Microsoft may sell Surface tablet for as much as $2,150

Towards the end of June, the possible pricing of the highly anticipated Microsoft Surface tablets was revealed. These prices were on the higher side but were comparable to that of the iPad, the tablet Microsoft is aiming to dethrone when they launch their own version of the slate. However, a recent report by WPCentral details the pricing of these tablets. It is a stark contrast of what the price was initially supposed to be. The new prices clearly shatter the older projected prices with the base model being priced at $1,000 whereas the top of the line version of the Surface is priced at $2,150.

In a related report CNET states, “The cheapest of the four models has the price tag of 6,990 kroner, which is $1,002, and the most expensive is 14,990 kroner, equaling $2,150. Of course, the tablets could cost less in countries with a lower cost of living than Sweden. However, the iPad is significantly cheaper in Sweden; in the online Apple Store, the most expensive iPad is 7,195 kroner or $1,032 but the cheapest is 5,395 kroner or $773”.

As of now, there is no official word available on the pricing of the Surface tablets but Microsoft has said, “Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel ultrabook-class PC. OEMs will have cost and feature parity on Windows 8 and Windows RT.”

If Microsoft does intend to launch this tablet at these prices, only the most die-hard Microsoft fans would opt for it. Upon converting the price of the most expensive Surface tablet into Indian Rupees, we see that it is priced slightly above Rs. 1,20,000. The most expensive iPad is available for a lot less, and this would definitely prompt potential consumers from sticking with the tablet market leader than opting for the newly announced Surface tablet.

The report by CNET also states, “The Surface will be different than tablets that just run Apple's iOS and Google's Android, since Microsoft is adding in a special keyboard accessory with tactile keys and a full version of Windows. However, it is still slated to compete with the iPad. That means that besides being slick, pretty, and hi-tech, it also needs to be in a similar price range.”

Here are the hardware specifications of the two tablets:

Surface for Windows RT

•  OS: Windows RT
• Weight: 676 grams
• Depth: 9.3 mm
• Display: 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display
• Energized: 31.5 W-h
• Connectivity: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
• Productive: Office ‘15’ Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover
• Practical: VaporMg Case and Stand
• Configurable: 32 GB, 64 GB 

Surface for Windows 8 Pro

• OS: Windows 8 Pro
• Weight: 903 grams
• Depth: 13.5 mm
• Display: 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD Display
• Energized: 42 W-h
• Connected: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
• Productive: Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block
• Practical: VaporMg Case and Stand
• Configurable: 64 GB, 128 GB

Do share your thoughts on the possible pricing of the Surface in the comments below.