Microsoft reportedly planning low-cost tablets

Image: Microsoft via AFP Relaxnews

Microsoft is planning to launch a new line of low-cost Surface tablets in the second half of 2018, according to Bloomberg. The aim would be to compete with lower-cost options form Apple, which dominates the market with its iPad range.

After a previous failed attempt at tapping into the market for low-cost tablets, Microsoft turned its attention to the very high end, with its Surface Pro series. Now, it seems that the Redmond tech giant could be ready to give it another shot, aligning its offer with that of its rival, Apple, with a tablet offer covering a broader range of price points.

To compete with Apple, Microsoft is working on a 10-inch tablet powered by an Intel processor and priced around the $400 (about P21,000) mark. No further details are known for the time being. In comparison, the lowest-cost iPad is priced at $329 (P17,200) for a 9.7-inch (WiFi), 32-gigabyte model. The current Surface Pro line starts from $799 (nearly P42,000), rising to $2,699 (about P141,000) for the top-spec model.

Microsoft could also accompany these new low-cost Surface tablets with a set of budget accessories (keyboards, styluses). JB

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