With an unfortunate sense of timing, Microsoft has released pricing and availability information for its new 'Surface' tablet that was originally announced back in June. The release occurred just hours before Apple sent out invitations to its iPad Mini launch event next week.

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The Surface will begin shipping in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany and Hong Kong on Friday, October 26th. The Windows RT-powered Surface starts at $499 for a 32GB model, $100 cheaper than an iPad with comparable storage. The Touch Cover, one of the more interesting innovations in Microsoft's tablet venture, isn't included for that price; it's only available as part of a $599 bundle with the same 32GB tablet.

There is also a 64GB model that includes the Touch Cover for $699. Separately, the Touch Cover is $119 and the Type Cover is $129.


The Surface is available for preorder from Microsoft's website.

Top Rated Comments

vkramer Avatar
174 months ago
So basically, if I switch to or being with a Microsoft Surface, I will be 100% guaranteed to dance my pants off.

Thats really the only takeaway I got from that commercial.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GeekLawyer Avatar
174 months ago
Wow, Apple sure stole the tablet thunder today.

I would have also expected the RT version of the Surface to be more competitively priced. $500 seems like a high cost of entry for an unproven product with a limited app ecosystem.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chupa Chupa Avatar
174 months ago
M$ steps on itself once again. Pricing offers no one but the hardest corest M$ fans (are there any left?) a reason to buy. It can't compete with either Android or iOS at this price point. Enterprise already hates Windows 8 and loves iOS. Consumers have long felt trapped by Windows until iOS presented them a post PC option. Anti-Apple folks adopted Android. Who's left to buy Surface?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
-Ryan- Avatar
174 months ago
$500 seems like a high cost of entry for an unproven product with a limited app ecosystem.

I'm so glad you didn't advise Apple in early 2010.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
decimortis Avatar
174 months ago
I think the video is just...

*puts on sunglasses*

...scratching the surface.

WHAAAAAAAAAA......

D.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TimTheEnchanter Avatar
174 months ago
Apple hires Triumph the Insult Comic Dog to respond to Microsoft's announcement...
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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