Microsoft's Surface tablet: 32GB, WiFi-only, armed with an ARM chip

Cheaper than an iPad - but will the Surface tablet outsell it?

Updated 07:50 AM Oct 17, 2012

 

Microsoft's Surface tablet: 32GB, WiFi-only, armed with an ARM chip. AP

SEATTLE - Microsoft is setting the price of its new Surface tablet below comparable versions of Apple's iPad, signalling its intent to grab a slice of the booming tablet market.

The world's largest software company, which announced its surprise foray into computer manufacturing in June, said it would sell a 32GB, WiFi-only version of its tablet at US$499 (S$610), versus US$599 for a comparable version of Apple's new iPad.

Microsoft's tablet, which is taller and slightly heavier than an iPad, will go on sale on Oct 26 as the company launches the new touch-friendly Windows 8 operating system. Alongside Microsoft's physical stores in the US and Canada, the Surface will also be available online for consumers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, and Hong Kong.

However, there is no indication yet of when the Surface will be available in Singapore.

The company is hoping the Surface - and Windows tablets from other hardware makers - will challenge the dominance of Apple's iPad, which has 70 per cent of the tablet market after inventing the category in 2010.

Based on a Nvidia chip designed by ARM Holdings, the Surface will run a simplified version of Windows 8 that is not compatible with old Microsoft applications. However, the tablet will feature new app-style versions of Office mainstays such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and will include Xbox games, video and music apps.

The Surface, with two cameras and a USB port, will be Wi-Fi only. Microsoft has made no mention of a wireless-enabled version.

On top of the basic model, Microsoft will also offer a 32GB model bundled with a black "Touch Cover" that doubles as a keyboard - for US$599, and a 64GB version with a black Touch Cover for US$699.

That compares to US$699 for a 64GB WiFi-only version of the new iPad.

A second, heavier Surface tablet aimed at the new generation of lightweight laptops called "ultrabooks" is expected on the market in a few months. REUTERS

Source:  www.todayonline.com