News & Reviews:   Microsoft Surface RT

Microsoft Malaysia recently and officially launched their new Microsoft Surface 3 tablet. While it is the thinnest and lightest Surface tablet to date, it is also the most affordable, starting at RM1989 for the version with 2GB RAM and 64GB storage while the version with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage retails for RM2389. Designed as the tablet that can work like a laptop, the Surface 3 tablet will be available in Malaysia from 9 May 2015 at authorized retailers like Aone Plus Supplies & Services, Harvey Norman, All IT Hypermarket, PC Image Sdn Bhd, Senheng Electric, senQ Digital Station, SNS Network, Thunder Match Technology, Viewnet Computer System, Hello Station at Suria KLCC, and Style Vision. Stand out tech specs and features include a 10.8-inch ClearType HD multi-touch display, Surface Pen stylus, Dolby Audio-enhanced sound and built-in three-position kickstand. The durable magnesium case only weighs 622g and it comes with the full Windows 8.1 experience with free upgrade to Windows 10 and one-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365 personal. Here's what Microsoft had to say about it:

“When we first envisioned Surface years ago, we challenged ourselves with an ambitious goal: to build a perfect product, a tablet that can replace your laptop. It wasn’t something we would achieve overnight and we couldn’t do it alone. So we went on that journey with our customers – listening and learning – and that desire to build something that people will love is what drives us. We are extremely thrilled with the enthusiastic response from Malaysians when we began our Surface journey in Malaysia – beginning with Surface RT and Pro in 2013, which continued with Surface 2 and our big hit release Surface Pro 3 last year. The feedback we have been receiving consistently shows us that when people try Surface, they love it. So our next challenge became how we get Surface into more people’s hands – and the result is Surface 3. Surface 3 is the best of a tablet yet works like a laptop – offering productivity and design people love about Surface Pro 3 in a thinner, lighter, more affordable package.” Rukmani Subramanian, Chief Marketing and Operations Officer, Microsoft Malaysia. 

Microsoft Malaysia recently announced the arrival of the Surface 2 here in Malaysia at a price tag of RM1399 for the 32GB version and RM1699 for the 64GB version. Tech specs for the Surface 2 look to be upgraded somewhat with a 1.7GHz quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor but it is still running Windows RT 8.1. Additional accessories like the Type Cover 2 or Touch Cover 2 cost RM409 and RM379 separately. The Surface 2 should be available after 14 March 2014 but it's announcement has also meant a price cut for the existing Microsoft Surface RT and Surface Pro tablets. The 64GB Surface RT tablet has been discounted down to RM1199 from RM1399 while the 128GB Surface Pro is now RM1899 from RM2749. Considering the slightly lower pricing for the Surface 2, we expect the Surface Pro 2 to go for around RM2649 making the current Surface Pro tablet a very tempting choice for those looking to get an older but powerful Windows 8 tablet.

Barely 3 months after it's official release in Malaysia and Microsoft Malaysia are cutting down the price for the Microsoft Surface RT tablets. The price decrease follows what Microsoft has done for the US market with an overall RM450 decrease worldwide. This means that the Microsoft Surface RT tablets are now priced as follows:

• 32GB Microsoft Surface RT - RM1099
• 64GB Microsoft Surface RT - RM1399
• 32GB Microsoft Surface RT Touch Cover combo - RM1399
• 64GB Microsoft Surface RT Touch Cover combo - RM1699

Microsoft may be going to cut the Surface RT tablet prices down by $150. This means that after the price cut, you can get the 32GB base version Surface RT tablet at just $349 (RM1106) while the 64GB version would go for $449 (RM1422). Adding on an extra $100 would get you the Touch Cover.

It's been a while since we said that the Microsoft Surface Pro would be coming to Malaysia, and now it has done just that. Unlike the previous Surface RT, the Microsoft Surface Pro uses a full (not crippled) Windows 8 Pro operating system. The base model for the surface pro starts from RM2749 for the 64GB version and RM3049 for the 128GB version. Thankfully, pricing remains quite close to the US pricing, with not as much change as certain other products. As a plus, it is about RM200 lower here than the price of the Microsoft Surface Pro in Singapore.

Microsoft has recently launched its Microsoft Surface RT touchscreen tablet with the 32GB version costing RM1549 and the 64GB version going for RM1849. Adding on the Touch Cover makes the 32GB version cost RM1849 while the 64GB version with the Touch Cover cost RM2149. Since the Touch Cover costs RM379 by itself, you get about RM79 discounted off. However, if you opt for the more robust (and mechanical keyboard-like) Type Cover you will have to get it separately at RM409. In general the pricing is lower here in Malaysia compared to Singapore but due to the currency conversion more or less matches with the price in the US.

Microsoft's Windows 8 powered Surface tablets are finally coming to Malaysia in full force. While the lower-end Microsoft Surface RT is set to make an appearance tomorrow, the Microsoft Surface Pro may arrive in Malaysia by the end of June 2013. No exact date was specified exactly but it does mean that we'll see the Surface Pro in just a few more months.