xbox. It was cheaper than the ps3 so they got it into peoples hands. I hope I'm wrong but at the same price as the iPad it's gonna fail.
Then they would've undercut their OEM partners too. OEMs wouldn't be able to compete with Surface and would find their products languishing on shelves.
Was never interested in an RT tablet to begin with, it's just like an ipad with office what's the point
And don't forget, it will have far fewer apps.
Fewer apps?? Not for long, do remember that the most popular is in the world is about to be released with the same app store. I am 100% confident that the app store will surpass apples in both quantity and quality!
Troll. Because we all know Windows lacks apps :eyeroll:
Microsoft is really pushing that Touch Cover on the ads, to the point that people will think the covers come with the Surface. There's going to be a lot of disappointed people unless Microsoft makes it clear that the Touch Cover DOES NOT come with the Surface.
I have an iPad and an HP Touchpad (dual booting webOS and Android). Don't get used much except to play Netflix, a few games, and maybe use the maps (maps on a tablet are great, btw). I wouldn't get the Surface at $499 unless I really knew I'd be using it A LOT.
I would have purchased one if it were $300, I would have gotten the pro also though. It was never my intent to purchase an RT anyway, but if it was so cheap I would have taken it heh.
Not at all, is there a limit per customer. Wanting to get 4?
Why are so many persons comparing the Surface to Ipads whatever happened to the Asus Transformer, or have we forgotten that it exists?
I am still undecided. Like others if it was $399 I'd buy one just on impulse. Now I'll probably wait and get the pro what I really want.
price is fair and MSFT is walking a fine line with maintaining positive OEM relationships. If it was priced $100 lower, OEM's don't have a chance. I wish there would be a bundled subscription service as was rumored with Xbox Music for a discounted upfront price. It could still happen as this is just MSRP pricing.
As much as I want the Surface, I'll have to wait for the reviews to come in, along with reviews of the OEM devices. The fact this thing doesn't have a cellular data connection might be a deal killer.
They did say months ago that the Surface tablets would be Wi-Fi only. I guess you're just finding out? Or, were you hoping it changed?
Like anyone, I wouldve preferred to get it for cheaper, I had a budget for myself at which scale I will buy the Surface RT without much thinking and this is still within budget.
So still buying!
I'm not in the market for a new computer or tablet, but if I was the price would be OK with me.
Too expensive for me and without touchcover is almost useless...hope the PRO will be around 800 with touch cover...
Inevitable price considering materials, cost, design and patents and hidden costs. In all fairness the price seems right. For me now the proof is in the pudding with its functionality, battery consumption and daily stability of the OS.
Having a separate, higher price point for the covers is mistake. The touchpads might just be sizzle compared to the rest of the device, but it was pretty clear they were a large emotional hook for people. Something they really liked. This pricing has managed to kill that feeling by making them just another iPad like accessory.
Completely agree! Tablets in general are getting too pricey considering how inexpensive the technology is becoming. At least offer the keyboard/cover with the current price. Especially since Microsoft made such a big deal out of this feature in all their hype.
Quit ur bi*tchin'.
When you cram a more powerful computer into a smaller and smaller device the price goes up. Remember when computers were the entire floor of a building on a University campus? The cost increase comes from making that power smaller. Cost is essentially a power to size ratio.
never mind the fact that Microsoft trotted out the touch cover on DAY ONE and implied it was a central part of the package. IN FACT, only recently did they start pulling back info on surface.com that said it would come with a touch cover. This was a last minute decision and it has completely blown their marketing buzz. This thing should have ABSOLUTELY been $499 WITH touch cover. If Microsoft doesn't do at least SOME promotions at stores throwing in a touch cover they are doomed.
No. I think it's fairly priced.
It has NOT Deterred me from getting the 64GB RT Model with the Type Keyboard. I just have to save up more money to get it for my Wife.
When the Pro Model comes out, With the 64GB & 128GB Models, I will be getting the 128GB Pro Model for myself, also with the Type Keyboard.
I figure that both models with the Type Keyboards and any Warranties for them plus Tax might be over $2,000 combined. That still will NOT Deter me from getting them both.
I think the price is not bad, but not good either. I'm more concerned the Pro version will hit the roof in terms of pricing. And that's just the one I'm interested in!
Office or not the OS is just too limiting for me to pay anymore than $300 for any RT device. It will always be a secondary device to me and so really doesn't warrant anything more than throwaway pricing.
iPod touch costs $300...
Yeah that new iPod Touch starting at $299 is ourtrageously expensive. I just don't know who is throwing that kind of money around these days. But for $300 you can get yourself a small Android tablet if all you're going to do is have some fun (games, Netflix, etc).
If you'll be using a tablet to (for the most part) replace a laptop, then the Surface price is more than justified.
