At its Build developer conference earlier this year, Microsoft said it would be offering $0 copies of Windows 8.1 to hardware manufacturers to encourage them to build ultra-cheap Windows tablets. The first of those we’ve encountered has an Australian release date scheduled, and a bargain price: $199.
The Pendo Pad 8 goes on sale from 25 September (that’s this Thursday) in Target stores; it’s already listed in Pendo’s online store.
As you might expect given the price point and Pendo’s existing models, the specifications aren’t particularly good: it has only 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. The screen is 8-inches, it has 2MP front and rear cameras, Bluetooth and a mini-HDMI output, and comes with a one-year subscription to Office 365 Personal.
Given that Office 365 Personal costs $89, you’re potentially getting the tablet for $110 if you don’t already have an Office 365 subscription. Whether that low price point will persuade the iPad and Android-loving masses to take up Windows 8.1 remains to be seen. Android tablets regularly sell in this price bracket, while the iPad remains a costlier experience.
Comments
13 responses to “The $199 Windows 8.1 Tablet”
I thought Microsoft learnt from the Netbook fiasco in the past that people infuriated by a shitty slow device, will think of the whole ecosystem as shitty and slow?
Is it shitty and slow? Is 1GB enough ram on an 8″? Anyone found any reviews online?
Is 1gb enough ram for anything newer than 5 years old?
That’s exactly why I’m reluctant to ever touch an Android again, but it’s still a winning strategy for Google.
Office 365 is a nice addition, and the tablet could be used for an awesome Media TV Remote, Kitchen TV/Kids entertainer in the backseat etc…
I don’t think a $199 tablet is an Internet of Things device as intended by the last picture….. Windows for IoT looks to be the new version of embedded/CE, not full blown Windows 8.1. I think you mean the announcement that Windows 8.1 will be $0 for devices 7/8 inches or smaller, not to be confused with Windows 8.1 with Bing either, which is a different SKU/program! .
Spot on. IoT devices are embedded/CE.
Perfect size, and price for a in car dash system
Does it have wifi?
I got some Windows 8.1 Tablets off ebay
8″, 32GB Storage (24GB Usable) and 2GB Ram for under 199 Delivered.
Great little things running full blown windows and even using baytrail!
What was the brand?
Tempted in getting one to run gog.com games.
http://www.banggood.com/VOYO-A1-MINI-Intel-Baytrail-T-Quad-Core-8-Inch-Windows-8_1-Tablet-p-932461.html
VOYO A1 Mini (I got them on eBay for around @185 each delivered )
Seconded
Has it got pen support?
Might check it out for use in the kitchen.
I wonder if this tablet can be used on the 5Ghz schools network. It’d be useless for the target market if it can’t see it.