Microsoft Cuts Surface RT Tablet Pricing 30 Percent Across the Board on Weak Sales

If you've been waiting (and waiting) for Microsoft to lower the price of its first Surface RT tablet, now's the time to jump. With many reports suggesting that weak sales are the root cause, Microsoft has gone ahead and slashed the entry-level Surface RT by $150, landing it at just $349. That's a sizable cut for the 32GB model, and while those who will need full Windows 8 support won't find it any more attractive, those just testing the tablet waters may.


Staples and a few other partner outlets began slashing the price last week, and now Microsoft itself has made the cut official in its own web store. Despite millions in advertising, going up against the iPad has been a tough challenge. You may recall a similar fight years ago, as Microsoft pushed the Zune against the iPod, advertised like crazy, eventually resorted to price cuts, and finally gave up the fight.

We're guessing the Surface family still has legs, but it's clear that going toe-to-toe with Apple on price hasn't worked out so well.