Microsoft Surface release date and prices revealed; US pre-orders are now open for Windows RT slate

The Microsoft Surface pre-orders have opened in the US, revealing the price of the software giant’s Windows RT tablet.

Windows RT is a specially modified version of the new Windows 8 platform, designed to run on devices sporting ARM processors, and you’ll be able to pick up the base 32GB model for $499 (around £310/AU$485).

If you fancy more storage, the 64GB model is listed at $699 (around £430/AU$680), and comes with a black Touch Cover bundled with the tablet.

Would you like Covers with that?

If you fancy a Touch Cover with the 32GB Surface tablet, then you can save yourself a whole $19.99 (around £12/AU$19) and get the bundle at $599 (around £370/AU$583).

The Touch Cover can also be purchased separately for $119.99 (around £75/AU$117), while the Type Cover is priced at the princely sum of $129.99 (around £80/AU$126).

If you’re not familiar with the differences between the two, the Touch Cover features capacitive ‘touch’ keys, while the Type Cover, as you may have guessed, has the more familiar physical keys – similar to those found on a traditional QWERTY keyboard.

But is it worth it?

Let’s get this out of the way, the Microsoft Surface isn’t cheap – at $499 for the base model we’re talking about some serious money and the Surface is clearly creeping in on new iPad territory.

The positive note is that the Surface is still cheaper than the iPad, with the 32GB Apple equivalent setting you back $599 (£399/AU$539) – plus it does have the performance and specifications to seriously challenge the Cupertino-based firm.

The Microsoft Surface release date has been set for October 26, in the States at least – the same day as the Windows 8 platform gets launched worldwide.

Currently the only word on the Microsoft Surface Pro tablet, which looks identical to the model running Windows RT, is that it will arrive in early 2013.

The only differences being the Surface and Surface Pro is that the Pro will run full-fat Windows 8 and sport a higher price tag than it’s RT brother.

From: Microsoft  & Tech Radar