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Microsoft is set to go head-to-head with consumer electronics giant Apple when it launches its new tablet device on Friday.
The company’s Surface goes on sale the same day Microsoft releases Windows 8, the new version of its desktop computer software – and Apple is expected to introduce a cheaper, mini version of its iPad imminently.
Microsoft’s Surface tablet will cost between £399 (BD239) and £559 (BD335), the firm said.
The price is the same as the cheapest third generation iPad, and will offer a plethora of options.
The highly anticipated device will also be on sale just a day after Amazon launches it range of Fire tablets in the UK.
Experts say the price could lead to major problems for Microsoft.
“It is priced the same as the iPad 3, even though the Surface has a higher spec with 32GB rather than the iPad’s 16GB,” said Stuart Miles of gadget website Pocket Lint.
“However, the consumer is unlikely to understand that - they will simply see that it’s a straight choice between an iPad and Surface, and I think the majority of people will choose an iPad – they just won’t be aware of a spec fight.
“If you’ve used Windows Phone the Surface is easier to use, but not many people have – and people love or hate it.”
The Surface is 9.3m thick – a fraction thinner than the iPad’s 9.4m. It weighs around 680g – just slightly more than the iPad’s 660g.
There are two versions available – the Surface, which will run the Windows RT operating system with an ARM CPU, and the Surface Pro, which has Windows 8 Pro and an Intel CPU.
