Microsoft reveals Surface Pro pricing

Microsoft has announced pricing for its Windows 8 Surface Pro tablet/laptop hybrid.

The company launched its next-generation Windows 8 operating system in late October, alongside its first push into the tablet market with the Surface RT.

The RT runs on a hobbled mobile version of Windows 8, called Windows RT.

Microsoft's Surface Pro, the x86-based version of the hybrid device, will land in January. Microsoft today revealed the 64GB version of the device will cost $899 ($A862). It will also offer a 128GB model for $999 ($A968). 

Its sister Surface RT is available for $559 for the 32GB model outright. It can also be purchased in a bundle with the black Touch Cover accessory at $679 for the 32GB model, and $789 for a 64GB model.

The Touch Cover can also be purchased as an additional accessory for $139.99. A Type Cover is also available for $149.99. When folded up, both offer protection for the tablet. When folded down, both serve as keypads - the Touch Cover offers a touch-sensitive keypad while the Type Cover's keys are tactile.

According to a blog post by Microsoft, the Surface Pro will not be bundled with either cover.

Both tablets come in a magnesium-based case with an integrated kickstand at varying thicknesses; the ARM variant measures at 9.3mm compared to the Intel-based tablet at 13.5mm. The Intel model is also much heavier at 903 grams as opposed to the ARM one, which weighs 676 grams.

The Surface Pro runs on a Core i5 chip, offers a 1920×1080 full HD resolution, a full-size USB 3.0 port and Mini DisplayPort.

Microsoft bypassed its partners for its hardware push, only selling the tablets through its own online store and pop-up retail outlets in the US and Canada - a move that left partners reeling.