[citation][nom]bigdragon[/nom]Did Microsoft not learn anything from HP and RIM with their tablet OS experiments? You can't simply price the same hardware at the same price as competitors and expect overnight market share explosive growth. Microsoft isn't bothering to compete with Apple, Samsung, Asus, and others -- they're just aiming for parity. I think this is a really bad idea that will stifle adoption of their new tablet platform. Microsoft needs to sweeten the deal better to get people to buy these things. Including the type cover or coming in at $400 would have been a better idea. The inclusion of Microsoft Office is a moot point given that competitors have been including things like Polaris Office, which is good enough, on their products.Microsoft, wake up and compete! Get that price down or include the type cover! For $500 I could buy a Galaxy Note 10.1 that has an office suite, painting apps for the stylus, access to Google Play, a higher resolution screen, and better battery life. That's far better value than a Surface tablet at the same price.[/citation]
... actually the MS surface has a stylus as well, IPS screen, kickstand, sdxc card slot, full size USB port(meaning you can plug anything in there you want) microsoft office (still the best office suite hands down) the RT version is most probably going to the have awesome batterylife. All this does more than justify the price. Now add the built quality on top of it and a 100$ option for a keyboard, which you can decide not to buy and still have more input options than an iPad (mouse+keyboard on USB/BT +kickstand).
Unlike android or iOS tablets the surface RT can actually REPLACE a desktop/laptop for casual users and the surface Pro is going to be a great replacement for anyone who was happy with an ultrabook or 1yrs+ old laptop.
Don't get me wrong, i love my android phone and can't decide if microsoft or apple is worse, but the MS surface is probably going to be the best tablet option out there. (yeah i'll confirm it when i see it myself or a proper review)