Microsoft Surface Pro Launch: If you have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Surface Pro, the wait is almost over. At least this seems to be the case based on a recent tweet from the company.
Earlier today, Panos Panay, general manager of Microsoft’s Surface products, tweeted the following:
“On my way to the factory to check out #Surface Pro coming off the line…arriving in the coming weeks”
If anybody would know when the Surface Pro is being released it would be Panay.
According to an article by CNET, the timing of the release is no great surprise:
“This should be of no great surprise, of course. When Microsoft announced the Surface tablet last year, it said the Windows 8 Pro model would be available about 90 days after the release of the Surface RT. That model was released on October 26, so the 90-day mark is fast approaching.”
With a starting price of $899 for the 64GB version and $999 for the 128GB version, it is easy to see that the Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Surface Pro is priced above other tablets, such as the iPad from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).
Why the big price difference? Here is some more information from the CNET article:
“Other specs include an Intel Ivy Bridge processor — that’s the fast Core Series chip found in Windows 8 laptops — a 16:9 ClearType display sporting a 1,920×1,080 resolution and goodies like a Mini DisplayPort that can drive an external display up to 2560X1440 resolution. And Windows 8 Pro of course.”
The question in the mind of most is this: is the Surface Pro really worth the money? Sure, it is loaded with a lot of high level specs but this does not necessarily translate into sales.
To answer this question, it is important to consider the following: the Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Surface Pro is more of a laptop than a tablet. Here is what CNET Reviews had to say:
“The Surface Pro is the more significant product, because it makes no computing compromises: it’s the dream of a tablet as your PC, while the original Surface felt more like an iPad competitor.”
With the Surface tablet losing momentum by the day, it is safe to say that Microsoft is hoping for big things from the Surface Pro. A recent report by Bloomberg said “Microsoft’s fiscal second- quarter earnings will be less than previously expected due to weak demand for personal-computers and the company’s new tablet, Surface, according to Brent Thill, and analyst at UBS AG.
The article adds the following:
“Thill cut his estimate for Surface sales in half, to 1 million units for the period, which ended in December, citing “gloomy sentiment” after the holiday shopping season, he wrote in a research report today. He cut his earnings per share projection for the quarter by 8 cents to 76 cents.”
What are your thoughts on the Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Surface Pro? Will it sell at a higher clip than the Surface tablet?
Check back here for more updates on Microsoft Surface Pro Launch.
DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.
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