Mike Johnson is a writer for The Redmond Cloud - the most comprehensive source of news and information about Microsoft Azure and the Microsoft Cloud. He enjoys writing about Azure Security, IOT and the Blockchain.
This is the same price as the Ipad, with more functionality, what more do you want?, Anoura I think you should start covering Apple, clearly you dont like MS.
Well – if it was an Apple product.
Don’t Care – But will buy it anyway. Too Low – They are thinking strategically Just Right – Apple always makes sense Too High – It doesn’t matter the product is quality.
It’s actually better pricing than the iPad but still, They blew it with this pricing. They could have really won huge here and now they will not have as much success as they could have. The average user is not going to see the benefits and would want to switch from Apple of Google.
I’m a Microsoft Trainer but I have an Ipad and iPhone. I was hoping for this tablet to be less expensive and buy one to develop some apps to Microsoft store. Microsoft, as it seems, doesn’t want me to do it. I will not buy a tablet for this price when I have already one, with hundreds os thousands of apps and enterprise apps that I use every day, just because the Steve strategy its very bad. If the table was less expensive, lets say 100-150 usd, problably I will buy one for developing at least and after the use… who knows I could switch to Microsoft from Ipad.
Wrong again Mr Steve.
Everyone puts too much emphasis on how the Surface will do against Apple. But I don’t think Microsoft’s primary concern is Apple, because Apple’s tablet market share is already dropping rapidly to Android-based tablets. I rcently read that they’ve gone from roughly 85 percent market share to just over 50 percent in the last year or so. So anyway, my question would be how does the Surface compare to similar Android tablets, and from the little shopping I’ve done, it seems about right. (Although I’m disappointed that the rumors of the $199.00 Surface didn’t pan out, even though that price never came from Microsoft. It was just speculation from the so-called experts.)
I was really thinking about buying one but at this price not a chance. Ya I know it has some better features for the same price as an ipad and it comes with a version of office. But with the RT version it is still limited in full computing fuctionality, the very thing that kept me away from ipads. If I am going to put out over $500 I want something useful not a gadget best suited for updating facebook or posting tweets.
The price is okay, but I would have loved tobsee it at $499 including the touch or type cover. Microsoft will make lots of profits, they could have afforded a smaller net profit margin on thr RT. I definitely will be getting a Surface Pro or the Asus hybrid….though i must admit the surface is the best looking piece of Win 8 hardware
I love the Surface and the Win 8 Tablet Evolution and I’m sick & tired of all the comparisons to Android / iPad. The only thing comparable about them is the form factor. With Win 8 we fianally have an ultra versatile full on computing platform. I have an Asus Prime with Android ICS and I love it but I find it really quite limiting. It’s great for reading emails, surfing and reading magazines (with Zinio) but apart from consumption I can’t really do anything with it. I can’t wait for 8 – Finally I can ditch all my devices and have some real power and function in my bag in a really travel friendly form. I won’t be buyng the Surface RT – I’m waiting for Surface Pro. I’m not concerned about the price beause I’m not looking for an iPad – I’ve been waiting for this convergence of Technology, form and function for a long time now and am glad it’s finally here – and I believe I’m not alone in this. The only thing that may hold me back from buying the surface pro is if Samsung releases the Ativ Smart PC Pro first – in which case I’ll go for it.
There is advantage to not having the complexity of an “ultra versatile full on computing platform.” With great capability comes great complexity, its nice to have a super simple mobile device like ipad or chrome OS. Granted I still have the need for full blown platforms, but I don’t need it in every device.
For a new OS concept I was hoping they would sell the Surface RT for much less, possibly at a loss to get consumers to use the new products. I will still upgrade my laptop to Windows 8, and if it’s really really good maybe I will look at the tablets next year.
When I heard the rumors of a $199 price, I thought that
sounded too inexpensive for a high quality piece of hardware. But I think the RT
pricing should be less than either Android or Apple so prospective buyers don’t
have to think too much. Now I think they do.
I also agree, $100 for keyboard is really a lot. I’m not sure why MS WOULDN’T
want to ship every Surface with their keyboard. I mean, who really enjoys
typing on glass? And this may be the reason they purchase the Surface. But for me, spending $700 for something that
“does not compute” is waste of money. I will wait for the Surface Pro
(although after seeing these prices, I’m concerned what MS is going price the
Pro). But I definitely need a computer, not an iToy.
I would have thought every item to be $100 less, just to undercut the competition…..less time to think about it. Also, the least expensive should also have the keyboard (to give the entry level users a ‘taste’ of what this fantastic keyboard feels like).
Just moved my mom over to a chromebook for security and automated system maintenance. I have to say for a small portable all day battery device I think its pretty awesome, its so simple a zippy you wouldn’t believe it. Anyways for ultra-portables I think I prefer this route over any of these tablet devices.
