Someone at Microsoft may have pushed a button a little too early and accidentally shared some much anticipated information in the process. A pre-order page for the upcoming Surface RT tablet went live this morning, and though it has since been pulled, the listing finally reveals the last piece of the puzzle: pricing.
The lineup starts at $499 for the 32GB model or $599 with the addition of a black multi-touch TouchCover keyboard case, while a 64GB variant that already includes the TouchCover keyboard is available for $699. Storage-for-storage the base model is $100 cheaper than the equivalent third-generation iPad, which is available at $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB or $699 for 64GB.
Additional TouchCovers in a range of colors will be $120 each and the TypeCover keyboard is $130. As a refresher, the former measures 3mm thick and has a multitouch keyboard as well as a trackpad, while the latter adds 5mm to the Surface’s thickness and has a tactile keyboard and a full touchpad with clickable buttons.
Originally unveiled in June, the Surface is a key piece of Microsoft’s Windows 8 launch as the company attempts to break into the tablet market dominated by Apple. The ARM-based version of the device is powered by a quad-core Nvidia Tegra processor, 2GB of memory, a 1,366x768 wide-screen display, and Windows RT. Other features include a USB 2.0 port, HDMI-out, and a vapor-deposited magnesium chassis.
Microsoft expects to ship between 3 and 5 million units in the fall alone, according to the Wall Street Journal'ssupplier contacts. It remains to be seen if customers respond favorably to the device at the current price points, especially as Apple is rumored to be launching a smaller and cheaper version of the iPad next week.
The Microsoft Surface will go on sale October 26 in Microsoft Stores online and in a range of pop-up stores opening across the US for the occasion. Check out the first TV ad for the device below.
| Surface for Windows 8 Pro | Surface for Windows 8 RT | |
| OS | Windows 8 Pro | Windows 8 RT |
| Screen | 10.6" 1920x1080 | 10.6" 1366x768 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 22nm | ARM-based Nvida |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB | 32GB, 64GB |
| Thickness | 13.5mm (0.53") | 9.3mm (0.36") |
| Weight | 903g (1.99lbs) | 676g (1.49lbs) |
| Battery | 42Wh | 31.5Wh |
| Connectivity | microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae | microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae |
| Other | Pen support | |
| Accessories | Touch Cover, Type Cover | Touch Cover, Type Cover |
| Price | ~$800+ (TBA) | $499 (32GB), $599 (32GB w/ TouchCover), $699 (64GB w. TouchCover) |
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