Microsoft Surface tablet UK price announced

Microsoft has finally revealed pricing of its upcoming Windows 8-powered Surface tablets. Eager US customers can pre-order a tablet today directly from Microsoft, but UK buyers will have to wait until its official launch on the 26th of October.

A 32GB version of the 10.6in, ARM-powered tablet will set you back £399, but crucially that doesn’t include either of the keyboard-equipped smart covers Microsoft revealed when Surface was first announced – the pressure-sensitive Touch Cover will cost £99 and the more traditional Type Cover will cost £109.

There will also be a 64GB model launching alongside it, but UK pricing has yet to be announced. American customers will have to pay £599, or £699 for a bundle containing both the tablet and Touch Cover.

Surprisingly, this puts Surface in direct competition with the Apple iPad – many pundits expected Microsoft to undercut its main competitor to try and boost early sales. With Windows RT something of an unknown to much of the public, the company seems to be hoping its rumoured $1 billion marketing budget will be able to generate enough hype in the lead up to launch.

As well as an ARM processor, each Surface tablet will have 2GB of RAM, support 802.11n and Bluetooth 4.0, include a microSD card slot and full-size USB port for future expansion, front and rear 720p cameras and a 1,366×768 resolution display. The metal casing is built using VaporMG technology to make it tough yet thin and includes a built-in kick stand for hands-free video.

The Surface pre-order page has gone live on Microsoft’s website, but only for US customers. If you’re looking to buy one and you’re in the UK, you’ll have to wait until launch day.