+1
It's all about what you'll get out of the device.
I was hoping for $399 w/out touchpad and $499 w/touchpad
Should have been $400 and only $50 for the cover. Oh, well...I wasn't going to get one anyway, I just want to see it do well in sales.
Not feeling to happy about the price now. I wanted to pick up a pro version, but now it seems that it will be over a grand for one of those. Guess I'll wait till all pricing is official and set in stone.
Should have been $100 less or the resolution should have been bumped up to match the ipad.
The price tag was about what I expected (give or take 50 dollar/euro), but I'm also still pretty sure I'm not getting the RT surface :) I really want to get the pro so I can replace my work laptop with it.The only thing holding me back is the connected standby but I have 3 months to think about it :)
Ugh, 3 months. Take my money now Microsoft.
nope.. Hasn't changed my mind. I knew it wasn't gonna be "$299-$399" like people were expecting. But as far as I can't tell, it still comes with more than the cheapest iFad ... I mean Pad
As far as I *CAN tell
It's delayed my purchase, I won't be getting this (or any RT device) until Spring or Summer. Instead, I'll buy an ASUS VivoBook for my regular PC needs (14.1 inch for $699) and pick up the Surface RT down the line when having a tablet becomes necessary.
Not too much, I've been holding off my Ipad purchase so I could stick within the Microsoft ecosystem. The price is right, IMO you get more than what an Ipad can offer and its capabilities is endless.
I too was hoping for a lower price... it won't dissuade me but it does change my immediate plans.
I feel once people can touch and play with it at the new Microsoft stores. The price will become more reasonable. Quality does cost money. I feel the price is about right.
Idk considering how well zunehd did with same pricing as ipods I see another epic fail they eventually fall to like $200 after awhile then I'll get one
OMG stop the presses! We have the prophet himself here speaking only truth!!
Spare us the BS. Everyone not using a Mac will have a Windows PC, everyone buying a windows PC in the future will be getting Windows 8. Everyone will want the same functionality on their tablet as their desktop. Those comfortable with Windows 8 (and there will be many, many more than OSX that's for sure, look at Windows' marketshare) will be comfortable with a tablet with Windows 8. They will likely want it most over the Apple counterpart.
The base model with no accessories (yes, a keyboard is an accessory on a tablet) is the same price as an iPad but offers TWICE the storage. Seems like a good deal to me. Oh, and it comes with Office 2013. Even a better deal. Don't like it? Go get a damn iPad and have fun with iWork...
Ordered and awaiting delivery after the 26th. Hopefully not to long. $499 ($519 CAD) was pretty much to be expected, the cover pricing was higher than I was expecting but I could not do without a Cyan touch cover to match my Cyan Lumia 800. This will be great for school, traveling, living room use and showing off.
+1
I didn't really care to much about about the RT version but $699 for the PRO and it functions like a full desktop, im game. I remember always paying $799-$1,100 for a good laptop, now I'll have something more integrated and cheaper
Considering a 32gb iPad cost what 599? I would say a 499 is perfect price point.
Still getting one for sure. Might wait a bit on a touch cover though.
Yes. It's too expensive for such low end specs and non-existant ecosystem.
Needs at least 1080p and plenty of apps to justify such exorbitant pricing.
Exorbitant pricing? It costs less than the equivalent iPad lol. And 1080p on a 10 inch tablet is so unnecessary. Anyone who says anything else is full of it.
There is a reason that you don't find higher than 1080p on virtually any computer monitor smaller than 27".
The new iPad has a 2048-by-1536-pixel resolution. A much faster cpu/gpu. A better browser. And the most complete tablet app ecosystem out there.
Get a fuckin' iPad then.... Moron!
LOL at calling the iPad CPU faster, and good luck feeding it with half the RAM.
also, ROTFLMAO at calling iOS Safari version better than IE 10. Safari, already the worst browser out there, isn't helped by iOS in any way.
I whole heartedly disagree. Resolution for a work space is priceless. I will not buy any tablet bigger than 7" without ATLEAST 1080p on it. WXVGA would be fine as well. Windows tablets are more catered towards work (Even RT) than iOS is. And thus resolution is worth every penny it may cost you.
Completely agree. I would've accepted the lower resolution at a much lower price point though and gotten a surface. Pity that MS leaves out this chance to grab marketshare with lower pricing. Considering the surface price + keyboard I could easily add 100$ and get a great laptop and with some luck even an ultrabook (which isn't gimped by being able to only run RT apps). Or go the cheap route with an inexpensive android tablet (e.g. acer iconia a210) with the mentioned downside of lower screen resolution, but for the price that's acceptable.
Imo pricing for the surface should be 399$ (at most) without the keydock and 450$ with it.
