Microsoft just went public with the pricing for Surface for Windows 8 Pro, the version of its tablet that runs full-fledged Windows 8 on Intel chips, supporting legacy applications and geared more for business users.
A 64GB version of Surface Pro will sell for $899, and a 128GB version will sell for $999. Neither of those versions will come with the signature Surface keyboard cover, which can be purchased separately. Microsoft says it will release the Surface Pro in January.
Microsoft had previously been mum on the Surface Pro pricing, except to say that it would be in line comparable Ultrabook-style PCs. The company’s existing Surface for Windows RT, which doesn’t run legacy applications, starts at $499 for a 32 GB version, or $699 for a 64GB version with a keyboard cover.
With both versions of the Surface, Microsoft is competing with companies that make Windows PCs, attempting to walk a fine line with its critical industry partners. Speaking at the company’s annual shareholder meeting yesterday, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer cited the Surface as an example of the fact that “sometimes getting the innovation right across the seam between hardware and software is difficult unless you do both of them.”
Earlier: Windows consumer sales down 21% in U.S. since Windows 8 launch
