Its been some time since we've had any word from Microsoft regarding their Surface brand tablets, but they have released the price list for various models, and some accessories that go with them. Pre-orders are also available beginning at 9am Pacific time in the US.
There are three different models to choose from, starting with the 32gb base model, which does not come with a Surface cover/keypad. This retails for $499. The second model simply adds the black Surface keyboard to the base price, and sells for $599. The 64gb model with the keyboard will sell for $699.
Microsoft is offering standalone touch keyboards to go with the tablet, which will be available in five different colors: white, black, magenta, cyan and red. These sell for $119. There is also a clicky type keyboard with key switches instead of touch controls, and it will sell for $129, though it only comes in black.
Specifications of the Surface tablet have also been published. It will have a 10.6 inch screen with 1366 x 768 resolution. The processor is an Nvidia T30, which is a quad core processor running at 1.4ghz. There is also a 520hz Nvidia gpu. Ram is 2gb, and you get either 32gb or 64gb of storage space. The tablet comes with a number of extras, including two cameras (front and back), two microphones, Bluetooth 4 and 802.11a/b/g/n wi-fi. The Surface has a microSDXC slot, an HDMI connector, a headphone jack and a USB 2 port. Microsoft claims an 8hr battery life in mixed use.
The Surface will run Windows RT, and will include previews of the Windows Office 2013 programs Word, Excel, Power Point and One Note.
Microsoft will sell the Surface directly through their online site, and through their brick and mortar outlets. The Surface will not be available from third party retail sites. Microsoft is also opening 34 temporary stores for the holiday season to sell their tablets, starting on Oct. 26th. There are only a limited number of countries where the tablet can be found, including the US, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, the UK and Hong Kong.
You can see the announcement at the Microsoft Store.
