Rumour: Microsoft Surface for Windows RT to sell for US$199

Microsoft SurfaceThis rumour will do little to appease Acer Chairman and Chief Executive J.T. Wang after his warning to Microsoft earlier this month. Engadget has learned that Microsoft will begin selling its Surface for Windows RT tablet on October 26th, the same day that Windows 8 launches. The launch date itself may not be an issue but the price will likely further upset Microsoft’s hardware partners. According to an “inside source,” the Surface for Windows RT tablet will sell for as low as US$199.

Previous rumours had suggested that the price of Windows RT tablets would likely start at at the much higher US$599 price point. The US$199 price suggests that Microsoft will sell the tablet at a loss in a bid to compete against other entry-level tablets such as the Google Nexus 7, the Kindle Fire (likely to be refreshed soon), and even the expected Apple iPad mini. The price will likely help ensure that Windows RT gets into as many hands as possible and establish a customer base for the new operating system. Microsoft is probably hoping to recoup some of its losses with subsequent app and media sales.

The more powerful Microsoft Surface for Windows 8 with Intel processor will launch later.

Read more: Engadget