If you are a bargain hunter looking for a deal, this might not be the purchase you are looking for. Microsoft has said that it’s forthcoming surface tablet could come with a hefty $1,000 price tag. The Intel-based Windows 8 Pro version is even pricier–$1,885 and $2,175 for 64GB and 128GB versions, respectively. The price for the surface tablet will put Microsoft at a competitive disadvantage from their rivals. Amazon’s popular Kindle Fire starts at just $199, and even Apple’s new iPad can be had for $499. NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim says Surface tablets might not be for everyday consumers. “It is likely that Microsoft’s ARM-based tablet will be targeted for the high-end of the market,” said Shim, in a blog post. Microsoft may have no choice but to price their new tablet at a premium to set them apart from the competition. If they are too aggressive on pricing it could end up undercutting hardware makers.
