After talking with OEMs at Computex, VR-Zone reports Microsoft (MSFT) plans to typically charge...

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Paulo Santos Comments (11607)
 
Microsoft is still in denial over this.
12 Jun 2012, 07:42 PM Reply Like

Paulo Santos Comments (11607)
 
Though truth be told, the ARM RT version includes office.
12 Jun 2012, 07:45 PM Reply Like

divtra Comments (88)
 
What in the world is Microsoft thinking? Not everybody working on a tablet needs or wants a full blown Office suite, in fact Office is likely to work quite differently on a tablet than on a desktop.

Why not charge a token amount for tablet OS to ensure at least some market share?

For example, when first netbook - Asus 701 appeared with an obscure version of Linux, Microsoft was quick to react with $15 licensing of Windows XP for netbooks.

I work daily with Linux and enjoy it, but that was just that smart strategic decision by Microsoft and now Linux is all but absent from netbook installations.

As it is, Microsoft is going to lose tablet wars.
13 Jun 2012, 06:34 AM Reply Like

Canary Cash Comments (471)
 
Unbelievable stupidity... Apple is a beacon set on a hill and MSFT in this regard is an ostrich with it's head in the sand wishing for the dark ages to return, just buy a hardware company and make something good that people want you numpties, it's not that hard.
12 Jun 2012, 07:49 PM Reply Like

BradONeill Comments (21)
 
you guys just dont get it. Microsoft will sell a ton of tablets because they will work with the operating systems that companies already have in place. They already lost the tablet at home crowd, this is about business and android has more problems than its worth to industry and apple isn't integrated with most businesses.

The new tablets will be cheaper than apples and slightly more than androids but they will work and look good to the people that matter to Microsoft the ones running IT departments.
12 Jun 2012, 08:24 PM Reply Like

wigit5 Comments (2451)
 
I agree with both Canary Cash and you Brad;

Businesses probably will like the Windows tablets due to the integrated ability and syncing between computer/tablet/phone. But I believe the price point will shun consumers... which depending on MSFT mindset could be bad could be meh... MSFT seems content to continue reaping the rewards of its success in the office buildings of the world.

They'll probably drop the price though after dismal sales to consumers...
13 Jun 2012, 08:21 AM Reply Like

romilar Comments (356)
 
Yeah,what he ^ said.....
12 Jun 2012, 09:36 PM Reply Like

dividend_growth Comments (2746)
 
Stupid greed in full display
12 Jun 2012, 09:53 PM Reply Like

kmi Comments (3844)
 
The ARM version of Windows will eventually be sold in phone and smaller form factors which will be 'bring your own screen' and let you connect to any monitor anywhere.

Not that ARM will matter (to Windows for one) as Intel brings its new processors to battle.

Yes, I'm betting on Intel over ARM.
13 Jun 2012, 10:39 AM Reply Like

Cincinnatus Comments (2187)
 
For those who understand the target market there's no denial. Amazing that there are those that would attack at the competition's strongest point. They must be those so-called (i.e. self-described) "analysts".

http://bit.ly/Ms9EEH
13 Jun 2012, 04:22 PM Reply Like

Cincinnatus Comments (2187)
 
I love Bruin's response (at the 1st link) to the nattering nabobs, particularly the last few sentences.
===
Thank you, Memristor, for being the ONLY person to highlight that Microsoft Office - a product that historically costs $299+, which is more than the actual cost of a Windows OS license, is being included with Windows RT-based hardware at no cost.

For volume licensed customers, it also provides Virtual Desktop Infrastructure usage rights. (VDA subscription rights) This displaces a $100/year subscription cost in the business world. And it's being grandfathered in as part of the built-in Windows license and is a line item that get deleted - one that would otherwise need to be paid for, for an iPad or an Android tablet.

No additional Windows license. No additional Office license. No VDA subscription payments. This is going to be a virtual bargain in the corporate space. But for the folks obsessed with sophomoric logic around armchair consumer analysis, yes, the sky is falling. This is an outrage. Torches & pitchforks. Knock yourself out.
13 Jun 2012, 04:26 PM Reply Like