Well this could be quite interesting. Engadget reports today that they’ve heard that Microsoft’s upcoming Surface for Windows RT tablet, the one using an ARM processor, will be priced at $199.
According to an inside source, a session was held at Microsoft’s recent TechReady15 conference in which all the launch details were laid out. If things go according to the plan detailed then, the Surface for Windows RT tablet will be launching October 26th —no surprise there — at a compelling price of $199.
That MRSP, almost certainly lower than Microsoft’s own cost, would line it up against the Nexus 7 and even the Kindle Fire.
It would also put it in the same lower end price bracket where the iPad Mini will be placed if and when it is released later this year. We had previously been hearing much higher guesses for the Surface RT price – I think $199 is the level it needs to be at to have any real chance of having some market impact. It will still have a huge uphill battle on its hands in terms of apps and ecosystem when compared to the iPad, but this sort of price tag should at least give it a bit of a fighting chance.
I’ll certainly pick one up to look at if this rumor proves true. How about you all? What are your smaller tablet purchasing plans, if any?