The pricing is actually pretty decent, but the recent decline in tablet pricing strategies has created a new mindset with consumers. I for one don’t have an issue paying $599 for a 32GB Surface Tablet with cover. I know what I’m getting and understand the value based on my needs. With that said, the average consumer doesn’t care about specs, etc. I’ve seen it time and time again. With that said I won’t be buying a Surface RT, not because of the price, but rather because I’d prefer to own the Pro version.
When you compare the pricing to what you’re willing to fork out for a mobile phone with less screen real estate and less functionality (apart from the ability to make calls) this really isn’t too expensive is it. Think about that people.
Personally I think the price for the tablet is spot on but the Keyboard/Cover should be included at that cost. I think the RT release is more of a test on the market than an actual full release by this I mean the tablet is definately more functional than alot of its competition but microsoft must realise (and hope) that the majority of buyers out there are waiting on the pro. By releasing this version to the market at a slightly higher cost they can see what people are will to pay and then lower it slightly (I hope) for the pro so that they hit the market with a much stronger position. I work as a MS SharePoint pro and the surface tablet is the first one I’ve seen that will actually help me in my work not just look pretty and let me play games, I definitely will be buying one of the Pros but I would like to see it coming in at the £499 mark (I’ll let you guys convert it to dollars, but to give an idea RT is £399)
Just seems like it should be $100 cheaper. They are so late to the market, app support is not there yet, unproven hardware. I have been waiting for the surface to be released and was gonna purchase 2 of these + 2 WP8 devices. Now i think i will just be getting the phones. I really thought MS would have priced them lower then appple.
I too feel the price is an bit high and should include the keyboard as much as they are pushing that feature. I have an iPad and ASUS transformer. I was planning on replacing them both but not at that price or without keyboards. Drop the price and include I would buy. If Microsoft wants people to switch to an untested device and OS then drop the price.
All Comments
This is the same price as the Ipad, with more functionality, what more do you want?, Anoura I think you should start covering Apple, clearly you dont like MS.
I didnt even say anything!!
I just asked for feedback…
LOL
Well – if it was an Apple product.
Don’t Care – But will buy it anyway. Too Low – They are thinking strategically Just Right – Apple always makes sense Too High – It doesn’t matter the product is quality.
It’s actually better pricing than the iPad but still, They blew it with this pricing. They could have really won huge here and now they will not have as much success as they could have. The average user is not going to see the benefits and would want to switch from Apple of Google.
Wow.. i didn’t realize we have tech prophets, who are able to tell the future.
LOL
How much do you think they should have asked for?
$200, $250 max
Thanks.
Good feedback…
I’m a Microsoft Trainer but I have an Ipad and iPhone. I was hoping for this tablet to be less expensive and buy one to develop some apps to Microsoft store. Microsoft, as it seems, doesn’t want me to do it. I will not buy a tablet for this price when I have already one, with hundreds os thousands of apps and enterprise apps that I use every day, just because the Steve strategy its very bad. If the table was less expensive, lets say 100-150 usd, problably I will buy one for developing at least and after the use… who knows I could switch to Microsoft from Ipad.
Wrong again Mr Steve.
But what if you had no iPad?
Everyone puts too much emphasis on how the Surface will do against Apple. But I don’t think Microsoft’s primary concern is Apple, because Apple’s tablet market share is already dropping rapidly to Android-based tablets. I rcently read that they’ve gone from roughly 85 percent market share to just over 50 percent in the last year or so. So anyway, my question would be how does the Surface compare to similar Android tablets, and from the little shopping I’ve done, it seems about right. (Although I’m disappointed that the rumors of the $199.00 Surface didn’t pan out, even though that price never came from Microsoft. It was just speculation from the so-called experts.)
I was really thinking about buying one but at this price not a chance. Ya I know it has some better features for the same price as an ipad and it comes with a version of office. But with the RT version it is still limited in full computing fuctionality, the very thing that kept me away from ipads. If I am going to put out over $500 I want something useful not a gadget best suited for updating facebook or posting tweets.
Interesting to hear…
IT’ll get discounted eventually … I was surprised not to see a 64gb package without cover. Don’t know how to add the Type cover.
Yeah that was a curious choice as well…
I guess they figure that if you have the money…
The price is okay, but I would have loved tobsee it at $499 including the touch or type cover. Microsoft will make lots of profits, they could have afforded a smaller net profit margin on thr RT. I definitely will be getting a Surface Pro or the Asus hybrid….though i must admit the surface is the best looking piece of Win 8 hardware
It sure looks nice.
It will be interesting to see it in the flesh…
ONUORA, please let us know when it goes on sale
It’s available already.
http://bit.ly/Microsoft-Surface-RT-Preorder
What happened to this 199.99 price point we heard so much about?
