Microsoft is taking far too long to make these decisions, imho.
Every day i'm bombarded by messages for cheapo Android-based, entry-level tablet computers. I'm seeing them well under $100. Although, i'm sure they are not on a par with the iPad and the Microsoft offering, the cheapo products are getting adopted as a first tablet computer.
If it's a users' first tablet computer, most beginners will be satisfied with a low-end device.
When users realise it has inadequate power, they will upgrade.
OTOH, many won't need the added power of an iPad or Windows tablet if they are just checking e-mail and posting to social networks.
I'm no expert, but it seems simple to me, Microsoft need a low-end product to get adopted by first time users.
Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) is cutting the price of its Windows software for small tablets, seeking to shore up foundering efforts to combat Apple Inc. (AAPL) (AAPL) in the mobile-computing market, people with knowledge of the matter said.
Microsoft is using the changes to try and get more manufacturers to adopt Windows RT, a version of its flagship software for tablets, said the people, who asked not to be identified because pricing is confidential. The price cuts affect Windows RT for small-sized tablets. Report: Microsoft To Reduce Price Of Windows 8 RT Tablets [bloomberg.com]
