Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) announced this morning that its new Surface tablets would be available for a “special limited-quantity pre-order” today at 9 a.m. Pacific Time. Three versions of the tablet are available: the 32-Gbyte version without a Touch Cover keyboard is $499; the same device with a black Touch Cover is $599; and the 64-Gbyte version with a black Touch Cover for $699. The Touch Cover keyboard is also available separately in five colors for $120.
The tablets compare favorably in price to the iPad from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), which sells a 16-Gbyte WiFi-only version of the tablet for $499, a 32-Gbyte version for $599, and a 64-Gbyte version for $699. No keyboard included at any of those price points. The Kindle Fire tablet from Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) costs $499 in a 32-Gbyte WiFi only version and $599 in a 64-Gbyte version. No keyboard here either. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 starts at $399 for a 16-Gbyte WiFi only version.
The Surface runs a version of Windows called Windows RT, specially developed to run on processors from ARM Holdings plc (NASDAQ: ARMH). Next week Microsoft is expected to launch its latest OS, Windows 8, for processors from Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NYSE: AMD).
Microsoft faces a tough slog in the tablet wars. Apple is the clear leader with a 60% market share, while Samsung and Amazon nab most of the remaining share. Sales projections call for Microsoft to grab 14% of the tablet market in 2014, but that is unlikely to put Microsoft’s sales above either Samsung’s or Amazon’s.
The move into designing, building, and marketing its own tablets is a brave move on Microsoft’s part. The company certainly has the cash to move the market its way, provided that it is willing to buy market share.
Microsoft’s shares are trading up 0.5% at $29.66 in a 52-week range of $24.30 to $32.95, just before noon today.
Paul Ausick
Want to Retire Early? Start Here (Sponsor)
Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?
Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.
Have questions about retirement or personal finance? Email us at [email protected]!
By emailing your questions to 24/7 Wall St., you agree to have them published anonymously on a673b.bigscoots-temp.com.
By submitting your story, you understand and agree that we may use your story, or versions of it, in all media and platforms, including via third parties.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