LOL
That was a theory… and just a rumor.
For this price, why wouldn’t I just get a laptop??? Or even a desktop???
I love the Surface and the Win 8 Tablet Evolution and I’m sick & tired of all the comparisons to Android / iPad. The only thing comparable about them is the form factor. With Win 8 we fianally have an ultra versatile full on computing platform. I have an Asus Prime with Android ICS and I love it but I find it really quite limiting. It’s great for reading emails, surfing and reading magazines (with Zinio) but apart from consumption I can’t really do anything with it. I can’t wait for 8 – Finally I can ditch all my devices and have some real power and function in my bag in a really travel friendly form. I won’t be buyng the Surface RT – I’m waiting for Surface Pro. I’m not concerned about the price beause I’m not looking for an iPad – I’ve been waiting for this convergence of Technology, form and function for a long time now and am glad it’s finally here – and I believe I’m not alone in this. The only thing that may hold me back from buying the surface pro is if Samsung releases the Ativ Smart PC Pro first – in which case I’ll go for it.
There is advantage to not having the complexity of an “ultra versatile full on computing platform.” With great capability comes great complexity, its nice to have a super simple mobile device like ipad or chrome OS. Granted I still have the need for full blown platforms, but I don’t need it in every device.
Lots of people prefer iOS to android for this very simplicity concept.
Fantastic Point!
Thanks…
For a new OS concept I was hoping they would sell the Surface RT for much less, possibly at a loss to get consumers to use the new products. I will still upgrade my laptop to Windows 8, and if it’s really really good maybe I will look at the tablets next year.
When I heard the rumors of a $199 price, I thought that
sounded too inexpensive for a high quality piece of hardware. But I think the RT
pricing should be less than either Android or Apple so prospective buyers don’t
have to think too much. Now I think they do.
I also agree, $100 for keyboard is really a lot. I’m not sure why MS WOULDN’T
want to ship every Surface with their keyboard. I mean, who really enjoys
typing on glass? And this may be the reason they purchase the Surface. But for me, spending $700 for something that
“does not compute” is waste of money. I will wait for the Surface Pro
(although after seeing these prices, I’m concerned what MS is going price the
Pro). But I definitely need a computer, not an iToy.
Good feedback. Thanks..
What price would have worked better for you?
I would have thought every item to be $100 less, just to undercut the competition…..less time to think about it. Also, the least expensive should also have the keyboard (to give the entry level users a ‘taste’ of what this fantastic keyboard feels like).
Just moved my mom over to a chromebook for security and automated system maintenance. I have to say for a small portable all day battery device I think its pretty awesome, its so simple a zippy you wouldn’t believe it. Anyways for ultra-portables I think I prefer this route over any of these tablet devices.
what chromebook or surface? i saw the chromebook and think it is really cool. surface on the other hand is just beastly. you cant deny that
The pricing is actually pretty decent, but the recent decline in tablet pricing strategies has created a new mindset with consumers. I for one don’t have an issue paying $599 for a 32GB Surface Tablet with cover. I know what I’m getting and understand the value based on my needs. With that said, the average consumer doesn’t care about specs, etc. I’ve seen it time and time again. With that said I won’t be buying a Surface RT, not because of the price, but rather because I’d prefer to own the Pro version.
Too expensive!!! I’ll stick to my iPad.
What price WOULD work for you?
When you compare the pricing to what you’re willing to fork out for a mobile phone with less screen real estate and less functionality (apart from the ability to make calls) this really isn’t too expensive is it. Think about that people.
Personally I think the price for the tablet is spot on but the Keyboard/Cover should be included at that cost. I think the RT release is more of a test on the market than an actual full release by this I mean the tablet is definately more functional than alot of its competition but microsoft must realise (and hope) that the majority of buyers out there are waiting on the pro. By releasing this version to the market at a slightly higher cost they can see what people are will to pay and then lower it slightly (I hope) for the pro so that they hit the market with a much stronger position. I work as a MS SharePoint pro and the surface tablet is the first one I’ve seen that will actually help me in my work not just look pretty and let me play games, I definitely will be buying one of the Pros but I would like to see it coming in at the £499 mark (I’ll let you guys convert it to dollars, but to give an idea RT is £399)
Thank you..
Just seems like it should be $100 cheaper. They are so late to the market, app support is not there yet, unproven hardware. I have been waiting for the surface to be released and was gonna purchase 2 of these + 2 WP8 devices. Now i think i will just be getting the phones. I really thought MS would have priced them lower then appple.
I too feel the price is an bit high and should include the keyboard as much as they are pushing that feature. I have an iPad and ASUS transformer. I was planning on replacing them both but not at that price or without keyboards. Drop the price and include I would buy. If Microsoft wants people to switch to an untested device and OS then drop the price.