Microsoft Surface for Windows RT tablet coming October 26th for $199?

[HotelUser]

http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/14/m...t-surface-199/

We'll admit to being a little blown away when Microsoft launched the Surface -- it was an impressively polished tablet that we had heard barely a whisper of leading up to the mysterious launch event. But, there was one thing that we were still left wondering: how much would it cost? Now, with Acer getting all in a huff about competition and Microsoft conceding that some OEMs might be a little upset when this thing ships, we might just have an idea for you. According to an inside source, a session was held at Microsoft's recent TechReady15 conference in which all the launch details were laid out. If things go according to the plan detailed then, the Surface for Windows RT tablet will be launching October 26th --no surprise there -- at a compelling price of $199.
That MRSP, almost certainly lower than Microsoft's own cost, would line it up against the Nexus 7 and even the Kindle Fire. It would put Windows 8 on the map in a big way and give a lot of people a lot of reason to try out an operating system that is going to feel rather different than previous incarnations. The question is: will it drive enough sales of media and apps for Microsoft to recoup its loss? Or, will companies like Acer put up enough of a fight in the months between now and October to keep Microsoft from undercutting its own partners? We'll find out soon, dear readers.

If this is true then it means Microsoft's willing to lose profit to gain marketshare too.

That is just so cheap I'd buy one just for the heck of it.

[xxMATTGxx]

I'll believe it when I see it.

[Ashley]

I'll definitely be buying one if that's really the price.

[HotelUser]

I'll believe it when I see it.

I'm a bit skeptical but it makes sense. Googles done this to make market share and Microsoft is in much more need of market share then Google. I wouldn't be surprised if the tablet was in the 200-300 dollar range.

[Chris]

If it's that price then I'll certainly be getting one.

[Mr-Trainor]

Definitely wasn't expecting it to be that low in price! (Although it's not confirmed yet).

[Stephen!]

I'm sure i read something before that said this was illegal? Selling your products at a stupidly low price to undercut your competitors?

[Chippiewill]

Sony made a massive loss on the PS3 for the first couple of years to establish Blu-Ray as the platform for HD Films.

I do not doubt that Microsoft would make a loss on this, not forgetting that Microsoft don't have to pay for their Windows licensing and they can leverage hardware partners to make it cheaper.

[xxMATTGxx]

I'm sure i read something before that said this was illegal? Selling your products at a stupidly low price to undercut your competitors?

But Google recently did it with the Nexus 7 so?

[Laurensh1]

It's not allowed but only to a certain price obviously. I hope it'll be cheap. I don't have a tablet yet and it looks very promising.