ASUS roadmap reveals possible price points for Windows 8 tablets

We have heard very little about the possible price points for Windows 8 tablets. The other day, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer made it clear that the software giant's Surface tablets will not be "the cheap option." But what about other manufacturers? A roadmap for ASUS obtained by ZDNET shows that the Windows 8 devices that will be offered by the company will run from $599 to as high as $1299.

If one thing stands out from the roadmap, it is the difference in price between the two versions of the ASUS Vivo Tab. The "RT" model ( (TF600T)), which uses an ARM based processor, runs like a traditional tablet such as the Apple iPad. This tablet is expected to cost $599 with an additional $199 for the QWERTY keyboard dock. With a 10.1 inch display, this model is made to compete with other tablets in the 10 inch category like the Apple iPad and the Samsung GALAXY Note 10.1.

The second tablet in the roadmap is the ASUS Vivo Tab (TF810C). This model, besides offering a larger 11.6 inch display, is powered by Intel's Atom processor and runs on Windows 8. The price for this unit is $799 with the optional QWERTY dock going for $199. While considered a tablet, thanks to the OS and the processor, this will feel more like you're using a laptop computer.

At $1,299 the ASUS Taichi is not cheap. But then again, this is a dual screen device that functions both as a laptop and as a tablet. The 11.6 inch screen has  resolution of 1920 x 1080 and is equipped with Bang and Olufsen IcePower audio technology. The device has multi-touch dual panels.

The problem with the high prices on this roadmap is that if true, we can't see Windows getting much market share in the tablet category. Some Windows 8 product might move as those who are used to Windows on their laptop or notebook decide to give it a shot on a tablet. But for others, there are just too many low priced Android choices available, including ASUS' own Google Nexus 7 tablet. 

source: ZDNET