Microsoft Surface pricing concerns, $1k for entry model?

Microsoft are set to launch their ‘iPad beating' Surface tablet later this year, but it is already circulating that they may be charging more than $1,000 for the privilege of ownership.

The news hit after a Swedish Web Site listed the prices of the four future models, including Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT versions. The cheapest model is 6,990 kroner, ($1,002) and the most expensive is 14,990 kroner ($2,150).

It is hard to base the final price on these early listing, but Sweden have competitive offers on the iPad right now, direct from the Apple store. 7,195 kroner for the most expensive model for instance.

Microsoft haven't committed to listing rough price points yet before release, however they did say “Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel ultrabook-class PC. OEMs will have cost and feature parity on Windows 8 and Windows RT.”

If the entry level model is released at $1,000, that would translate to around £800 in the United Kingdom, putting it way above the cost of the flagship iPad. The top end Surface price of $2,150 would be close to £1,900, factoring in VAT and other UK costs, putting it firmly into the hands of the wealthy enthusiast user.

Microsoft may face cost challenges with their special keyboard accessory, offering tactile keys and a full version of Windows but they will need to reduce pricing by a clear margin if they want to get a foothold in the mass market. CNET approached Microsoft for a comment on the pricing, but they declined.

Kitguru says: What price point do you feel Microsoft should hit with their low end model?

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