Soleron said:
The Surface Pro should have been this all along is what I'm saying. If people want a $1000 polished Win8 device they get a laptop. $350 seems perfect for mostly-portable mostly-functional Win8. Were they blinded by prestige? Or differentiation needs of RT? I know MS are trying to compete as a lifestyle company now but there's a definite need for things that in general work and at a good price. |
I find it strange that you think this knowing Microsoft and what they are trying to do with Windows 8... For now in its current state, Surface is just a halo device for Microsoft. Its goal (for now) is to drive Windows 8 adoption for OEM's by generating Win8 stories, buzz, commercials and having people want a surface but settle on other windows 8 tablets due to high price and lack of availablility.
If Microsoft did what you're saying they should and release surface RT for 299 and Surface Pro for 499-599 and OEM's can't compete at that price...the following is bound to happen:
no one buys OEM stuff because they can't compete on price;
OEMs stop buying Windows 8 license from Microsoft;
Microsoft revenue sinks as windows licenses make much more money than Surface sales;
Down the road I see Surface line of devices becoming the be all end all of the Windows ecosystem, but Microsoft has to play this game carefully and keep the OEMs happy for now.
