Point me to where we can get capacitive touch keyboards that thin for $2? 50-70 dollars isn't unreasonable for a regular keyboard imo, for something as thin as this and with capacitive touch buttons which probably cost more I don't think 100 is unreasonable.
By comparison, you can get a Transformer dock for ASUS tablets for anywhere from FREE (Transformer RT) to $200. I managed to get one for my TF700T for $99 at Best Buy. It's no Touchcover, but it does offer more battery and a couple extra expansion ports. The keyboard itself isn't half bad. Makes the tablet far more useful for everyday tasks, while also serving as a "cover" of sorts.
How so? 500 for the 32GB SKU, the 16GB iPad is that much. Granted Windows 8 RT takes a lot more storage than iOS, lets call the storage a draw (the Surface still has a bit more), the price seems the exact same to me.
The keyboard is more expensive than the Apple one, but the Apple one isn't this thin, magnetic, and capacitive.
But then the Apple BT keyboard is a real keyboard. And with a case or stand for the iPad you can position the keyboard as you like.
I agree that the keyboard cover should be much, much cheaper. MS should just include it for the base price. This would make it attractive and MS needs its platform to be attractive. It seems that nobody gets the most crucial thing: Market share is crucial and without it you won't be able to make any profits later on.
True,but is a "real keyboard" best for tablet use? It doesn't attach to the tablet, you have to carry it around separately, and with a separate case if you want the tablet to stand while typing. The smart cover plus the Apple keyboard end up no less expensive than the Surface + touch cover and built in stand.
If Microsoft drop the price to $299 this would fly of the shelves, and they would have an ecosystem overnight. The Surface is a slick design but price to fail.
I suspect they aren't selling it for profit neutrality (like Google is with the Nexus) because they don't want to piss their partners off. I would love it if they did though. They need to get marketshare up first and foremost, agreed.
I've been tempted by Surface..more so by Pro, but have zero interest in these touch keyboards. If I was getting a keyboard, it would be the other model (though I think I'd sooner just use a normal keyboard, or a model that comes with a normal keyboard as dock).
anyone try that crappy felt (or whatever its made of) keyboard? i did. ~try~ is the key word. it was bad. i'd never pay that much for an over-glorified screen protector
We’ve updated our terms. By continuing to use the site and/or by logging into your account, you agree to the Site’s updated Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
17 Comments
Back to Article
kmmatney - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 - link
crickets....mjv.theory - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 - link
Can't quite get my head round how they can justify charging $100 for a $2 keyboard.bapcorp - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 - link
Probably because it was built by Apple !tipoo - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 - link
Point me to where we can get capacitive touch keyboards that thin for $2? 50-70 dollars isn't unreasonable for a regular keyboard imo, for something as thin as this and with capacitive touch buttons which probably cost more I don't think 100 is unreasonable.MonkeyPaw - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 - link
By comparison, you can get a Transformer dock for ASUS tablets for anywhere from FREE (Transformer RT) to $200. I managed to get one for my TF700T for $99 at Best Buy. It's no Touchcover, but it does offer more battery and a couple extra expansion ports. The keyboard itself isn't half bad. Makes the tablet far more useful for everyday tasks, while also serving as a "cover" of sorts.paul878 - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 - link
Microsoft Logic---It is more expensive than Apple so it must be better!tipoo - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 - link
How so? 500 for the 32GB SKU, the 16GB iPad is that much. Granted Windows 8 RT takes a lot more storage than iOS, lets call the storage a draw (the Surface still has a bit more), the price seems the exact same to me.The keyboard is more expensive than the Apple one, but the Apple one isn't this thin, magnetic, and capacitive.
uhuznaa - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 - link
But then the Apple BT keyboard is a real keyboard. And with a case or stand for the iPad you can position the keyboard as you like.I agree that the keyboard cover should be much, much cheaper. MS should just include it for the base price. This would make it attractive and MS needs its platform to be attractive. It seems that nobody gets the most crucial thing: Market share is crucial and without it you won't be able to make any profits later on.
tipoo - Wednesday, January 23, 2013 - link
True,but is a "real keyboard" best for tablet use? It doesn't attach to the tablet, you have to carry it around separately, and with a separate case if you want the tablet to stand while typing. The smart cover plus the Apple keyboard end up no less expensive than the Surface + touch cover and built in stand.paul878 - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 - link
If Microsoft drop the price to $299 this would fly of the shelves, and they would have an ecosystem overnight. The Surface is a slick design but price to fail.tipoo - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 - link
I suspect they aren't selling it for profit neutrality (like Google is with the Nexus) because they don't want to piss their partners off. I would love it if they did though. They need to get marketshare up first and foremost, agreed.steven75 - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 - link
THIS! THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING!Wolfpup - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 - link
I've been tempted by Surface..more so by Pro, but have zero interest in these touch keyboards. If I was getting a keyboard, it would be the other model (though I think I'd sooner just use a normal keyboard, or a model that comes with a normal keyboard as dock).kyuu - Wednesday, January 23, 2013 - link
I've seen this same news accompanied by the note that the new Surface RT 64GB SKU will come with a free touch cover of your choice elsewhere.IlllI - Wednesday, January 23, 2013 - link
anyone try that crappy felt (or whatever its made of) keyboard? i did. ~try~ is the key word. it was bad. i'd never pay that much for an over-glorified screen protectorkyuu - Wednesday, January 23, 2013 - link
I've tried it too. It actually works quite well. Still, I can't quite wrap my head around the exorbitant pricing.kmmatney - Thursday, January 24, 2013 - link
It really is like the Zune all over again, except now they're competing against Google and Apple.