Microsoft Surface Pro to start at $899

This June 18, 2012, file photo shows a profile view of the new Microsoft Surface, a tablet. Tablets are at the top of many wish lists this holiday season. Microsoft announced Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, that the Surface Pro would be available in January starting at $899 for US customers. AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes

SAN FRANCISCO—Microsoft announced Thursday that its Surface Pro, a version of its new tablet aimed at business users, would be available in January starting at $899 for US customers.

The Surface Pro will be powered by an Intel processor and have a full version of the new Windows 8 operating system, which is designed with both PCs and tablets in mind.

“It’s a full PC and a tablet,” said a blog post from Microsoft’s Panos Panay.

“And all this in a PC that will weigh less than two pounds and be less than 14 millimeters thick. We are excited about both Surface with Windows RT and Surface with Windows 8 Pro.”

Microsoft started selling the surface last month in a version aimed at consumers with a mobile-style processor and a tweaked version of its new operating system called Windows RT. It pricing was roughly in line with the iPad, the top-selling tablet.

The Surface Pro will be more expensive, and is apparently aimed at corporate users and those seeking a laptop replacement. The least expensive version with 64 gigabytes of memory will sell for $899, not including the touch cover with keyboard. A 128 GB version will start at $999.

“Surface with Windows 8 Pro uses the same familiar elegant design principles as Surface with Windows RT,” Panay said.

Chief executive Steve Ballmer has described the iPad challenger – complete with a built-in stand and ultra-thin covers which double as keyboards in a range of colors – as a tablet that “works and plays.”

Other Stories:

A new way for Filipinos to connect on social media launched

Poll: More US teens turn to Twitter; Facebook old

Tips to avoid becoming an identity theft victim

Filipinos in flight want to go online

Recent Stories:

Storm brews over control of US newspaper group _{13 mins elapsed}

Gay soccer player Robbie Rogers joins LA Galaxy _{35 mins elapsed}

NYPD investigating actress Bynes allegations _{46 mins elapsed}

Graduates in tornado-raked Oklahoma town vow to stay _{50 mins elapsed}

Gay wins 100 at Adidas Grand Prix in New York _{2 hours elapsed}

Illegal logging drive gets boost _{3 hours elapsed}

Bill Clinton, other celebs at Vienna AIDS charity _{3 hours elapsed}

Gov’t acts on ‘Pablo’ trafficking reports _{3 hours elapsed}

Tags: Internet , IT , Microsoft , Tablet , US