Earlier this year, Microsoft announced launching its first self-branded tab, called the Surface Tablet, but remained tight-lipped about its pricing. In a race of tablets with Google Nexus 7, Amazon Kindle Fire, and Apple’s much speculated iPad Mini, Microsoft Surface Tablet is expected to launch in October amidst some serious competition.
Recently, Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft in an interview with the Seattle Times did discuss a price range for the firm’s new tab. He said, “If you look at the bulk of the PC market, it would run between, say, probably $300 [and] $700 or $800. … That’s the sweet spot.”
This statement by the CEO puts an end to the rumors speculating that the Surface Tablet would retail between $600 and $1000 for the two different versions. But neither choice comes with a built-in 3G/4G wireless connection feature, which Apple offers in the same price range of its iPads.
Costing at around $800, the Surface tab will have to give users an amazing experience to tempt them into buying one. Ballmer dispelled the idea that Microsoft would offer a sub $200 tablet. He also said that people think of iPad as an expensive device and that any other tab that’s offered at a less cost is considered “chintzier” or cheaper.
However, for Ballmer taking out a comparison for its yet-to-be-released device with the iPad seems to be a bold move as it’s the first time the company is venturing into the tablet market.
Microsoft, it seems is hoping to launch its Surface tablet in direct competition to Apple’s iPad rather than the Kindle Fire and Nexus 7 versions.