How much workspace are you intending to use on a 7inch tablet? You gonna split your applications 2x2 on that screen?
Same argument I get from Mac Pro users who scoff at my triple monitor Nvidia Surround setup. They say:
"Pssh! Three 24inch LED monitors that are ONLY a measly 1920x1080, my MacBook has higher resolution than that"
My Response is much the same. At 24 inch, and already spanning almost 5 feet across my desk, I don't need bigger monitors. I also don't need higher than 1080p because I am sitting bloody 18 inches from the screens.
With a price point like that, can someone please tell why I should even consider it when I can have a Kindle Fire HD (8.9) for $299? Now i have no choice but to bank on the Ipad mini having a price point that makes more sense in this already very competitive tablet market. Microsoft and who else is making Windows 8 RT tablets?
Really? All those integrated services that the surface will come with. Office. NOT consumed by unwanted ads. (kindle fire HD). And just overall a better, innovative brand. No its not cheaper, but well worth it.
Do you really think I will be getting a Kindle Fire HD to run it with Amazon's stock version of Android? Man, I might even run Open Webos on there, but that's not the point, it's about having a price point that is more accessible to more persons. I was thinking that it would be more around 399
Well it's all about RT and at that price point it's cheaper than some smartphones. Not sure what you really expected when it comes with all the extras.
I'm sort of confused on how people think MS isn't being competitive here? A 32GB WiFi iPad with a Smart Case and add in a Keyboard, direct from Apple, is $707! A 32GB Surface with the Smart Type cover is $599.
Will have to wait for the MSRP for people in UK....
If in fact the $ represents the costing for a UK user (around £350) then I'm still up for it... Beyond that and I would have to wait for New Year Sales (if UK retailers stocks)
Are there any detailed specs on this yet? Everything Ive seen is really vague! How can we pre order without detailed specs?
The price is perfect, and right where I expected it to be. But the $100 for the touchcover is way too much, so I'll probably go for the $699 version with touchcover and 64GB. Best bang for the buck imo.
and when you look at any ipad keyboard covers that are huge and clunky and cost around the same price its a sweet deal to me
I'm still getting one
Too high for me. It might be worth it, but I will likely get a new WP8 phone before this.
Windows Phone 8 phone? Common man
Hey, that's Microsoft's fault for calling the OS "Windows Phone." Do you want him to say "I'm buying a Windows Phone Eight"? That sounds just as silly.
Sounds better than windows phone 8 phone. I think windows phone 8 sounds right.
Ideally one would say "Buying a Windows Phone" and be done. If someone asks for the version, you'd say "version 8."
No, you still have to follow the rules. You do not say I am buying IOS or I am buying Android. You say I am buying an IOS phone or an Android phone. For example, if I say that I am buying Windows Phone 8 that could mean an accessory or an application. If you use Aubrey's method, that could mean Mango 7.5 or older and you would need to clarify.
The OP's use of an abbreviated "WP8" is fine because you can ignore the "phone" in the branding and look at the letters like a symbol for the operating system.
I guess he could still say I am getting one of the new Windows phones instead, or just say I am getting a Lumia 920 if he is already decided, but I am perfectly fine with his method.
This arguing about semantics is soooo 'Windows Mobile'
No, people ususally say "I am getting an iPhone 5" not "an iPhone5 phone" so saying "I am getting a Windows Phone 8" is perfect without the vestigial second "phone"
Um, WP8 is refering to the operating system, not the phone. You are wrong period.
This is actually a really silly argument.
1) He was typing not speaking. The same rules don’t apply.
2) On the internet we use acronyms and abbreviations when typing. People write “LOL” not “LAUGHING OUT LOUD”
I’d have to say that WP8 is the best way to describe what he meant. He wanted a Windows Phone and not the 7.x but the 8.x.
Good job man!
No, like I said, since the name of the operating system is Windows Phone 8 in full, you have to treat it as so.You are getting a Windows Phone 8 what? Phone? Accessory? Application?
Saying that I am getting a Windows Phone 8 is just as retarded as saying I am getting a Windows or I am getting an IOS.
I am getting a Lumia 920.
I am getting a HTC 8x.
I am getting an Ativ S.
These all work.
I am getting a Window Phone 8.
Sorry, but NO. That sounds absolutely terrible.
Sorry, but NO back to you. "I am getting a Windows Phone 8" sounds perfectly acceptable, and "I am getting a WIndows Phone 8 phone" sounds okay, but silly. A lot of people say that they "have an android" when talking about phones.
Excuse me while I go to the ATM machine to get some cash so I cam keep playing my MMORPG game on my PC computer.
He didn't say "Windows Phone 8 phone", he said "WP8 phone". Big difference. It's just like "DC Comics"...when someone says it, they clearly don't mean for it to be read as "Detective Comics Comics".
