During the Microsoft Surface event back in June, Microsoft said that the Windows RT version of the device would launch alongside Windows 8. Now that we know Windows 8 will be launching on October 26, does that claim still hold up?
Microsoft announced via an SEC filing that they would be launching the Microsoft Surface alongside Windows 8 on October 26. Here’s the exact wording that was found in the filing:
The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices.
While it doesn’t exactly specify, we can assume that Microsoft will only be launching the Windows RT version of the tablet in October. During the Surface event, Microsoft said that the Windows 8 Pro version of the tablet would launch in early 2013.
The Windows RT version of the device will be the tablet of choice for most consumers. Despite a listing on a Swedish retailer site that claimed the cheapest Surface would go for $1,000, the Windows RT Surface will be more in line with the cost of an iPad. For the price, you’ll get a 10-inch tablet powered by an ARM processor. Tablets will come in 64GB or 128GB varieties.
With the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini presumably launching in September, Microsoft will have to double down its efforts with the Surface this holiday season. Launching at the price of a typical tablet may not be enough. If Microsoft really wants to get Surface into the hands of consumers, they might have to sell the device at a loss for at least the first few years.
[h/t: BGR]