Microsoft Surface tablet matches iPad price

A back of an envelope calculation suggests Microsoft will sell its Surface tablet in New Zealand at prices close to Apple’s iPad range.

While Microsoft hasn’t announced New Zealand prices, a report on Lifehacker says the 32GB Windows RT Surface tablet will sell in Australia for A$559 including GST.

The price doesn’t include the type cover which is sold separately.

Given today’s exchange rate and allowing for the difference between Australia’s 10 percent GST compared with 15 percent in New Zealand that comes to roughly NZ$730, the same price as a 16GB iPad from Apple.

It’s not a bad price, when you consider it includes a tablet version of the Microsoft Office software that would cost almost as much if you purchased a full license for a PC. Mind you, at A$150 the Type Cover (Which combines a keyboard and cover) is a little steep.

Would you pay NZ$730 for a Microsoft tablet?