I'm still getting one, but the Lumia 920 takes precedence for me, so it gets my pre-order purchase, and I'll order a Surface at Thanksgiving or through work.
If it was $399, I would have just impulse bought one, but I think I'll wait to see the Asus Transformer Book and the Surface Pro since it will have an active digitizer. While the Transformer Book's specs aren't finalized here is what we do know. Between a new device and a potential Lumia 9xx on VZW, I'll wait for the time being.
Core i7 CPU/4000 GPU
4GB RAM
microSD Card slot
front and rear cameras
64 or 128GB SSD
MicroHDMI
KB dock with battery and optional discrete graphics and second HD/SSD
This would make for my ideal Steam gaming tablet since when it is docked it could switch to the secondary graphics card for intense gaming with those games on the KB SSD.
This for less than $1200 would make me very happy.
I'd like to see where that AMD chip based slate shows up. I've heard it supports much better gaming graphics and comes with Blue Stacks. That should be a very interesting Win8 slate.
I'm in the same boat. A digitizer is somewhat important to me. So something running PRO makes more sense if I'm going to have to spend a good chunk of change.
But if RT was $350 it would have been an impulse buy, whether I really needed it or not.
I still plan on getting one, it just may take a little longer for me to save up. Christmas money?
Would be nice if they could sweeten the deal with some of that margin -- $100 credit at the app store? That would also help developers.
+1
I think the price also allows for discounts and specials to take place.
I was really hoping for an extremely competitive $399 but I will still buy one but not until after I get my Lumia 920 :)
+1
Was also hoping for a 399 price for the 32gb model but I also understand MS doesnt want to severely undercut their oem partners (minus maybe Acer).
better pricing than the iPad
Yes. It isn't a terrible price but just too much for what you get. The Windows Store has way too many apps with great stylus support to buy an RT device IMO. Basically I see these RT devices as more PMP type devices, used for internet, music, movies and games.. Which is great, but you can get the Kindle Fire HD which is made for those same purposes for 199.
Just don't forget you get a full-blown copy of Office baked-in too. That alone is $150+.
I don't use Office but that is nice for those that do. I do love OneNoteMX but only because it works great with a stylus, not available for Windows RT devices.
Who in their right mind doesn't use Office??
OpenOffice (LibreOffice now) is a nightmare. Convoluted BS. I use LibreOffice and OpenOffice on my Ubuntu machine and can barely stand it. Office 2010 is a thousand times better.
Hell, I don't "need" Office per se.... but I use it even for minor stuff and have since I was in highschool and Word Perfect was still a legit competitor.
Isn't it a trial version of office?
I thought I read that somewhere.
It's just Office Home & Student 2013 Preview. Doesn't sound like it's full blown at all.
You have to keep reading. Notice the little 1 at the end of the sentence? That denotes you should have a look at the bottom of the page to read the note associated with it. If you had done that, you would have learned that it would be automatically upgraded to the release version, for free, once it was out.
That's just it, as far as I'm concerned - Office is 'baked in' and worth $150...Why not just NOT bake it in and make it an optional purchase, which would thereby drop the base price down to $349?
I realize Microsoft wants to ensure that their core products (i.e. Office 2013) can be had in a one stop shop (SurfaceRT), but I personally consider Office 2013 an accessory, just as the Touch Cover, and would rather have them as optional purchases.
With that said, I am more interested in the iPad mini, as that is the device I was initially looking to purchase due to the size and app variety; if it is priced at a cost that I feel is worth it, I will pick that up in addition to my Lumia 920.
So from what you are saying the Surface RT is no different from the iPad.. well true. but comparitively speaking it's also $100 than the same iPad 3. so how can it be 'Way too much" ??
You can't compare rate a 10.6" Tablet in the same class as a 7" Tablet (especially the pricing), that's silly.
Surface RT is mainly a consumption device, yes, but if you need to do some creation, the tools are there (Office for FREE) that's not on any other device.
If it arrives in the uk at the conversion rate then 310£ is spot on, somehow history tells me it wont and therefore a 499£ price tag is way too high. Time will tell i suppose...
Time already told:
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/pdp/productID.257929400
Don't forget 20%VAT which takes it up to about £380 so £399 seems very fair compared to the mark up on some other products compared to US prices
About $100 more than I expected. Of course, as I'm in the UK, the $499 version could turn out to be twice as much...
Same here. I think I would've been on the "Buy" column if the $499 included the Touch Cover.
How much is the base iPad 3 in the UK? I'd expect it to match that.
Base Surface in the UK £399 same as the base 16GB iPad which is £399 too. and the 32GB iPad is £479 so the Surface for me is good value! :)
It's a good thing I'm saving up my Pesos... Lol.
Yep great value, even for a scouser like me!!
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